Kettering firm buzzing as they produce their own honey for charity

There's the sweet smell of success at a finance firm in Kettering after their own beehives produced their first honey.

Staff at Telford Mann Pensions & Investments’ head office in Ironstone Place are buzzing after their work paid off, with the honey set to be sold to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Two beehives were installed in the office grounds last year as part of its aim to create a sustainable environment around the building.

Charlie Hancock and Kieron Brace, both chartered financial planners at Telford Mann, became the company’s official beekeepers and joined the Northamptonshire Beekeepers’ Association to learn the art of apiculture.

Jilly Mann, joint managing director of Telford Mann, said: “When we moved into our purpose-built office last year, creating a fantastic environment both inside and out was a key priority.

“Charlie and Kieron have taken huge pride in this project over the last year and, despite some worry over hive rebellion amongst the bees, the queens and the scouts have done their job and the inaugural crop is looking plentiful.”

The honey – named Bee Well – will now be sold in jars from the company’s premises and that of its sister business, the nearby Ironstone Wellbeing Centre.

As part of its drive to be environmentally friendly, solar panels have been installed to help power the office and electric vehicle charging points are available to encourage the move towards clean energy transport. Other projects include the planting of a wildflower meadow.

Staff have formed a 'Garden Gang' and each member has sown their own patch of ground, with competition running high to see who will grow the best blooms.

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