Farm shop creates Covid recovery scheme to help small businesses in Northamptonshire

A popular family-run farm shop has launched a scheme to help small businesses bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

Smiths Farm Shop, which has stores in Billing and Chapel Brampton, has announced its ‘Recovery from Covid’ initiative for local people involved in the food and drink industry.

The aim is to give local producers the opportunity to stock their goods on the shelves of both of the farm shops.

Owner, Adrian Smith, said: “Business has been bleak for many who were forced to close during lockdown and it could take years for small companies to recover. So, we wanted to do something to show our support, while also giving food and drink producers a bit of a business boost.

“We will consider all produce of any kind, the only caveat is the stock must be made in Northamptonshire.

“We believe that, not only will this give local businesses the chance to showcase their fantastic goods, but also it’s a great opportunity to shout about talented producers we have in our county. So, if you make honey, jams, chutneys, bread or cakes, get in touch with us today.”

One small business which has already signed up is the award-winning Jelley’s Organic Vodka, based in Brixworth.

Smiths now stock all three Jelley’s flavours which are pomegranate and rosemary, organic grain and elderflower.

Brand founder Benjamin Jelley said: “Normally we attend a lot of food and drink festivals, but of course they’ve all been cancelled this year.

“We’ve launched new ideas along the way, such as our Social Isolation Supper Club and ‘The Lockdown Local’ – a virtual cocktail bar hosted on Facebook, but it’s been a challenging few months.

“Smiths Farm Shop is a Northamptonshire institution, which has been selling the freshest, seasonal produce for generations.

“It’s a huge honour to have my organic vodka on the shelves and I’m extremely grateful to Adrian and his team for giving me this opportunity.

“The shop is extremely popular, with people coming from far and wide to pick up their essentials, so I’m in no doubt their busy footfall will make a difference to our business.”

Smiths was founded in 1958 and the business prides itself on offering a great diversity of product lines.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you