The refusal of horse owners to neglect their animals during tough economic times has helped a Northumberland firm to a 36% surge in sales this year.And, such is the demand for Alnwick-based Silvermoor’s horse feed, that the company is now planning to invest £250,000 in new equipment that is expected help it grow sales by as much as 60% in the coming year.
The business started life in 2005 making horse feed on the Thompson family’s farm, which has been run by the family for three generations. The products quickly grew in popularity and, after being sold in a 20-mile radius to 10 retail outlets in year one, are now a national brand which is supplied to 70 retailers and wholesalers.
Company founder and If we can, you can Challenge 2009 winner Ralph Thompson said the firm is now planning on applying for around £250,000 in funding from the Rural Development Program to invest in new technology which will enable it to launch an entire new range of niche produce.
Mr Thompson said the company had not been affected by the recession, thanks largely to the commitment of horse-owners to the welfare of their animals.
He said: “Basically, people need to feed their horses regardless of the recession - you can’t just not feed them.
“More importantly, horse owners are usually passionate about their horses and will sacrifice something in their own life to make sure their horses are looked after.”
Story courtesy of http://www.bdaily.info/
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