Client Testimonials

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline, Murray and Amy McConchie have built a thriving tourism and farming business at Mossyard, near Gatehouse of Fleet.

The couple successfully combine a 1,300 acre livestock farm with a self-catering holiday business. Their farm supplies high quality meat to their own farm shop, while their accommodation offerings attract visitors seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the farm’s location inspired Murray and Amy to diversify into tourism. Their three beautifully positioned shepherds’ huts offer uninterrupted sea views to the front and rolling hills behind. In addition, three coastal cottages, each within five minutes’ drive of the beach, provide further options for guests. Since launching in 2014, 3littlehuts has become a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil seaside escape.

In July 2023, the McConchies expanded their offering with the launch of the 1littlefarm shop which caters to holidaymakers from the nearby caravan park, day trippers to Mossyard beach and locals seeking fresh, locally sourced food and drink.

The shelves are stocked with meat from the farm’s Aberdeen Angus cattle, Cheviot and cross breed sheep, and Saddleback pigs. Amy also bakes fresh bread, sausage rolls, pies and cakes. Local products include Galloway Lodge preserves, Glenkens & Dee honey and Galloway Farmhouse cheese.

“We want to create a real field to plate story for our customers,” says Murray. “Visitors often ask if they can buy produce from the animals they see in the fields. Selling directly makes sense. It reduces our carbon footprint and ensures great value for both us and our customers.”

Murray and Amy drew on their experience from the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme to identify new revenue streams and strengthen their business.

“It helped us realise the importance of making the most of our assets, such as our coastal location and proximity to the caravan park,” says Amy. “Our goal is to build a secure, sustainable future for both the farm and the tourism side of the business.”

Murray is the fourth generation to farm at Mossyard, following in the footsteps of his parents, Kerr and Caroline. His older brother John and wife Joanna run the nearby four star VisitScotland rated caravan and camping park, which also offers self-catering cottages and luxury lodges overlooking Fleet Bay. Younger brother Duncan and his wife Vicki operate Laggan, an events and hospitality business that includes GG’s Yard wedding venue, The Gather bistro and accommodation at Sea View Snugs, The Murray Arms, and several holiday cottages.

“Generations of visitors return to Mossyard year after year,” says Murray. “It’s a special place, and we feel incredibly lucky to have grown up here with the beach right on our doorstep.”  

www.3littlehuts.co.uk  | 1littlefarm

After speaking with the team at H&H Insurance Brokers, it was immediately apparent their
number one priority was to ensure we had a bespoke policy that matched our business needs,
rather than trying to save us money or beat the quote from our current provider.
We were taken through a robust, but simple and easy-to-understand process, with no pressure
to sign up.

This process ensured the H&H Insurance Brokers team had all the correct information to be
able to provide a quote that was going to fully meet our needs.
When we received the quote we were delighted with the cover suggested, which had extra
elements when compared to our previous cover.
In addition to superior cover, the cost was also significantly cheaper than we’d previously been
paying.

Since moving our insurance cover to H&H Insurance Brokers, we have had numerous
conversations with various members of their team, all of which have been extremely helpful.

If you’re a business with more than five employees across any sector, I would highly
recommend you get in touch with H&H Insurance Brokers and see how they can help you with
the best insurance for your business needs.

Taking in the world-famous views of the Lake District while enjoying a spot of lunch and a cup of tea could rank for many as one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon.

Located just off the A66 between Keswick and Cockermouth, Bassenthwaite Lake Station has become a must-visit destination where people can enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea aboard a replica Orient Express, the actual train that featured in the 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic tale, Murder on the Orient Express.

Owners Diana and Simon Parums have now expanded their business by launching an Afternoon Tea Tour Bus. The vintage double decker bus has been completely renovated to provide the perfect setting for visitors to enjoy the spectacular Lake District scenery.

Passengers can sample a specially created afternoon tea menu from station head chef Jon Bell while the wheels of the bus go round and round on a trip to Grasmere, starting and ending at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.

Attention to detail has been taken with every aspect of the experience; Jon’s clever culinary creations range from mini-Scotch eggs to an array of mouth-watering cakes and sandwiches. Prosecco and beer are available to buy too for those who may want to toast the special trip.

As an added bonus, passengers get to take home the bespoke keepsake boxes and travel cups specially made to fit correctly on the tables as a permanent souvenir of their unique trip in the Lakes.

Simon said: “We are always looking for ways to develop the business and offer our customers something special. Our aim is to help people create memoires and enjoy unique experiences in the Lake District.”

The Afternoon Tea Tour Bus is an exciting and innovative addition to a visitor attraction regarded as one of Cumbria’s most unique dining destinations.

The Parums have lovingly brought the former station back to life since realising its potential back in 2019. Over the past seven years, they have transformed the space into a café, a shop selling local produce and a kitchen where Jon creates locally sourced dishes.

They have also breathed new life into disused outbuildings, with a bakery, office and storage space contributing to the ongoing development of the expanding business.

 “We’ve never looked back since buying the site”, said Simon. “Hospitality can be extremely challenging, but we’ve created something unique which draws both visitors and locals.”

Guests at Bassenthwaite Lake Station are well looked after, thanks to the Parums, who have assembled a friendly and welcoming team of waiting staff led by Senior Supervisors Kelly Johnston and Aimee Morfoot.

Aimee has been instrumental in launching the Afternoon Tea Tour Bus and has poured endless hours of hard work, passion and dedication behind the scenes to get the show on the road.

Her commitment to improving the customer experience and her impressive attention-to-detail ensures that every passenger feels like they’ve received special service.

For her ongoing drive and dedication to Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Aimee has been named as a finalist in the Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero category at the upcoming Cumbria Tourism Awards. [CS1] 

If successful, it will add to the many accolades the Station has secured over the past few years including the Taste of Cumbria - Casual Dining Award at last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, Best Tourism Attraction at the 2024 Cumbria Life Awards and a Silver in the New Tourism Business of the Year Award at the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2023.

Find out more about Bassenthwaite Lake Station at www.basslakestation.co.uk

The independent not-for-profit organisation has become a cornerstone of alternative finance in the North of England, providing over £20 million in funding to more than 500 rural businesses.

This grassroots investment has contributed significantly to the local economy, helping  create or safeguard more than 2,000 jobs and generating more than £80 million in economic benefit across Cumbria, North Yorkshire, North Lancashire and parts of County Durham.

At its heart, Enterprise Answers is driven by relationships. As Grahame Latus, who has been the organisation’s chief executive since its inception, explains: “Finance is all about relationships. Listening to people and understanding their story is key to providing meaningful support.”

This ethos has shaped the organisation’s approach by prioritising personal engagement over rigid financial metrics.

“What might seem impossible on paper or to a computer check list can be totally different in reality when you can see that people have the drive, ambition and skills to ensure it is a success,” says Grahame.

Founded in 2005 as a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), Enterprise Answers emerged from two years of research into the financial challenges faced by rural businesses in Cumbria. Originally envisioned as a 16-month pilot, the initiative is celebrating 20 years of impact in 2025. Its flexible funding model has supported more than 540 client deals for rural businesses including Cumbria Crystal, Delkia and Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese.

Enterprise Answers does not compete with mainstream banks but complements them, often stepping in to support SMEs when traditional lenders hesitate due to market conditions or lack of collateral.

“We’re looking at the bigger picture,” says Grahame. “We’re not just lending money, we’re part of the long-term journey. Our role is to create opportunities and unlock potential. We are here to support businesses which in turn make a positive contribution to the economy, creating jobs and helping support strong communities.” 

Enterprise Answers is a British Business Bank accredited institution and works closely with business advisors, local authorities, accountants and organisations such as Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more visit Enterprise Answers or call 01768 867118

Lakeland Artisan: the home of award-winning, hand-crafted products

For nearly 20 years, Geoff Monkman has been creating delicious artisan food and drink products at his Kendal-based business.

His homemade creations – from preserves and relishes to liqueurs and soft drinks - have won multiple awards, including more than 90 Great Taste Awards. 

And that’s not all. Geoff also creates a popular range of luxury hampers using only the best local food and drink products under the Lakeland Artisan brand.

After choosing to step away from a career in hotel management and catering, Geoff founded Lakeland Artisan in 2006 with his then business partner.

The duo originally had intentions of creating a delicious yet slightly healthier version of fudge, using a fruit sugar with a low GI. However, they soon switched their focus, utilising Geoff’s interest in chutney and jam production.

The driving force behind Lakeland Artisan soon became apparent: making high-quality products from the finest natural ingredients, with no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

“We wanted to focus on creating delicious products without the use of cheap filler ingredients. Not only do natural ingredients provide more nutritional value, they’re also more sustainable and there’s been an increased demand for ‘clean label’ products over the years.

“For the hamper side of the business, we also use local companies wherever possible.”

At one point, Lakeland Artisan had six shops and employed almost thirty people, with the company’s ongoing expansion resulting in a move to new premises in 2020.

However, the Covid pandemic took its toll and Geoff made the difficult decision to streamline the business by closing the shops and reducing the size of his team to focus on online sales instead.

“We went back to our roots which made the business much more manageable,” says Geoff. “It also led to new opportunities which we could never have expected.

“When we swapped from doing bottled carbonated soft drinks to canned soft drinks, it opened up the market for us to do canning for other companies. So, we can produce (or manufacture?) spirits and mixers for a number of other people now.

“We’ve also got the equipment to make jams and marmalades, so we’ve dipped our toes in the water regarding making them in bigger volumes for ice cream manufacturers to use in their products.”

www.lakelandartisan.co.uk

One-0-Five Precision: Engineering excellence

One-0-Five Precision is a fast-growing CNC engineering company that has carved out a reputation for quality, precision and purpose. 

Based in Dalston, near Carlisle, the company manufactures both batch and one-off components in a wide range of materials including aluminium, plastics, titanium, stainless steel and mild steel. 

Founded in January 2021 by Richard Pratt, One-0-Five Precision serves key sectors including defence, nuclear, oil and gas, hydraulics, and motorsport, working with customers across Cumbria, south-west Scotland and beyond.

The company was named in memory of the late Lee Tolson, a local motocross rider whose race number was 105. Richard has long-standing links with motocross community, with One-O-Five Precision regularly manufacturing parts for bikes.

Richard’s career in engineering began at 15 when he left Annan Academy to become an apprentice machinist. After more than a decade in the industry, including supervisory roles at local engineering firms, he began building components in his spare time. Eventually, he took the leap and launched his own company, starting with a single CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine and a rented workshop.

Today, One-0-Five Precision operates from a 750 square-metre facility housing a workshop equipped with advanced CNC machines. The company has grown to eight full-time employees, including three apprentices, and continues to invest in both people and technology. Two major milestones in the company’s journey include the purchase of a new Doosan DNM6700 milling machine in October 2022 and the move to larger premises in January 2024.

The company’s success is built on a foundation of quality, teamwork and customer focus. Richard remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations, supported by a skilled team of machinists and apprentices. The business has proudly achieved ISO 9001:2015 and BS EN 1090 certifications, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

Like many small manufacturers, One-0-Five Precision has faced challenges, including rising operational costs and the difficulty of recruiting skilled staff, but Richard has tackled these head-on by actively seeking new business opportunities, and joining the Cumbria Manufacturing Alliance and the North West Aerospace Alliance to access larger contracts.

“The more you put in, the more you reap the rewards,” Richard says. “Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in just over four years, thanks to our team, high standards and customer trust."

www.105precision.co.uk

Skincare inspired by the Lakes

Pure Lakes blends tradition, sustainability and a deep-rooted sense of place into their award-winning products. As headline sponsor of the Cumbria Life Awards, H&H Insurance Brokers shines a spotlight on their inspiring client

When Claire and Gareth McKeever were looking for new premises to house their rapidly expanding skincare business, the most obvious move would have been to rent a site on a centrally located faceless industrial estate somewhere in south Cumbria.

But they realised their decision was about more than just business, it was about making a positive contribution to their community. 

Their award-winning business, Pure Lakes, was deeply rooted in the Lake District’s landscape and heritage, and Claire’s own ties with the area drew them to make the bold move to relocate to Far Sawrey, near Hawkshead, where Claire’s family have lived for four generations.

“We felt it was important to support local employment and highlight this side of the lake, which often gets forgotten compared with the big tourist hubs of Windermere and Ambleside,” says Claire.

“The village has a high percentage of second homes and local school numbers are dwindling. It’s hard for young families to find jobs or get on the housing ladder. 

“A lot of people thought we were bonkers but we’ve been here more than two years now and it’s worked out really well for us.”

Originally based in a small unit at Staveley Mill Yard near Kendal, the business moved into purpose-built premises built on land inherited from Claire’s grandfather, which already housed a woodyard, making planning permission easier. 

“It’s lovely to have this legacy from my granddad,” says Claire. “And my granny, Paddy Naylor, was an artist so her artwork is used on our packaging. The business feels like a family legacy.” 

All Pure Lake products are made on-site by hand using only natural ingredients. 

“We buy in all our raw materials and use only natural products,” says Claire. “No chemicals, just butters, fats, and essential oils.”

These essential oils are chosen not only for their beautiful scents but also for their therapeutic properties, forming the foundation of a range that includes bath and body products, skincare for men and women, and a home range with candles and reed diffusers. 

One of the best sellers is the grapefruit and lemongrass shower gel and hand wash. The active and therapeutic range, designed to ease aching muscles and joints after a day on the fells, is also a popular choice.

The Beatrix Pure Lakes range was inspired by Claire’s great-grandparents’ connection with Beatrix Potter. “They were contemporaries of Beatrix and farmed the land next to hers, so they knew each other well,” says Claire.

Claire enjoys researching and developing new products, many of them inspired by the Lake District. “I love the blending process,” she says. “It’s fascinating how a few drops of a new oil can completely change a product.” 

The business is dedicated to natural, ethical skincare and to minimising its impact on the environment. This includes using biopolymer bottles made from sugarcane, offering a refill service, and installing solar panels with the long-term ambition of eventually going completely off-grid.

This commitment to innovation and sustainability was recognised earlier this year when Pure Lakes won the Makers and Producers Award at the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards.

Pure Lakes was started in 2006 by Iain and Sandra Blackburn. Sandra, a trained chemist, began experimenting with natural skincare in their kitchen to help with her skin issues. As word spread and demand grew, so did the business. Claire and Gareth took over in 2016 when the founders were ready to retire.

“We’re really lucky because Iain and Sandra have remained involved and still work with us one day a week,” says Claire. “We’ve maintained a lovely friendship.”

The business employs a team of 15 and sells its products through three main channels: hotels and B&Bs, shops, and online orders. Hotels are its biggest outlet, with the added advantage of introducing potential new customers to the products.

Pure Lakes also offers hands-on experiences at Far Sawrey where people create their own soap or candles, using their favourite essential oils.

The workshops have proved a popular choice with visitors to the Lake District, especially on rainy days when outdoor activities are limited. “If you’ve got a partner who wants to go hiking and you don’t, then we catch that market too,” says Claire.

www.purelakes.co.uk