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.
As a client of H&H Insurance Brokers, Claire appreciates the team’s ability to deliver a seamless, personalised experience that takes the stress out of managing insurance.
“It’s lovely to pick up the phone and know you’re talking to someone who knows your business and understands it, rather than a call centre,” she says.
“They took the time to learn about our business and tailored our policy to exactly what we need. It helps that they really understand the business sector in Cumbria, and are so friendly and easy to work with.”
www.purelakes.co.uk