Gloucestershire's Small Business of the Year....Cinderhill Farm!
From humble beginnings, but driven by a passion to build a business that strives to reflect and protect the forest environment, to be respectful of the people who work in the business, and to strive to support the community in which it is situated, Cinderhill Farm has grown from a micro business selling a single sausage roll on Day 1 at Coleford Country Market, to an SME producing around 500,000 units a year and bringing over £1.1m into the Forest in income.
Now employing 16 people, Cinderhill Farm team's produce has raised the flag for the Forest throughout the country. With TV coverage from Countryfile, A Cotswold Farmshop, The One Show, and Points West, the farm and the story of its place in the Forest of Dean has been aired to over 15m viewers - as well as hosting the BBC's Today Programme and Wake Up To Money Programme live from their kitchen in St Briavels on Budget Day 2022.
Recently, at an event to celebrate 10 years of Gloucester Services, Deborah and Neil calculated that they had made sufficient sausage rolls for the services such that if the products were all laid end to end, they would reach from Gloucester South Forecourt to Buckingham Palace (or there abouts!).
Their plans now are to make provision for the longevity of the business as a Living Wage Foundation employer for the Forest. They are seeking ways of vastly improving their green credentials with eyes on achieving B-Corp certification before too long, and showcasing the strength of mutually respectful partnerships with customers and suppliers alike.
Deborah Flint, CEO of Cinderhill Farm, says 'We are truly surprised to have been awarded this accolade, still seeing so many ways that we can be and do better. The credit has to go to the team who work here, who from the youngest apprentice to our most senior manager, all give 100% to what they do. This is a team that care - for what they do, and how they do it, and for those they work with and for. Neil and I are committed to ensuring that the business has a strong and sustainable future ahead of it. This award is a great encouragement to us all. Thank you SoGlos!'