Cumbria Business Growth Hub was joined by 34 local craft, lifestyle and food & drink producers at its ‘How to become part of Westmorland Family’ event at Rheged on 9th November.
The purpose of the event was to give Cumbrian producers the chance to learn more about the Westmorland Family and how they go about finding new products and working with suppliers.
The session included a panel discussion featuring suppliers to Westmorland, Maria Whitehead (Hawkshead Relish), Amanda Wilson (The Pie Mill), and Gareth McKeever (Pure Lakes), who were joined by representatives from Westmorland including a food buyer, lifestyle buyer and a Health & Safety official.
During their engaging and informative discussion, the panel covered topics including: the support Westmorland offers to small businesses; what Westmorland look for in a supplier; and top tips for businesses looking to become a supplier. Attendees were then given the opportunity to pose questions to the panel on topics including: their stance on palm oil & E numbers in products; seasonal schedules and range reviews; product shelf life and the ethos of Westmorland Family.
“A really insightful day, it was excellent to have the opportunity to really understand what the team are looking for – how to make a more compelling and affective pitch, and what not to do too! Very helpful thank you’’ Lisa Joyce, Kidunk Clothing
“Fantastic to have Cumbria’s finest small business representatives in one place. To get into Westmorland it really is about timing and offering something unique – it appears you just have to keep knocking on the door! Really useful – thanks again to Lesley and the Growth Hub” – Laura Johnson, Cakes from the Lakes
“Thank you for organising this event. It was my first Cumbria Business Growth Hub experience. I found the session most useful. The input by the three suppliers gave an interesting insight into the supportive role that Westmorland clearly play in helping small businesses develop their products.
The overwhelming message was one of positivity, passion and support from Westmorland. What also came across was their down-to-earth approach to the realities faced by small businesses and producers. Meeting other small company owners, picking their brains and sharing information is always of positive use. All-in-all – I learned a lot.” Steven Gorst, My Gourmet Mushrooms Ltd
“An extremely well run event that allowed a great deal of interaction for all, it is refreshing to see buyers and management being so supportive and honest and as a small manufacturer makes me want to work in partnership with the Westmorland Family even more.
It is so good to find companies that are truly ethically driven, successful and concerned for their local environment – I wish this attitude was far more prevalent in today’s retail world.
At the conclusion of the event my thoughts were that Westmorland Family have got 34 potential new suppliers all keen to work with them and 34 new ambassadors for their way of doing business.” Brendan Donnelly, Coniston Stonecraft Ltd
“Thanks very much for organising this event. I thought it was an excellent opportunity for local producers to discover more about the Westmorland Family, understand how they do business and get all our questions answered. It was a real privilege to be part of the conversation and to hear suppliers’ success stories. It was also the perfect opportunity for us to network with other local producers. This was invaluable. All in all, a great use of my time and helpful for moving my business forward.” Elaine Remy, Vies Jamaican Rum Cakes
“Thank you so much for yesterday’s event – it was really useful and informative. It was definitely a different form of networking and the information provided was useful not just for approaching Westmorland but also in general with regards to how we perceive our company, it’s branding and how we ensure our passion and ethos are front and centre of everything we do.” Alison Davis, Carlisle Brewing Co