A WEST Devon farming couple this week paid tribute to a business support organisation which has helped the development of their operation.

Richard and Ruth Kelsey of Hallwood Farm in Petrockstowe will be part of the Delicious North Devon marquee at the North Devon Show next week.

The couple own a farm shop in Red Lion Yard and vegetable box business and have taken part in various North Devon+ Food and Drink Sector support programmes. They will be one of 20 food businesses exhibiting at the North Devon Show this year in the North Devon+ Delicious North Devon marquee.

Delicious North Devon is a North Devon+ project that has helped local food and drink businesses, providing bespoke support, mentoring and learning opportunities.  

Since launch, the project has assisted 123 businesses, 160 individuals and delivered the annual North Devon FoodFest event, which in 2012 attracted 13,900 visitors.

Richard says: 'We found out about the support available after receiving an email that outlined the range of support available, including workshops, food festivals and shows and business diagnostics sessions.

'We were most interested in the opportunity to have a business mentoring session with someone who is experienced and knows the food and drink sector inside out. At the time, we had been looking into mentoring schemes but none had been so food and drink specific.  

'The business overview by an industry expert was really excellent: she spent a whole day with us, getting her teeth into every aspect of the business.  

'She worked with us in order to help make suggestions for areas where there is still potential to grow and maximise more successfully.

'I think it is also a brilliant tool for making ourselves take some time out and step back to look at the bigger picture, we found we were then able to 're-focus'.

'Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of the business and not be able to see the wood for the trees.

'We try to attend several local food events to expand our customer base and raise awareness of our delivery scheme and farm shop. Attending as part of a larger group makes us Devon producers stand out from the crowd and is much more fun.

'We have recently been looking into developing our existing email ordering system, looking to move towards online ordering.  

'This has always been a little more difficult for us due to the perishable and seasonal nature of our home-grown veg, although North Devon+ were very helpful in suggesting new ways to overcome the barriers we face.

'We always look forward to showcasing our lovely produce and meeting customers new and existing.  

'But it's exciting for all of us trading in the 'Delicious North Devon' marquee this year. It all helps to promote a real link between this beautiful region and it's wealth of wonderful artisanal food producers.

'It is also a good opportunity for me to meet with like-minded food businesses, with the potential of finding new suppliers for my farm shop in Okehampton.

'It's definitely going to be a good atmosphere.'