Claremont Farm stole the show at this year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards, scooping two prizes.
The 109 year old, family-owned business was named Merseyside Independent Business of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year at the awards, which are organised by Merseyside law firm Morecrofts.
Claremont Farm is Merseyside’s last ‘pick your own fruit enterprise’ and has shown itself to be one of the region’s most creative and versatile businesses, developing a reputation as a good food hub, championing other independent food producers and educating local children about growing their own food.
Following a £500k investment last year, Claremont Farm has also opened the doors to a new farm shop to become a food destination in its own right. Renowned for asparagus, strawberries and potatoes, Claremont Farm attracts customers from across the North West.
The Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards were created by Morecrofts Solicitors to recognise the region’s independent business sector and the prizes were awarded at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse.
Andrew Pimbley from Claremont Farm said:
“Claremont Farm is synonymous with fresh, home-grown and locally sourced produce and we’ve worked hard to extend our reach across Merseyside and the North West. For us it’s not just about selling our own produce its about forging links with local communities and businesses but encouraging them to think, shop and eat local too.
“It’s a real privilege to have our efforts recognised with this award and we hope it will help encourage more businesses and community groups to get involved with the farm.
“We’ve invested heavily in the business in the last few years and now employ more than 30 staff, quite a contrast to the handful of people that Claremont Farm employed back in the 1970s. We’re incredibly proud of the whole team.”
Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said:
“One of the qualities that make Merseyside independent businesses so special is their commitment to supporting each other and engaging with local communities. Claremont Farm is the very embodiment of that and as a long-standing independent business ourselves; nothing gives us greater pleasure than rewarding them for their continued hard work and efforts. Claremont Farm is the perfect role model for independent businesses in Merseyside.”
Other businesses receiving acclaim at the Merseyside Independent Business Awards included Sound City, winning Culture, Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year, The Liverpool Distillery for Best Start-Up Business of the Year and Abbey Engineering for Manufacturing & Engineering Business of the Year. The full list of winners is below:
Independent Trades Business of the Year: Les Perry Roofing
Independent Retailer of the Year: Claremont Farm
Independent Place to Stay: Epic Apart Hotel, Liverpool
Culture, Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year: Sound City
Beauty & Cosmetics Business of the Year: Voodou
Digital & Technology Business of the Year: Studio Mashbo
Manufacturing & Engineering Business of the Year: Abbey Engineering
Creative Business of the Year: hi-impact Consultancy
Community Award: MDI
Best Start-Up Business of the year: The Liverpool Distillery
Independent Business Person of the Year: Maureen & Lee Hooson (Mococo)
Merseyside Independent Business of the Year: Claremont Farm