Rob Pratt runs Marbled Meats from his family farm in Northall, Leighton Buzzard, where he raises lambs and Wagyu cows. With LEADER support he is now able to process carcasses and sell from the farm gate.

“Our aim is to produce the best beef and lamb products possible, ones that taste better than those from supermarkets,” says Rob of he and his teams’ plans for growth. “If we can get that aspect right, then the fact that we have the animals from birth, and raise them and process them ourselves, gives our customers the confidence they want and need when buying meat products.”

It wasn’t always so for Marbled Meats, who previously relied on others for processing and selling their meat. In the knowledge that taking control of the whole process would give his customers the necessary confidence, Rob began to formulate plans for diversification. But with no previous sales or butchery experience, Rob was in need of practical and moral support.

"It felt like they were on my side and wanted me to get the funding"

“I knew about the LEADER programme and the support they offer rural businesses,” explains Rob, “so I got in touch and was immediately supported by the team. I wanted to purchase a catering trailer and to install our own processing facilities at our farm, and received a £16,000 grant in order to do so.

“The LEADER team were there every step of the way with me. It felt like they were on my side and wanted me to get the funding.”

With his farm now equipped with processing facilities and a brand new catering trailer with which to sell directly to customers at events, Rob has been able to hire an additional full-time employee, and another on a part-time basis.

“I wouldn’t have been brave enough to go through with it all if it hadn't been for LEADER,” says Rob. “LEADER gave us the confidence we needed. And when you have confidence in what you are doing and what you are selling, you are better able to interact with customers and get more sales.”

LEADER enabling businesses to dream big

Rob is in no doubt as to the role the LEADER grant has played in this development. “First, LEADER was our safety net, giving us the confidence we needed to dream big. Then, LEADER became our springboard, helping to take us to new heights.”

The LEADER Programme delivers grants of between £5,000 – £100,000 to support business growth in rural areas. Example projects eligible for funding include farm shops, farming & forestry machinery, glamping, local food initiatives, food and drink processing, and many more.

Funding is available for a limited time only, so get in touch to find out more. Call Programme Manager Will Dallimore on 07802 411040 or visit www.leader-programme.org.uk.