During 2022, local, independent businesses in the Meon Valley reinvested revenue back into the community, supporting supplies of local products and services.
One such company is Westlands Farm Shop, based near Wickham, who estimate that it has reinvested 50% of its revenue back into local supply chains. The company encourages customers to continually support independent businesses, helping to increase employment rates and reduce carbon footprint.
Shop owner, Kayleigh Collett said: “Buying from independent businesses and supporting local supply chains is hugely important because a large proportion of the money generated from sales is reinvested into sourcing supplies, products from other independent businesses, and paying for people’s wages.
“When a supplier puts their price up we know it’s because they need to meet their own rising costs. By paying a fair price we are supporting them to continue to make their products for many years to come. Sourcing stock from local suppliers means our supply chain is very resilient and we can easily source more products should we run out or the demand increases.”
In 2020, the farm shop partnered with Meon Valley Milk which supplies Westlands’ customers with fresh milk through a self-service vending machine. Amy Humphrey, from Meon Valley Milk, said: “We are very grateful to Westlands for supporting Meon Valley Milk. It’s nearly three years since we installed our vending machine in the farm shop and in that time we have delivered thousands of litres of pasteurised milk direct from the farm to the shop.
“Reducing supply chains and reaching the customer directly is important to us. Westlands is a hub of the community and we are very grateful to all our regular customers.”
