Charlotte Cleveley who runs the Apple Farm has been working with Marie Stephenson, Business Advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to grow her business. Charlotte accessed the Project Warwickshire Visitor Economy and Hospitality Support.
Together they worked on a business plan for a diversification project to start operating a care farm, providing a safe and supportive environment where people can connect with nature, build confidence, and improve wellbeing through farming activities.
This is a project driven by a cause close to Charlotte’s heart after many years of helping to care for her older brother, Sam, who has cerebral palsy.
As a result of the support Charlotte said that she was pleased to be able to have a comprehensive marketing plan with a defined offer in line with the needs of prospective service users and including pricing and suggestions for schedules of visits.
The marketing strategy has several different streams including connecting and collaborating with local charities and organisations in order to forge links and build awareness of this new care farm provision, social media and online marketing as well as PR releases to the wider Warwickshire area.
Grant and Funding searches were also carried out to improve facilities and to enable Charlotte to start preparing the financial side of the business plan for the future influx of more care farm visits.
Charlotte Cleveley and Matthew Wood’s business is among those featuring on the show, which invites hospitality business owners from across the UK to take turns staying at one another’s B&B establishments, giving honest feedback and paying what they consider fair.
The winner is the place which scores most highly, revealed in the final episode, on Friday. The episode dedicated to Apple Farm is being aired on Tuesday 23rd of September at 5pm on Channel 4.
The Apple Farm episodes are also released ahead of the latest addition to the glamping site being unveiled – two brand new boutique Shepherd’s Huts, offering visitors the ultimate countryside experience — a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside.
Charlotte, 47, is remaining tight-lipped about the result, except to say: “We had a great time in the two weeks filming the show. It’s a full-on experience but we met some lovely people with lots of fun along the way.
“One bit of feedback we got was that they didn’t like walking to the toilets, so we made sure to make the new Shepherd’s Huts are en suite!”
Charlotte said: “This awareness of the special needs community gave us the idea. We’re very lucky that we have a great care team who look after his physical needs but unfortunately I’ve noticed there is less provision for social needs, which are important because they provide a better quality of life.
"Through the care farm we will be doing our bit to address this by opening our doors to a wide range of people with different needs and abilities. ‘Sam’s Farm’ already welcomes Heart of England Mencap staff and clients on a weekly basis. Being outdoors in nature is good for everyone.”
She added: “Farming is full of challenges — from rising costs to unpredictable weather — and this summer has especially highlighted the pressures many farms are facing.
We’re passionate about helping people understand what it really takes to run a farm today. Diversifying into glamping has been a lifeline for us, and after 10 successful years with camping pitches and bell tents, the Shepherd’s Huts are a natural next step. Alongside our care farm, they allow us to sustain the business for the future while creating opportunities for guests.”
Bookings for the Shepherd Huts open next month. Visit: https://www.theapplefarmglamping.co.uk/ for further information.
Click here for more information on the Project Warwickshire Visitor Economy and Hospitality Support
Four In A Bed airs on Channel 4 at 5pm weekdays. It’s also available to view on Channel 4 +1, More4 And More4+1. Check listings for schedules.
