A Gower family business that turned a traditional farming operation into a growing sustainable animal bedding and forage company is backing UK Small Business Week, the national campaign launched by Entrepreneurs Circle to celebrate the contribution small businesses make to communities across the UK.
Louisa Harry Thomas, who runs Gower Granary on the Gower Peninsula, is among thousands, as well over 10k, registered of business owners supporting the initiative, which runs from 1–7 June. More information can be found at entrepreneurscircle.org/sbw.
The business was launched in 2021 as a farm diversification project as the economics of traditional farming became increasingly challenging.
Using straw left over from the family’s arable farming operation, the business began producing sustainable bedding and forage products for horses and other animals.
Today, Gower Granary supplies customers across Wales and southern England, including stockists, universities, visitor attractions and leading equestrian venues.
However, the journey has not been without challenges.
Shortly after the business launched, Louisa’s husband, the farmer who founded the venture, was forced to step back due to ill health.
As a former journalist rather than a farmer, Louisa suddenly found herself taking responsibility for a business involving machinery, transport, manufacturing and agricultural operations.
“Running men, lorries and heavy machinery was never part of my life plan,” said Louisa.
“But when circumstances change, you find strengths you didn’t know you had.”
Alongside caring for her husband and supporting her family, Louisa has continued growing the business despite rising costs and difficult trading conditions affecting both farming and manufacturing.
The company has faced increases in staffing costs, raw material prices and packaging costs, while also dealing with wider economic pressures affecting rural businesses.
Despite those challenges, sales continue to grow.
“We’ve focused on serving our customers well, controlling what we can control and continuing to move forward.”
The business now employs the equivalent of more than six local people across the family farm and Gower Granary, while supporting a wider network of local suppliers, contractors and tradespeople.
Its products are designed to support animal welfare while reducing environmental impact through locally sourced materials, recyclable packaging and sustainable farming practices.
Waste from the bedding production process is even sold into the sustainable construction sector for use in breathable building materials.
Louisa was also recognised as a finalist in the Entrepreneurs Circle Most Inspiring Business Person of the Year Awards.
She credits much of the business’s continued growth to lessons learned through the Entrepreneurs Circle community.
Nigel Botterill, founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, said:
“Louisa’s story demonstrates the resilience that exists within so many family businesses across Britain.
“She has navigated personal challenges, rising costs and changing market conditions while continuing to grow a business that supports local jobs, sustainable farming and the rural economy. That’s exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit UK Small Business Week is designed to celebrate.”
UK Small Business Week runs from 1 to 7 June and will see businesses across the country taking part in local events, social media activity and community campaigns celebrating independent firms and entrepreneurship.
