When small businesses help each other out, a community is built

This month I will be back at Old Oaks Farm and I cannot wait!

I first met Francesca and Mick at a market in Oxton, Wirral in 2024 and was instantly drawn in by the beautiful array of produce they had to offer and ofcourse I stocked up. After seeing them a few more times at different markets I discovered that aswell as running a farm and attending markets they also run a farm shop in Neston, Wirral. In the summer I plucked up the courage to ask if they did any Christmas shopping events at their shop in the hope that I could take my wares and make a few extra sales in the run up to Christmas.

My crate of shopping

Although Francesca informed me that they didn't really have any such events she did say that I could come and do a pop up and to just let her know what date so she could let her customers know. After having a pretty rocky September sales wise I could not be more grateful to do a pop up at the begining of October and so I packed my car up and made my way over the water to Neston.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous as I didn't really know what to expect, the weather wasn't great and I hate driving to places I don't know. I just hoped that I would make a few sales to make it worth the trip.

When I arrived, Lisa from Cloud Coffee was already there and setting up her coffee tuktuk and she, Francesca and Mick gave me such a warm welcome and made me feel instantly at ease. After setting up and grabbing a coffee the customers started to arrive and what amazingly lovely people. Francesca and Mick have created a beautiful community space at their farm shop where people come to shop but also to catchup with friends over a coffee. The love and support for the small businesses was incredible and I feel priviledged to have experienced it.

I am due to go back at the end of November and I am so looking forward to it. I have made some really lovely friends at markets and this is what can come of it when small businesses help each other out.

Thank you Francesca, Mick and Lisa.