A family-run farm is doubling the size of its retail and leisure hub, thanks to leadership and growth strategies learned through the Help to Grow: Management Course.
Kathryn Mitchell, founder and managing director of The Lambing Shed, left her career as a biochemist nine years ago to embrace her family’s farming legacy at Moseley Hall Farm. With no prior business experience, she embarked on a journey to diversify the farm’s operations. This decision led to the creation of The Lambing Shed, an enterprise boasting an in-house butchery, restaurant, gin range and a variety of farm-based events such as ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’.
The initial challenge of managing and expanding the business from a 400-acre family-run farm to an enterprise with more than 40 employees was significant, especially without formal business training.
Recognising the need for enhanced leadership and strategic planning, Kathryn enrolled in the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course, delivered by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. The business school is accredited by the Small Business Charter, an accreditation to signpost entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local economic stakeholders to business schools in their region with the expertise to help them thrive.
Kathryn completed the course when food inflation was reaching a high, adding extra pressures on businesses across the hospitality industry. The training proved crucial during this time as Kathryn was able to use newly gained skills to adapt the business and add new revenue streams, including events.
The insights from the marketing-related modules of the Help to Grow: Management Course were key to sustaining operations and implementing strategic plans, resulting in a more proactive and targeted approach to events. Notably, she anticipates a threefold increase in attendance at the October 2024 pumpkin picking event compared to the previous year, supported by sales data and positive feedback from customers.
Alongside practical case studies and business frameworks, the course also offered Kathryn peer group sessions, allowing her to connect with other local business leaders and exchange ideas. The blend of online and in-person sessions was particularly advantageous given her demanding schedule, allowing her to combine learning with the demands of running a 7-day week business.
One significant outcome of the course for Kathryn was gaining a clearer vision for The Lambing Shed and its future. When she started the course, the business was at capacity but physically expanding the business required a big investment. As a result of the course, Kathryn and her parents were able to decide how they wanted to grow the business and diversify their product line offerings and services, including the addition of an on-site bakery.
Additionally, the Help to Grow: Management Course helped her gain confidence and clarity in her leadership role, enabling her to navigate the unique challenges of the traditionally male-dominated agriculture sector and overcome imposer syndrome, a common issue for many business owners that find themselves leading a business without any formal training.
The insights gained from the course modules, particularly Module 7 ‘Organisational Design’, have been instrumental in the business’s recent developments. In addition to developing clarity around the vision, mission and values, Kathryn has also been able to understand how to better structure the team and ensure they are better at adapting to change. As a result, Kathryn has since submitted a planning application to expand the business, adding 500 square metres to double the footprint. This expansion aims to boost in-house food production, create 10-15 new jobs, and fortify the business’ future through investments in advanced technology and streamlined processes for maximum efficiency in the production kitchens.
Kathryn Mitchell, founder and managing director of The Lambing Shed, said: “When I went to university to study biochemistry, joining the family farm business was not part of my plan. However, nine years ago I had a change of heart and despite lacking the experience to run a business, decided to take the leap and embrace the opportunity to create something new for the family business.
“The Help to Grow: Management Course has been transformative, giving me the confidence and skills to be an effective leader. Stepping back from day-to-day operational tasks to think about the future of The Lambing Shed has been crucial for its development. I realised I was too absorbed in helping everybody else; pulling myself out of the details has allowed me to be more focused with my time and take a more proactive approach to leadership and strategy.
“We’re now ready to expand and continue providing quality, locally sourced ingredients and ultimately, offer ‘real food for real people.’ This approach not only supports our local suppliers but also sets us apart in a competitive market.”
Flora Hamilton, executive director, Small Business Charter, added: “Kathryn’s journey with The Lambing Shed exemplifies the impact the Help to Grow: Management Course can have on SMEs. The course is designed to empower business leaders with the knowledge and confidence needed to drive growth and innovation.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how Kathryn has taken the learnings from the course and translated those into tangible benefits to her business and community, evidenced by her plans to double in size, and create new jobs, since completing the course. Her success demonstrates how expert advice and peer support can help SME leaders develop a robust business strategy and sustainable growth.”
Business leaders can find out more about Help to Grow: Management and sign up for the course in their area by visiting: www.smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management.
