A farming couple from Mid-Devon say their investment in creating a new wedding and conference venue is paying off with an encouraging number of bookings secured for the next two years.
Ian and Yta Batchelor (pictured) from Sutton Barton near Cullompton decided to diversify at the beginning of last year by converting several neglected barns after obtaining part Rural Development Plan Funding (RDPE).
The project was completed in August 2010 with the first wedding held the same month. Less than 12 months since opening the multi-purpose venue, they have had more than 20 bookings for weddings, events and plays.
Yta says: "It’s gone a lot better than we anticipated and we’ve had more weddings than originally budgeted for. We’ve got a good number booked for 2011 and an encouraging start to next year already – we’ve not been in this business before, so we’re chuffed with the way it has gone so far. Good recommendations through word-of-mouth and the website have really driven our business."
Yta says they have just appointed a new bar manager and currently employ a number of part-time staff to help clean and maintain the facilities, "There are also the spin-off benefits for the local economy including providing work for caterers, taxi and coach firms, B&Bs and nearby hotels. It’s good that we’re able to give something back to the local community."
Ian and Yta own a small family-run mixed organic farm where they supply free-range eggs to supermarket Waitrose. They also have a small arable area and keep sheep, pigs and cattle.
Yta adds: "Through the process of diversification on the farm and having these beautiful redundant barns converted and brought back to life, with the help of some RDPE funding has fulfilled a wish that we’ve had for a long time."
The couple have been supported by rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual – the company provides them with insurance cover for their home, vehicle fleet and farm. In light of the growth of the business, the Batchelors joined Cornish Mutual on completion of the Corn Barn.
Nick Wales, Cornish Mutual’s local insurance Inspector in Crediton, Budleigh Salterton and Teignmouth says: "I really admire Ian and Yta for what they’ve done at Corn Barn – they’ve made the new strand of their business a real success story, particularly during these tough economic times. It’s a real testament to their determination and passion to provide such high-quality facilities for people to enjoy."
"It’s great seeing a local business and one of my Members doing so well. Living and working alongside our Members means that we really get to know each other" explains Nick, "I have a great relationship with Ian and Yta and am happy to call in anytime to discuss their business."
Ian says they changed to Cornish Mutual from their previous insurer on a friend’s recommendation, "The advantage that Cornish Mutual had was our local insurance Inspector Nick. I know that I can contact Nick directly and he will actually come out and visit us if we need him to. Apart from making our lives much easier, we know for certain that we have exactly the right cover for our needs."
The Corn Barn has a bar, covered area for barbeques and a landscaped courtyard as well as enclosed grounds. The Barn’s environmentally-friendly features include state-of-the-art photovoltaic cells and under-floor heating powered by a wood chip boiler. Ian and Yta are now also looking to incorporate a water wheel in the building.
