Having previously produced home made soups at a pub, where Jeremy used to be head chef, the Kents decided that popularity and word of mouth had created sufficient demand for their products for them to branch out alone. Sales were good, but premises and distribution difficult. Here, LEADER+ was able to help.

Small scale local distribution is a significant problem in a massive rural county like Cumbria. Other companies, known to the LEADER+ team, were experiencing similar problem to the Kents. A collaborative venture was mooted, to assist each other with the task of delivery, with Helen doing much of the co-ordination. As a result, deliveries are cheaper, less pollution results from fewer half empty vehicles travelling, outlets have a more reliable service, suppliers are ‘showcasing’ alongside each other and all are experiencing advantages from being associated with each other. The Kent’s delivery driver is now working full time and is a key team member, liaising between clients and producers to enhance quality.

Investment has been the other key. Premises were renovated and equipment installed. New boilers for water heating were bought, as well a blast chiller to cool the final product for storage and distribution. So the time consuming parts of the process have been speeded up, leaving more time for Jeremy to work his magic and to develop new ideas. Magic Mushroom, Razzle Dazzle Tomato & Basil, Piggies Pleasure and Smokin’ Barbecue are fast becoming a feature of local food fairs and delis; pasta sauces were launched onto the Cumbrian public this autumn, along with a range of cooking sauces for the winter.

‘Jeremy’s Soups’ are just one of many projects supported by Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER+ programme. Other projects include helping a small producer get the necessary funds to make homeopathic creams made from a number of ingredients including flowers grown in her own garden (bluebells, daffodils, snowdrops & wild rose); giving a grant to an established butcher to introduce Herdwick lamb as a premium food product at a leading international food fair; helping to run a shearing competition and show in Cockermouth; giving aid to a craftsman to establish a cabinet making business (using locally sourced wood); supporting the Keswick Beer Festival; helping a local abbatoir to increase their chiller capacity in Appleby; buying new equipment for a café selling local produce and crafts; and aiding expansion of a farm selling Swaledale Salamis, Herdwick meat, and wild boar sausages.

Jeremy’s Soups can be contacted on: 017683 53311

Please click on the links below to view other projects of the month: