Local businesses often face significant challenges when it comes to expanding beyond their traditional customer base. For the Bowers Family Farm, a small organic farm specialising in fresh, seasonal produce, their main source of income came from weekly market stalls. While their loyal customers appreciated the high quality of their fruits, vegetables, and homemade preserves, the reality was that the farm’s growth was limited by geography
Then, they found LocaeRise, a digital marketplace that would change everything. LocaeRise connects local businesses with schools, universities, and educational institutions across the UK, creating new opportunities for growth that Jane and David Bowers had never imagined.This is the story of how a humble market stall became a thriving, sustainable business, thanks to the power of digital transformation.
Lifeline for Local Businesses
Before joining LocaeRise, the Bowers family was struggling to grow their business beyond the local farmers’ market. With the demand for organic produce rising, Jane and David knew there was potential to expand, but they lacked the tools to reach a wider audience. Most of their marketing efforts were grassroots, relying on word-of-mouth and occasional social media posts, which made it hard to break into larger markets.
Everything changed when a fellow vendor introduced them to LocaeRise, a digital marketplace designed to help local businesses connect with UK schools and educational institutions. For the Bowers, this was a perfect match. Schools were increasingly interested in sourcing sustainable, locally grown food, and the Bowers Family Farm was exactly the kind of supplier they were looking for.
A Natural Alignment with Schools’ ESG Goals
As more schools in London and across the UK sought to meet their Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) commitments, LocaeRise gave the Bowers a platform to showcase their organic, locally sourced products to institutions eager to embrace sustainability.
With a few simple steps, Jane and David transitioned from their physical stall to a digital storefront that reached far beyond their local community.Their farm quickly gained visibility among schools and universities looking for sustainable, seasonal food options.
One of the first items to catch on was Jane’s homemade preserves, which became a hit in several school cafeterias. This was just the beginning of their incredible journey with LocaeRise.
The Breakthrough Moment
The first major breakthrough came when the Bowers secured a contract with a local primary school through LocaeRise.
This single agreement was a game-changer. Suddenly, the Bowers Family Farm was supplying fresh produce directly to educational institutions, something they had never envisioned when they were solely focused on local market sales.
“The platform gave us exposure to opportunities we didn’t even know existed,” Jane recalls. “We never thought we’d be working with schools, but LocaeRise made it so easy to connect with them.”
This contract marked the beginning of a steady stream of business from schools and universities. The farm’s dedication to organic farming and sustainable practices attracted more institutions, eager to meet their ESG goals while supporting local businesses. Soon, the Bowers Family Farm was operating at a level they had once only dreamed of, with multiple schools placing regular orders for their produce.
Sustainable Growth for the Future
The Bowers’ success on LocaeRise didn’t just bring financial rewards—it also had a transformative impact on their family and community. With the new income, Jane and David were able to hire additional staff, easing the daily workload and giving them time to focus on long-term growth.
Their two sons, who had been considering leaving the farm for work elsewhere, decided to stay and help lead the family business into its next phase.More than just a farm, Bowers Family Farm became a symbol of how local businesses can grow sustainably and make a real difference in their communities.
With the extra income, the Bowers were able to adopt more advanced sustainable farming techniques, increasing their yields while reducing waste. They also started donating excess produce to local food banks, further strengthening their ties to the community.
“We’ve always been focused on sustainability,” David explains, “but now we’re able to take it to the next level. We’re growing more efficiently, wasting less, and giving back to the people who’ve supported us from the beginning.”
A New Chapter with LocaeRise
Thanks to LocaeRise, the Bowers Family Farm is not just surviving—it’s thriving. The farm is now supplying several UK schools and is exploring new product lines, like ready-made soups and salads for school cafeterias that want healthy, locally sourced meals.
“LocaeRise has been more than just a platform for us,” Jane says. “It’s been a partner in our growth. They’ve helped us connect with schools and universities, but they’ve also given us the tools and support we needed to transition into a digital world without losing our identity as a local business.”
Looking to the future, the Bowers are excited about the continued growth of their farm. They’ve proven that local businesses can succeed in the digital marketplace, and they’re eager to help inspire others to take the leap.
If the success of the Bowers Family Farm has taught us anything, it’s that small, local businesses have a bright future in the digital marketplace. Whether you’re a local vendor looking to expand your reach or an educational institution searching for sustainable, local suppliers, LocaeRise is the perfect platform to make those connections.
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