Gernos Farw Rare Breed Pork

Date: Thursday 12th June 2008

Penny Turner moved to Pembrokeshire seven years ago, as a complete change from her indoor life as an IT software engineer. Her desire to get back to nature included starting a new business from her smallholding in rural North Pembrokeshire, where she now breeds rare pig varieties and has become a successful wholesale supplier of pork products to restaurants in North Pembrokeshire.

Moving to Pembrokeshire to start a rural life was something that harked back to Penny’s childhood. She was keen to grow vegetables and quickly become self sufficient. After carrying out research and finding out their mountain location would be ideal for certain breeds of pig, Penny and her partner progressed to producing their own pork.

Penny was recommended to contact PBI start up advisor, Peter Davies, to give guidance and advice prior to any official launch of the business. Penny knew she had an excellent product and the knowledge and determination to make it work but was uncertain if this would translate into a successful business venture. However, by talking to Peter and carrying out further research, she realised breeding pigs was a viable business and not just a hobby. The outcome was that Peter enrolled Penny on the Business Start up Support Programme, which would provide support and advice prior to the start of the new business.

Peter assisted with financial projections and together they looked at the long-term viability of the business. Peter was particularly helpful in developing ways to promote the business once it was up and running, an area Penny had been unsure about. The support was invaluable as it not only helped give Penny the confidence to turn a hobby into a business, but also allayed her fears by setting realistic goals, so as to not lose Penny’s enjoyment and pleasure of breeding pigs.

“PBI helped us plan for the future”, said Penny. “I am very pleased we worked with Peter, it has given us a positive start to the business; a challenge I don’t think we could have faced alone”.