Big tick winner

The Lakes Free Range Egg Co

Impact on Society Award for a small company in association with the Institute of Directors

The Lakes Free Range Egg Co has improved the standard of life for both their egg-producing birds and local farmers through engagement with Cumbrian livestock farmers and their advisors at all levels. They are proud to provide eggs produced under the highest possible ethical, welfare and environmental standards.

When the company was set up in 1997 key roles were assigned and plans laid on how to develop the massive pool of local stock-keeping talent available in the local area. As free range egg production is a profitable industry the spin off has been a great boost to profitability on local family farms.
 
This programme is driven from the top down by the Managing Director and implemented by a Project Manager. Ongoing bird and performance management is then provided to these farms to optimise their welfare credentials, quality of product and profitability.
 
The company funds at least 3 farmer producer training days a year, where all production farms send proprietors or staff to learn the latest techniques from guest speakers including vets, nutritionists, technologists and others.
 
Linking into these initiatives is a smaller funding stream applied to local communication projects such as sponsoring local sports teams, educational  initiatives and links with local primary and secondary schools.  These links also extend to all major UK veterinary colleges where Lakes provide free range poultry management and training courses for veterinary students.

Impact

  • Over 200 jobs have been created or secured in the local rural economy on nearly 40 family farms including many that were non-profit making in the past.
  • Growth in turnover from £500,000 in its first year to over £10 million in a little over 10 years.
  • Over 350,000 chickens producing eggs free range and no longer required to be in cages.

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