Panel Session: Solve Your Growing Pains
Matt will be talking to panellists about they have grown their business what the barriers were and how they have overcome them.
Matt Lobley, University of Exeter
Professor of Rural Resource Management and Co-director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research
Matt is a rural social scientist drawing primarily on the disciplines of Geography and Rural Sociology and has spent the last 35 years conducting research for a variety of government, private sector and third sector clients. Matt specialises in applied research and evaluations of schemes and initiatives, drawing on a range of social science disciplines and utilising both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Matt’s research broadly addresses three key themes:
i) agri-environmental management;
ii) historical and contemporary agricultural change and restructuring;
iii) the farm as a family business (including the well-being and mental health of farm family members).
Matt is a member of the GSW Food Security Board, the UK Parliament Rural Economy Research Group, a Board member of Rothamsted Research and the Institute of Agricultural Management and is Co-Director of the International FarmTransfers project. Matt was the sole social scientist on the Fursdon Review of Protected Sites on Dartmoor in 2023.
George Dart, Dart's Farm
From a small roadside hut in the 1970s, Darts Farm has evolved into the UK’s most award-winning Farm Shop, championing hundreds of small-scale local producers. George is 3rd generation & the driving force behind their new developments, retail & hospitality.
Charlotte Molyneux, Devon Food Partnership
Charlotte is the Team Manager for the Business Support and Innovation team at Devon County Council. In her role, she oversees the delivery of key food and farming support projects. Charlotte leads the Devon Food Partnership, which fosters collaboration and communication among food stakeholders across the county.
Flo Baldwin - Marshfield Ice Cream
Marshfield Farm is a home, a farm and a multi award-winning ice cream maker. We make ice cream to make the whole family happy, including the dog! Flora is the third generation to work on the farm, alongside her parents and siblings.
Ben White, ex Marshfield Bakery
Ben has been in and around the food industry for over 40 years, even as youngster when his parents had just started Marshfield Bakery in 1984! Having worked at all levels and departments of the business, he really is a seasoned business owner have broad skills needed to run a business. Since selling the family business he’s worked in other businesses primarily within sales and development, stretching through to internal teams and structures and mixed with plenty of internal trade across various markets.