Northumberland's Brocksbushes Farm Shop has been awarded a grant set to triple the size of its premises and create brand new positions.

Granted by the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS), this financial injection is set to 'take the business to the next level'.

The grant will allow the building of a brand new premises and enhanced parking amenities, aimed to accommodate more visitors.

The NSBS, delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council, is partly funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Fund, the UK's Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority.

Brocksbushes, managed by Harry Dickinson, his mother Caroline, and wife Rose, has been welcoming families for generations.

Speaking about the impact of the grant, Mr Dickinson said: "We will be adding to our farm shop offering with a butchery, our café will be much larger, we are introducing a whole new offering with an indoor play barn and we will have much more flexibility for an all-year-round events programme with our new function room and courtyard space."

This family business, which had humble origins selling seasonal fruits in the 70s, has seen dramatic growth.

The NSBS grant will enable the business to meet the soaring demand and provide 17 jobs.

As well as the Growth and Resilience support, the NSBS also offers support for farm enterprises looking to diversify and individuals looking to start a business across Northumberland.

Its team assists businesses through different stages of development - starting, growing, diversifying, and maintaining their ventures.

Northumberland enterprises can also access a £2 million rural capital Grant Investment Fund, supporting business growth and diversification in rural areas with clear development strategies.

Gillian Fricker, the interim programme manager, said: "Having taken my children, and now my grandchildren to Brocksbushes, it has been a pleasure working on this project.

"I am very excited to see it complete in summer 2024.

"It is a welcomed addition to Northumberland".

For questions about the NSBS, visit www.northumberlandsmallbusiness.co.uk or contact the team at business@advancenorthumberland.co.uk