A former journalism career setback has blossomed into a thriving eco-friendly business after a £50k grant helped transform derelict farm buildings into a modern production hub in Upper Killay.
The transformation of Gower Lavender was supported through Swansea Council’s Transforming County Anchor Placemaking Grant, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The support provides a co-ordinated package of grant funding opportunities, available across the whole county of Swansea for areas outside the city centre.
In Gower Lavender’s case, the grant has enabled the refurbishment of ruined brick sheds on a 10-acre farm, creating a purpose-built, eco-friendly workspace for processing lavender and manufacturing a growing range of award-winning products.
The expansion has already led to the creation of a new job and increased hours for existing staff.
Local couple Rae Howells and Phil Poucher founded Gower Lavender in 2017 after Rae lost her job in journalism.
“We had one lavender plant in our garden and a big dream to create an eco-friendly tourist business in Swansea,” said Rae.
“We’d visited lavender farms around the UK and couldn’t understand why there wasn’t anything like it in South Wales.
“When I lost my job, that lavender plant became my inspiration.”
The couple initially grew lavender in rented and borrowed fields across Gower, even supporting the National Trust with a new lavender field in Rhossili to test how the crop would fare in the Welsh climate.
Rae also trained in soap and skincare production, with early products made in the family garage and packaged using compostable materials featuring designs by local illustrator Hannah Davies.
Today, Gower Lavender supplies around 40 retailers, attends Uplands and Mumbles markets, and sells online. Its range includes award-winning soaps, lavender hand cream, pillow sprays and a popular lavender syrup used in coffees, cocktails and desserts.
After searching for several years, the family purchased a long-vacant farm in Upper Killay in June 2025, relocating their home and business. The grant funding enabled the restoration of neglected outbuildings into a modern workshop, providing space for new equipment and future product development.
Rae said: “The funding has helped us to build a modern, eco-friendly workspace for our business and our goal is that it will become an asset for Upper Killay, Gower and Swansea. The new premises has already enabled us to create employment opportunities and increase working hours.”
Cllr David Hopkins, Swansea Council Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Delivery, said: “It’s fantastic to see how this funding has supported a local business to grow, create jobs and breathe new life into unused buildings.
“Gower Lavender is a brilliant example of innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship right here in Swansea.”
The business plans to plant its first acre of lavender this summer as it continues to grow.
