A local luxury cheesecake company is spreading its wings and reaching new customers, thanks to grant funding and support from Pembrokeshire County Council’s business team.
The Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company was formed when Claire Garland started making cheesecakes for friends who encouraged her to turn her hobby into a business.
Setting up her business at her Herbrandston home meant that Claire was able to combine her new venture with looking after two young children.
She said: “It just grew and snowballed. It really took off. It’s something I really enjoy and people seem to love it. The business means I can work around my family.”
Claire has perfected her unique recipe to create luxurious cheesecakes in various forms, using quality ingredients in her whole cheesecakes, individual pots, donuts and jars, which are popular treats and gifts.
She supplies a growing number of local shops, in addition to customising cheesecakes for weddings and other special occasions.
Support from Pembrokeshire County Council’s business team, who offered a growth grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the Government’s Levelling Up programme, enabled Claire to install an essential refrigeration unit in the rear of her eye-catching Land Rover Defender.
Rachel Moxey, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Claire and help open up new avenues for her amazing cheesecakes. It’s great to see a local business go from strength to strength.”
The new unit will allow Claire to travel further afield and stay and trade for longer periods. She is already looking forward to attending various festivals, markets and shows throughout the year.
She said: “It has changed the business significantly. This is the first year that I will be able to go to two day events, now I have reliable storage. I can just plug it into the mains when I get there.
“It will really help my business grow. It has opened the floodgates really.”
Installed by a specialist in December, the new temperature-controlled unit will allow Claire to be on the road for longer, opening up new opportunities to promote and sell her products.
Claire added that she was surprised at how easy she found the business grant application process.
“It was really easy and straightforward. I can’t thank the Council enough.”
Claire, a proud member of the Pembrokeshire Produce Mark scheme, is looking forward to attending the Supplier to Buyer food and drink trade show at the Botanical Gardens on March 13. The event is organised in partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Cywain and Visit Pembrokeshire.
