News

What if I told you that attracting a visitor to your farm shop, attraction, or rural business could cost as little as £1.60? And that this tiny investment could turn into a basket spend of £15, £20 or even £50? It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t. It’s the £1.60 Rule, and […]

January is the fresh start we all secretly love, even if we’re still sweeping up pine needles and finishing off the last of the festive biscuits. For rural businesses, the New Year brings an opportunity to reset, re-energise and rethink your marketing. Here are some simple, practical, high-impact marketing resolutions you might want to adopt

We are excited to be exhibiting at the Farm Retail Association Conference in Harrogate, taking place from Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th March. It is one of the most important dates in the calendar for farm retail businesses across the UK. The conference brings together farm shops, PYO operators and rural retailers to share ideas,

Before we sprint into another year of events, campaigns, seasonal peaks and all the joys (and chaos!) of running a rural business, it’s worth taking a short pause. Reflection isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. The smartest farm shops, attractions and rural businesses take time every January to analyse what worked, what didn’t, and where they can

If December was your busiest month (and for most rural businesses it is), then congratulations, you’ve already done half the work for 2026! Festive footfall is powerful because it’s emotional footfall: families making memories, shoppers seeking authenticity, and customers who already trust you. Here’s how that December magic can boost your 2026 numbers… 1. Festive

It hadn’t really crossed my mind just how much emotional weight a “system” can carry until we started working with Lower Clopton Farm Shop. Because when you’re a farm shop gearing up for Christmas, the ordering process isn’t just about selling Turkeys. It’s the backbone of the season and with that comes huge administrative strains.

The decorations may be back in the loft, but if you run a farm shop, attraction or rural business, your festive results shouldn’t be tucked away with them. December often gives businesses a boost; visitor numbers rise, tills ring louder and your social engagement suddenly goes through the roof. But the smartest retailers don’t see

As the fairy lights twinkle, the last mince pies disappear from the office and the Talking Tortoise team prepares for a well-earned festive breather, we’ve been reflecting on what 2025 has meant for us and the incredible communities we serve. It’s been a year of growth, creativity and some truly unforgettable partnerships. So, before we

Christmas shoppers are a magical audience – warm, excited, emotionally charged and already primed to spend. And if you’re a farm shop, farm attraction or rural business, December is likely the biggest visitor spike you’ll see all year. But here’s the real opportunity: Your Christmas customers don’t have to be one-off visitors, they can become

If you’re reading this in December and thinking, “I really should be doing more Christmas marketing… but time’s run away with me,” then you’re not alone. The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest periods in the rural retail world, and even the best-laid plans can slip when the queues, events, and late-night openings