Issue 60

FUNCTION VENUES
check out our local competitors to keep an eye on their packages
and rates.
“For online marketing, generating consistent content is
essential. Having pretty much done everything in the business,
including the website, I’m confident in this area, although I do
now have some external help with social content generation as
I’m spinning so many plates.”
Emily puts the venue’s success down to a few key elements:
“It’s important to establish exactly what you want to offer and
stay true to that model. Once I decided on my niche, I worked
to give our guests the very best, most authentic experience of
our offering possible. I know every aspect of the business inside
out and work with our small team to consistently deliver lasting
happy memories for our couples and their guests. We have some
lovely local people working here during the wedding season, and
we have a real sense of camaraderie. There’s no hierarchy here –
I’m more than happy to muck in with cleaning toilets or whatever
else needs doing. It makes for a great working atmosphere.”
BAKING A BRIGHT FUTURE
Never one to sit still, Emily has recently become involved in
another venture, a micro bakery on her husband’s family farm
nearby. “It’s going incredibly well. We’re growing wheat over
there and milling our own flour, which is very rewarding. It does
mean that I’m stretched a little more in terms of the businesses,
but I’ve worked hard to get to a place where they can almost run
themselves, thanks to our small but dedicated team.”
For a busy entrepreneur, finding time to relax can be a
challenge. “I don’t have too much time for relaxing, so just
having my husband cook me something nice is often enough to
help me unwind. Thinking about it, most of our relaxing time is
food-related,” she laughs. “We love going to new restaurants or
planning time away based around somewhere with great food
offerings. I guess if I’m being totally honest, cooking and eating
are probably my favourite ways to relax!”
Regarding future plans, Emily’s response is simple: “To keep
doing what we’re doing and do it well.”
DETAILS
Kenton Hall Estate
Kenton, Stowmarket
Suffolk IP14 6JU
www.kentonhallestate.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 19