An agricultural supplier has refurbished its Penzance store, increasing its size and adding more departments.

Refurbishments at the Mole Valley Farmers’ Ludgvan Leaze store began in April 2021 and the store was officially unveiled to Mole Valley Farmers shareholders last month.

Penzance store manager, Tamsin Thomas, said: “Everybody loves it. The store is very welcoming and as you come through the door you can see all of the shop floor.

"We have a brand-new food and drink department, packed full of Cornish products and selling local bread, Trink milk, groceries and local gin and ciders.”

Key agricultural members of the Mole Valley Farmers’ team, including business development manager, Rachael Benney and Mike Chilcott, senior feed nutritionist, gathered for the informal event and to enjoy a bacon roll and a cup of tea.

Suppliers also attended the event, including Josh’s Chocolate, Pockets Full of Stones, Trink Milk and Furniss Biscuits, whose products are stocked in store.

Penzance Fire Service also came along to the event to provide some demonstrations about fire safety on farms.

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Tamsin enthused: “Changes to the store include an increase of 192 square metres in shop floor space and the yard has now increased in size by over 60 per cent.

"This has allowed us to stock more products, have safer walkways and extra space to host events in the future. We have also extended the car park, making it easier for customers to shop with us.”

A new loading system has been introduced to the yard, so customers can have their purchases conveniently loaded into their vehicle or trailer, in any of the collection bays or lanes, without having to leave their vehicle.

New signage has been installed and handy new product descriptions have been added to the yard’s product range.

Other changes to the store, include an extended equine area.

Tamsin said: “We’re now able to provide special order equine food and products. There are a number of livery yards in close proximity to the store so it was important to us to be able to cater for all of the needs of our equine community."

There is also a brand new small machinery section – including the addition of new-to-store brands Karcher and STIGA, as well as the existing range of STHIL machinery.

Tamsin said: “Our new machinery range is designed to cater for both farm and garden use and display models are available on the shelf to touch and even to test out.”

The refurbishment has also led to the allocation of a dedicated farm sales area, where farmers can sit with members of staff, have a coffee and discuss any farming issues they may have.