Social Enterprise Interview with Anthony Davison of BigBarn

Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself and your Social Enterprise?

BigBarn.co.uk

Anthony Davison of BigBarn

I am 48 years old and a 5th generation farmer. Unfortunately as I am the youngest of my generation and with the general mechanisation in farming there was no room for me on the farm. When the novelty of tractor driving ran out I looked for another career. I set up BigBarn in 2000 when I realised that consumers attitude to food had changed and that farmers needed to sell direct to get a fair price. When you spend a £1 on food in a supermarket on average the farmer only gets 9p.

What makes your social enterprise a success?

80% of people now say they want to buy local food. People realise something is wrong but don’t know what to do about it. Milk is cheaper than water in some shops. BigBarn provides a quick and easy way for people to find and buy from their local producers, giving the consumer better and cheaper food and producers a fair return to allow them to grow more and return money back in to the local economy.

What are the big challenges that your enterprise faces?

To get consumers to change their shopping habits and stop believing the marketing of big business and supermarkets. Messages like; Supermarkets are the cheapest places to buy food. Crunchy nut cornflakes is the best food on the planet. Bacterial yoghurt drinks will improve your health.

In your current role what significant learnings have you had?

To motivate staff and be a jack of all trades.

What advice would you give to a social entrepreneur starting out?

Make sure you are highly motivated by your project and can work by yourself. Join any relevant membership groups that allow you to swap ideas and best practice. Do your market research and development carefully.

What creative idea do you have, that does not cost a bucket of money, which would kick start the social enterprise business model?

BigBarn has created an online MarketPlace to allow social enterprises to sell their goods and services online. This allows Social Enterprises to sell via the web as well as be part of a MarketPlace where consumers can find a buy.

What was your favourite book as a child.

I am sorry I can’t remember it was too long ago

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