Gillian Keegan MP visits Hall Hunter Partnership to see for herself how this family run business grow much of the UKs strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and redcurrants.
Gillian was very impressed by the companies attitude aiming to better train and develop their workforce to a standard that far exceeds the industry standard. The company provide it seasonal workers with accommodation and facilities such as travel to and from work. Furthermore, the company boasts a 50:50 gender balance for its seasonal workforce. Gillian was also told about how the company put on various forms of entertainment ranging from trips to interesting cities such as London, Cambridge and Oxford. As well as organising parties and BBQ´s on the farm with volleyball, table tennis and football tournaments. The Hall Hunter Partnership enjoys a year on year return rate of over 75%.
The Chichester MP was also impressed by their environmentally sustainable farming methods, where she saw first hand plants being watered by rain water captured from the roofs of the glass-houses. The company also actively promotes integrating the natural environment in their farming practices, by planting trees and beetle banks for example to help control pests.
After the visit Gillian posted on social media: I got to eat lots of delicious Chichester grown strawberries and raspberries on Friday at Hall Hunter. It's great to have such a sustainable and ethical company in the area. You can tell they're a great company to work for as over 76% of their seasonal workforce come back year on year! #MadeInChichester #KeepingSummerSweet #BackBritishFarming