Internet Farm Shop recognised by Microsoft

An internet company which helps East Yorkshire farmers reach millions of potential customers has been rewarded by software giant Microsoft.

The Driffield-based Internet Farm Shop – established to showcase farmhouse food and drink producers in the region – is one of only five UK businesses filmed by Microsoft for its “Do What You Love” series featured on its Small Business Centre website.

Marketing expert Ann Brown, of Kirkburn, near Driffield, started IFS to help farmers who do not have the time or computer skills to create their own website and now hopes she will be able to help rural food producers from all over the UK promote their products through the site.

“We were thrilled to take part in this project,” said Mrs Brown. “The ‘Do What You Love’ series is also a fantastic opportunity for us to spread the word about our business and those who use it.”

Businesses featured on the IFS website include farmers James and Tiffy Hopper, owners of Kelleythorpe Farm Shop in Driffield.

“It’s a great way of promoting and marketing the food that we stock in the shop, including the Aberdeen Angus beef reared on our own farm, to a much wider audience,” said Mrs Hopper.

“Customers look at the website to see what we offer and then come to shop to buy the products.”