Why Phil would be an effective mentor

  • Following a career in the police, Philip decided to follow a career path in the horticulture field. He completed a HND in Organic Horticulture at the Welsh College of Horticulture in 2007 and went on to manage the organic farm at the college until 2008. 
  • In order to gain further experience, Philip undertook horticultural work for charities and became manager of a commercial nursery and garden centre in Worcestershire in 2009. In 2011, he went on to become a project coordinator for the charity Groundwork, which involved running two ILM horticultural projects for 18- to 25-year-olds in Wrexham and Mostyn.
  • At the end of the ILM project in 2012, he established Mostyn Kitchen Garden. The kitchen garden is run as a commercial horticultural business alongside a kitchen garden, a social enterprise for Mostyn Estates Ltd where groups, organisations and individuals from the community can benefit from work experience.
  • The kitchen garden comprises of a 2.5 acre walled garden and large orchard which are used to grow a wide range of soft fruit, top fruit and vegetables including berries, rhubarb, tomatoes, beetroot, beans, brassicas, herbs and salad crops. To add value to the fruit and vegetables grown, the business has diversified into producing a range of jams, chutneys, sauces and cocktail syrups which are stocked at local farm shops and small retailers. They also produce apple cider vinegar and a range of further added value products. Philip believes that produce branding and adding value are essential tools for the growth of horticulture in Wales.
  • An excellent communicator with a passion for developing horticulture in Wales, Phil is eager to share his knowledge and experience to support others in the industry. 

Current farm business

  • 2.5 acre walled garden with an additional orchard and fruit trees
  • Social enterprise

Qualifications/achievements/experience

  • 2020 – present: Farming Connect Focus Site 
  • 2020 – present: Involved in two Wales EIP horticulture projects
  • 2016: Shortlisted as a finalist in the Delicious Magazine Producer Awards
  • 2015: Winner of the B2C (Business Supporting Communities) Business & Community Partnership Award
  • 2007: Higher National Diploma in Organic Horticulture, Welsh College of Horticulture 

 

Tips for business success:

1) Grow a crop that suits the site, facilities and available labour

2) Be sure that there is an accessible market for the produce at a value that is profitable

3) Look at ways to add value to the produce and increase the profit margin

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