TESSA BACKS SMALL BUSINESS TO THRIVE IN CHEDDAR VALLEY

2.28.00am GMT Sat 20th Mar 2010

A would-be MP has had a packed day learning about small business in the Cheddar Valley.

Liberal Democrat candidate for the Cheddar Valley area, Tessa Munt, visited an alpaca farm to see how independent businesses can make a go of things, despite the credit crunch.

Tessa went along to Peakview Alpacas, run by Peter Briggs, to see him at work at his farm in Rooksbridge.

Tessa Munt and Peter Briggs with an alpaca in Rooksbridge

Peter has been running the business since 2004, with a breeding herd of huacaya alpacas, which is limited in size to allow the highest level of supervision.

Peter said: "I decided to run an alpaca farm because I bought up a small amount of land, and they are one of the few viable animals to have in a relatively small commercial farming space, thanks to the fact that they do not eat much grass.

"Business is a bit quiet, but there is still demand for alpaca fleece as it is warm and light."

Peakview Alpacas is on a 16-acre farm, divided into herding paddocks, holding pens and hay meadows. All hay used is produced on the farm to produce the best quality.

Peter looks after a herd of 54 huacaya alpacas, and fleece shorn from the animals is used to make teddy bears for speciality collectors, as well as knitting wool.

Tessa was impressed with the enterprise shown by Peter, and she backed small businesses to shine in the Cheddar Valley.

Tessa said: "Peakview Alpacas is a perfect example of what you can do in a small area of land.

"Farms in Somerset are often a lot smaller than those in other parts of the country, such as East Anglia, and Peter has shown that with a bit of hard work and imagination, you can make a go of things in the Cheddar Valley.

"Vince Cable, Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor, has policy proposals to help small businesses just like Peakview Alpacas thrive.

"If you would like a copy, please contact me on tessa@tessa4wells.com or write to Freepost BS8452, Somerset BA4 4BR."