A NEW animal feed warehouse has been selected as one of three finalists for a set of national awards.

Halstead couple Mark Grantham and Joyce Clements opened Hedingham Animal Feeds in February after seeing a decrease in similar shops nearby.

Joyce said: “The store came about because a well-established horsey shop closed last year,

“Having horses myself I was struggling to find anywhere that sold the horse supplies I need."

The warehouse offers a large range of feed for horses, as well as smaller animals like dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and chickens.

It also stocks supplements.

Last month, the couple received an email from the British Equine Trade Association (BETA) letting them know their business had been selected as a finalist for the Best New Retailer 2024 award.

“It was a real shock for us, BETA have deemed us worthy as one of three finalists," said Joyce.

“We’re buzzing and even if we don’t win, we’ve been nominated and no one can take that away from us.

The BETA awards will take place on September 22, when the winner will be announced.

As well as in-store service, the business offers a delivery service, with co-owner Mark delivering bedding and feed to local farms within a flexible five to six-mile radius.

The store also has an alcohol license and offers alcohol from local breweries and distilleries as well as stocking Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone alcohol range.

Joyce said: “We’re very local-minded, we want to do what we can for the community.

“We’re hoping to be a little bit different, our delivery service has really taken off."

Going forward, the couple hopes to expand the business further and are looking into the idea of selling personalised gifts in time for Christmas. 

The couple are grateful to full-time staff member Sharon for helping the business see success.

“Sharon is so great, her knowledge of products is phenomenal, many years ago she worked at a veterinary clinic as a reception but learnt a lot on the job," said Joyce.

“Her knowledge is brilliant, and our customers love it.

“We’re just all absolutely blown away, it’s great to be in this position."

For more information, visit hedinghamanimalfeeds.com