Farm to fork connection forged by entrepreneur putting "ham" into Rotherham

Alan Stanley of UKSE (back), Julia Millea of RiDO (middle) and Shaun Churm of Yorkshire Hog Roast Company (front).

A FREE range farmer has put the “ham” into Rotherham by launching his own

mobile hog roast business.

The Yorkshire Hog Roast Company, which caters for weddings, public events and private parties, was established by Shaun Churm after £500 from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund helped him to buy essential business items including an eye-catching gazebo, display equipment and a generator.

The owner of a free range and rare breed pig farm in Manvers, Shaun also employs a butcher to produce sausages and bacon that he commissions to clients looking for locally-sourced meat.

Plans are already set in motion for Shaun to expand his business — now responsible for the whole farm-to-fork process — over the coming 12 months.

UKSE launched the Kickstart fund — with support from Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and the Growth Hub — to aid those looking to establish a business in the area.

Shaun said: “The funding that I have received from UK Steel Enterprise has been a huge help in establishing the business, and I am so pleased that it has been well received by the events market.”