This week will see the dawn of a new era for Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire as The Barbour family launch its much anticipated rebrand and vision to the public during The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show.
Their flagship event, The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show, is being held at Bolesworth Estate from 12th-16th June and will serve as the perfect platform from which to launch this exciting new phase for Bolesworth Estate.
Set in over 6,500 acres of Cheshire’s countryside the much-loved view of the Grade II listed Bolesworth Castle has been an admired and familiar sight in Cheshire for nearly 200 years, but this unique location is about so much more than equestrian sport and rolling hills. The Barbour family have steered this historical Estate and enterprise into the future through their investment in the place and the business. They have recently been praised by the House of Lords’ Select Committee on the Rural Economy and held up as a shining example of diversification of a rural enterprise.
Following a 12-month strategic process, with the help of The Juniper Company, Bolesworth have created a powerful new vision for the next 5 years:
‘To be brave, be different, be passionate;
In delivering world class events, creating amazing spaces and building an environment for success.’
The Estate has over 150 commercial tenants who between them employ well over 1,100 people. Highlights of the portfolio that Bolesworth has been instrumental in developing include the Chowley Oak Business Park, Gifford Lea – a luxury retirement village and even a 300-berth marina, all of which have been part of an ongoing policy of investment and expansion at Bolesworth. The Estate is also home to well-known tenant, the Ice Cream Farm, a visitor attraction that holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ice cream parlour, employing over 70 people and supplying 1,000 pubs, restaurants and retail units with ice cream throughout the UK. It is listed as one of the ten most visited free to enter sites in England with visitor numbers of approx. 800,000 per year.
Jonathan Fell, the Ice Cream Farm, said:
“My family have worked closely with Bolesworth for the past few decades – their innovative and supportive approach has played a key part in helping us develop and achieve our vision here at the Ice Cream Farm.”
This new era will put Bolesworth on the map as an inspirational place, and stunning film location with the historic castle and its ancient subterranean cellars, hidden caves and panoramic views, as well as a leading business with a huge variety of development opportunities, commercial and residential space. This unique and accessible venue is fast becoming a favourite for discerning promoters hosting large scale events including the hugely popular ‘Car Fest North’ organised by Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans for more than 80,000 festival goers, as well as private parties and media launches on a grand scale.
Chris Hughes, Car Fest, said:
“Beautiful Bolesworth is the perfect fit for CarFest North – a world-class venue run by a top team – that’s why we keep coming back.”
With an agenda lead by an all-female dynamic trio of the Barbour family – Anthony’s eldest daughter Nina, her mother Diana and younger sister Cleo – the family are committed to continuing the Bolesworth legacy and to drive their ambitious vision forward whilst preserving the heritage of this incredibly special location.
Nina Barbour, Director of Bolesworth commented:
“My father set the bar high, changing Bolesworth through diversification from a dairy farming estate to the prospering commercial entity that is it today. We are dedicated to driving the business forward, developing our opportunities, and improving the relationships between our customers and local stakeholders. The rebrand process we have been through over the last 6 months has enabled us to change the culture throughout our organisation, and we are very excited about the next chapter.’
The freshly released www.bolesworth.com gives an overview of the vast opportunities that the Bolesworth Estate has to offer and there is still opportunity to attend the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show where key contacts will be available to give further background to the all the possibilities; tickets can be booked via www.bolesworthinternational.com.