LEADER Coast and Lowlands News

Northumberland entrepreneur lights up supply chain

Release Date 29th March 2010

Natalie Dale has set up Lindisfarne Charcoal thanks to help from One North East’s Chrisi Page and Northumberland Coast and Lowlands coordinator Ivan Hewitt

A young woman with a burning desire to set up her own business and play her part in supporting her local community has achieved her dreams after establishing Lindisfarne Charcoal.

Natalie Dale, of Belford, Northumberland, always loved the idea of running her own business in the outdoors, so inspired by her partner who runs Northumberland Firewood Supplies, she realised a gap in the local market for charcoal.

The 29-year-old has received over £14,000 funding through the Coast and Lowlands Local Action Group, which delivers money through the LEADER approach, funded by One North East’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

The funding will be used to purchase specialist tools such as charcoal production kilns and chain-saws, helping Natalie produce traditionally made charcoal from locally sourced timber which has been grown and cut within carefully managed and maintained broadleaf woodlands.
Natalie makes, grades, bags and sells her charcoal directly to local shops and garden centres.  She then sells the waste charcoal (finings) to local blacksmiths, farriers and businesses within the micro-biotic industry.

She passionately believes in the importance of her new venture benefiting the local supply chain in the community and the wider region.
Natalie said: “I was interested in making charcoal using traditional methods and spent a long time working on the required skills before making a firm decision to establish the business.

“Although it is very hot and really hard work I knew it was what I wanted to do.  90% of charcoal used in Britain is imported, which not only takes money out of the community but often supports the deterioration of communities elsewhere, affecting rainforests and child labour.

“My house looks out over Lindisfarne, hence the name of my business, Lindisfarne Charcoal, and I’m very proud to be part of the local economy.
“So many people have helped make this happen for me and I would especially like to acknowledge the support from local landowners and farmers, country store Robson and Cowan, my friends, family and the LEADER LAG for the opportunity to make my idea a business.  I am hopeful of my business continuing to expand and would eventually like to buy my own woodland.” 

RDPE Manager Adrian Sherwood, said: “Natalie’s new business is an excellent example of a young entrepreneur using her passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors to create a business with far-reaching benefits for sustainability, the local supply chain and community.”

Ivan Hewitt, Local Action Group Coordinator, added: “As well as establishing a new local business, Natalie is selling her charcoal to local businesses and buying from local woodlands boosting the supply chain and supporting local jobs.   She firmly believes in the importance of a strong and vibrant community which typifies what the LEADER approach is about.”

For more information about Natalie’s new venture visit www.lindisfarnecharcoal.co.uk