Founded by Emma Smalley and Terry Barlow, Basecamp North Lakes grew out of their previous operations with Alpacaly Ever After, a Community Interest Company (CIC) based near Keswick.

To expand their operations and realise their vision of a sustainable rural business, Emma and Terry secured investment to acquire the former Cocklakes turkey farm and café site on the A66 in 2022.
Since its acquisition, Basecamp North Lakes has invested over £700,000 to enhance the site, which is a well-deserving winner of the New Business of the Year award.
“in-Cumbria has been so supportive of our new enterprise from its very early stages, particularly the work that we do here in terms of community and environmental impact,” says Emma.
“They are a wonderful resource and support to Cumbrian businesses and we would be very proud to be recognised by them.
“The whole team here has worked incredibly hard to fit a huge amount of progress and growth into the two years that we have been operating.
“Winning an award is a wonderful boost to us all and a meaningful recognition of all the worthwhile effort and the impact that has been achieved.
“It is also a lovely way of sharing with our customers how much we have valued their enthusiasm and support as we have grown.”
Upgrades at Basecamp North Lakes have included new fencing, land drainage and improvements to the Farm Shop and Mess Hall.

Notable changes include adopting sustainable packaging, enhancing drainage and flood prevention, and conducting a comprehensive fire safety assessment.
Emma and Terry aim to further its impact by expanding local supplier networks, increasing the range of local and seasonal produce, and developing new initiatives such as egg production and mushroom cultivation.

Plans also include opening new kitchen and staff facilities and enhancing community engagement through the Community Produce Garden.

 

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