AN alpaca farm in Teesdale has launched a crowdfunding appeal to provide a cash lifeline in a time of crisis.
Teesdale Alpacas, run by Doug Steen and Samantha Whitehead, at Boldron, usually runs alpaca trekking and farm visits, as well as attending weddings and events at Beamish Museum.
But the coronavirus restrictions coincided with the start of their busy season. The business has had no income but has faced the expense of looking after 65 alpacas and llamas. The recent shearing bill was more than £1,000 and a poorly alpaca cost more than £800 in vets bills.
Mr Whitehead said: “These costs are simply unavoidable – the animals need to be looked after and they don’t care about our human problems.”
The couple have set up a crowdfunding project to sell their alpaca products and combine them with vouchers for visits and treks which can be used when things get better.
They also hope to get funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership Pay it Forward scheme.
Mr Whitehead, who was recently given an award from the alpaca and llama industry bodies for his services to the industry, was instrumental in bringing the Pay It Forward scheme to the North East LEPs attention. The scheme is set up to give projects matched funding to help support businesses affected by Covid-19.
Mrs Whitehead said: “We are fortunate in having a good range of quality products already and we are hopeful they will prove attractive to customers who may not be able to shop as usual and who wish to support small local businesses.
“As has been the case for many small businesses, Teesdale Alpacas falls through the gaps in the support offered by the government. Not needing to be rated for business rates means no support under that grant scheme.”
Because the couple have been trying to build up the trekking business, any income has been reinvested rather than taken as profits or salary.
Mr Whitehead pointed out that there are people much worse off.
He added: “We happen to live in a beautiful spot there is no denying that,but we stand to lose virtually an entire year’s income and there is a limit to how much we can avoid spending – the future is definitely not looking too bright but the crowdfunder does offer a glimmer of hope for the business.”
Visit https://crowdfunder.co.uk/stop-the-alpacalypse-and-get-a-warm-fuzzy-feeling
