A BUSINESS hub near Ilminster is celebrating one year since its launch with plans to add new jobs to the site.

Jordans Courtyard, a food, wellness and retail destination just outside Ilminster, opened in September 2018.

The business was created with a £200,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank, and is based on the 1,000 acre Jordans estate.

The Horton site has been owned by the Speke family for six generations.

Until recently the family’s major business ventures were arable farming and letting holiday cottages.

The business saw an opportunity to launch a range of services not previously available locally.

Jeff Speke, co-owner of Jordans Courtyard, said: “We have always wanted to make the most of the beautiful countryside, heritage property and biodiversity at Jordans Estate.

“Jordans Courtyard is set in beautiful hamstone buildings and currently provides a wellness and yoga centre, award winning café, gift outlet and a venue for weddings and events.”

The family approached Lloyds Bank for a loan to support the refurbishment of some of the Grade II listed farm buildings into these facilities.

One year on from its launch, Jordans Courtyard has surpassed its sales targets by almost 20 per cent, and employs 15 people, with the view of increasing its workforce by 20 per cent in the next year.

Jeff added: “Lloyds Bank has been by our side throughout the process, providing us with the funding needed to put Jordans Courtyard into motion. And, the results have been even greater than we could have ever hoped for.”

The Lloyds loan was part of its pledge to lend £1.5billion to South West firms this year.

Phillip Titherington is the relationship manager for agriculture at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

He said: “Jeff and the team had a vision for the estate, spotting an opportunity to offer something special to its visitors within an idyllic setting.

“We are here to stand by the side of businesses and can support plans to diversify like this, as part of our wider commitment to help Britain prosper.

“There has been a significant amount of interest in the new facilities over the last 12 months, and it is encouraging to see the business surpassing targets, jumping from success to success.

“We are looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for Jordans Courtyard, with more exciting announcements to follow later this year.”

For further information, visit jordanscourtyard.co.uk.