The Westmorland family, which runs the Tebay services in Cumbria, is inviting local businesses and producers to help stock the farmshop and butchery at its new Tatton Services on the M56. The company wants to speak to 'businesses that grow, rear, make or craft their own products, from exceptional food and drink to original art, clothing and housewares'.
Plans for the new services
The development, on 39 acres of green belt land between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56, was approved by the Government last year. It includes a farmshop and butchery, a 100-bed hotel and a petrol station. Tebay has previously been named the best services in the UK.
The approval came despite opposition from campaigners who feared the services would create more traffic and harm trade in nearby towns such as Altrincham and Knutsford.
What Westmorland is looking for
Westmorland has issued an invitation to businesses within 30 miles of the new services to attend an informal meet the buyer event next Thursday (November 19). It says it is looking to work with 'at least 70' businesses. The event will be held at Groobarb's Wild Farm, in High Legh, with businesses able to register their attendance on the Tatton Services website.
Producers making snacks, soft drinks, confectionery, bread, cakes and deli products are particularly sought, alongside distinctive tea and coffee businesses. The team wants to build short, transparent supply chains for dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables, working directly with farmers and growers who share its commitment to quality, provenance and environmental responsibility.
A named local dairy is a priority, providing milk for the farmshop and the thousands of teas and coffees served each day, alongside cheese, which Cheshire is famed for, as well as ice cream. For dairy and meat, traceability means knowing where animals were born, where and how they were raised, and what they were fed, alongside named breeds and welfare standards.
The butchery offer will change seasonally, and the team is looking for producers with a range of breeds, including game and poultry. Local growers are also sought for seasonal fruit and vegetables, including soft fruits, asparagus and heritage varieties of apples and pears.
Jobs and support
The £65m development is expected to open in spring 2028. It is hoped it will create more than 400 jobs. Producers will be offered support through an onboarding process, guidance on achieving required food standard accreditations, and practical help to bring their products to market.
Dan Pearson, commercial director, said: "At Westmorland, our ethos is about celebrating the small and special, which we've been doing for over 50 years. We want the unique, the interesting and the joyful, products made with care by people who have a story to tell."
"This is a chance to build something rooted in its surroundings, where customers can discover the area through what they eat, drink and take home. With millions of motorists passing along the M56, Tatton Services offers local producers the opportunity to reach a much wider audience. We want to build lasting relationships, helping our producers grow as we grow. Come and meet us, share your story and show us what makes your products special."
