WINNER FOR DIVERSIFICATION INNOVATOR
OF THE YEAR (LARGE)
Sponsored by: Spanner Re2
John Weston
Westfields Farm, Droitwich Spa Marina LTD, Worcestershire
JOHN Weston’s idea to build a marina came when his daughter Alison and son-in-law Nick Parkes expressed an interest in being more involved.
Realising the farm was close to the M5 and borders the Droitwich Junction canal and the Worcester/Birmingham canal, building began in 2011.
Initial costs amounted to £2.4 million, but would have been more without the resources of the farm.
The site has 238 moorings, showers, underfloor heating, car parking, a boaters’ lounge, laundrette and now a caravan club.
What the judges said: “Droitwich Spa Marina is a very innovative concept and John is unique in his approach.
It is a very well researched business and they have done something that cannot be easily replicated. It is a very brave and bold enterprise.”
On winning: John Weston said: “Winning feels absolutely fabulous.”
“The way farming has gone since 2000, we have all needed something else to do , we are lucky enough to be close to Droitwich to be able to do what we’ve done.”