An award-winning pet and animal feed centre is closing down at the end of March after 14 years in business. 

Poole Farm Feed Centre, which won the UK Retailer of the Year at the PIF Awards in 2014, informed its customers of the closure on social media.

Stephen Williams and his wife Jo bought the business and farmhouse at Poole Farm, Great Yeldham, Essex, in 2009 after it had been previously owned by Jo’s parents. Previously, Stephen had worked for Walt Disney as Finance & Operations Director for its video games business.

Stephen and Jo, pictured above receiving their 2014 Retailer of the Year Award from former heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno.

In an announcement on the store’s Facebook page, the couple stated: “After much deliberation, we would like to share with you our decision to close the shop.

“We have run Poole Farm Feed Centre for nearly 15 years and it has been a huge part of our lives, but times change and we feel, for various reasons, that it is now time for us to close the doors. It has not been an easy decision to make.

“We want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years. Your support has been amazing and has been so greatly appreciated. It has been a phenomenal 15 years  – albeit hard work along the way.

“We will be closing our doors on 31 March 2023. In the meantime, all feed and bedding will still be stocked and arriving on a regular basis. Also, we will be having a closing down sale (excluding feed and bedding) – so come and grab a bargain and give us a chance to say goodbye.”

The announcement brought an avalanche of social media comments from customers. Here’s what some had to say:

• “Sorry, to hear this guys! You’ve all been a great asset to the area.”
• “You and your staff are all so helpful and lovely – will really miss you.”
• “Wow, sad news for all your customers. I hope you guys have something awesome in the pipelines for yourselves, you absolutely deserve it. You guys and your staff have been excellent.”
• “You're such a lovely bunch, so knowledgeable and helpful. We'll be lost without you.”
• “You will be such a massive loss for our area! Always such a good service. Must have been a hard decision to make! Wishing you much luck for the future.”

Stephen shared his journey at Poole Farm Feed Centre with Pet Trade Xtra after winning the UK Retailer of the Year Award in 2014. Click on the links below to read the stories.