BigBarn

BigBarn offers an imaginative approach to supporting small independent food producers and helping us reconnect with local suppliers in a country dominated by large supermarket chains. 

About the company

Fifth generation farmer Anthony Davison was inspired to start BigBarn when he recognised the huge mark up of produce from his family farm in supermarket shelves. He created an online platform allowing people to search for local suppliers and buy online.

How is it funded?  

BigBarn makes money from membership fees and commissions paid on goods sold through its website. Suppliers can check the number of people viewing their profile and secure a number of extra services by upgrading to full membership. The marketplace within BigBarn is growing significantly and is showing a 50% year on year increase.

How is it social?

BigBarn helps people rediscover the food on their doorstep. It allows them to find independent suppliers in their region and secure fresh produce at a reasonable price. It helps food producers by providing them an outlet, loosening the hold of the supermarkets and allowing farmers to secure a better price for their produce.  

What happens to its profits?

Funds are being used to grow the network and expand the business. Like many early stage enterprises BigBarn is working towards sustainability, but has every sign of soon achieving a strong business able to use profits to grow the business and enhance its social impact.

What’s the secret of its success?

The achievement of Anthony Davison in making the transition from the wheel of a tractor to a pioneering ecommerce platform is remarkable. He’s spotted a problem in the excessive domination of supermarkets and discovered a simple way to put it right.