Industry stalwart sets up new business – and marries a retailer.
Michael Bacon has founded a consultancy to support equestrian and rural firms and individuals.
Channel Equine & Rural Business consultancy offers project management and access to Michael’s bulging contacts’ book.
“There are lots of brilliant PR and marketing agencies out there,” he told ETN, “but I’m offering something different.
“I can help with business plans, advertising, sales, staff training, recruitment and getting a product to market - from an idea to raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging.
“I’m a facilitator. I can come in and direct a launch or run a campaign as and when businesses need it, on a freelance basis for as long as the customer needs me.”
Michael has worked in the equestrian trade for 30 years. After serving in the Household Cavalry, he spent 16 years with Dengie followed by senior roles with TopSpec and Saracen Horse Feeds. He’s been on BETA Council too.
With knowledge across the equestrian disciplines, Kent based Channel Equine & Rural has contacts in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
“There are lots of new opportunities springing up in the equestrian, pet and rural sectors,” said Michael.
“I want to use my know-how to help firms old and new – and people with products and ideas – prosper from them.”
Wedding bells
Michael Bacon and Deborah Holliman were married at Hayne House, Saltwood in Kent under blue skies on 24 September.
Debbie is the managing director of Southern Equestrian Supplies, a busy tack shop and feed store in the Alkham Valley area of the Kent South Downs
The wedding venue of Hayne House was once a riding school where Debbie learnt to ride.
She later became a riding instructor, going on to be an international event groom before starting her career in the equestrian retail trade.