Tricks of the Trade

An award-winning business received a visit by Newbury MP Lee Dillon to talk all things sustainability.

The Kennet Crayfish Company, based in Thatcham, welcomed Mr Dillon to speak about protection of the region’s chalk streams, which he says is one of his top priorities.

During the visit, the company outlined how its operations remain as environmentally conscious as possible; including using gentle traps that are safe for other river wildlife and processing the catch humanely as possible in its bio-processing facility.

Mr Dillon said: “The Kennet Crayfish Company is a fantastic example of local innovation and entrepreneurship in action.

“It’s great to see a Newbury business using creativity and sustainability to turn an environmental challenge into an opportunity.

“The team’s drive to diversify, create new products, and open up new markets really shows what can be achieved when local businesses think differently.

“Newbury has so much to offer – a strong business community, a talented workforce and a location that connects us to so many opportunities.

 

I’m proud to see companies like this leading the way and look forward to watching them go from strength to strength.”

The firm was formed when businessman John Bennett stepped in with investment that enabled the formation of The Kennet Crayfish Company, after managing director Andrew Leech’s previous business was shut down when the transport of live crayfish was banned.

Through this partnership a unique bio-secure processing plant was set up, and licences were obtained to trap and process crayfish, and a system of extracting and returning water from and to the River Kennet.

As crayfish are seasonal from June to late autumn, the company has diversified to create income all year round – this includes creating its own award-winning gin, Kennet Crayfish Gin.

Mr Leech said: “We are on course to generate more crayfish sales to the hospitality sector, as well as keep building our base of direct sales to consumers.

“Our mission is to convert far more of the British public to the wonders of this delicious crayfish and to our extended range of culinary produce.

“In addition we are also investing in solutions to improve our packaging to make them more recyclable, compostable and eco-friendly in turn also trying to increase the product shelf-life.”