The Isle of Wight Lottery has played a key role in getting a new West Wight business up and running.
West Wight Alpacas has set up home in Wellow, and its solid business plan and ambitious plans for the future were enough to convince the Lottery panel to award owners Michelle and Neil Payne an interest free loan of £21,000.
It’s a dream come true for Michelle, who first fell in love with alpacas at the County Show a few years ago. Soon after, she and Neil decided to build a new life around what she calls ‘these mesmerising creatures’.
They now have a herd of 36 alpacas, and specialise in the rarer coloured breeds. Their animals have already won top awards at the alpaca equivalent of Crufts, and they have now sourced what they believe will be the highest quality animals in the region.
Michelle, who used to run a lettings agency in Cowes, said: “We are developing what we hope will be a top herd, with animals that can be sold on for breeding at a good price.”
But West Wight Alpacas will be more than a breeding ground. Michelle is launching a programme of walks with the animals from Easter, and – thanks to IW Lottery funding – is converting an outbuilding into a workshop where the animal fibre can be spun and knitted, and sold.
“We are already working with a number of Island businesses, including a knitwear designer, and a holiday park where we will take some alpacas once a week for holidaymakers to get close to them and walk them round the grounds,” she said.
“We have other plans for the future, too, and we are so grateful to the Isle of Wight Lottery for helping us get on our feet. “
For more information, go to isleofwightlottery.com, and westwightalpacas.co.uk
