Not many people are lucky enough to combine a lifelong interest with their career,
but the founder and owner of a new saddlery business has done just that. Sarah
Steel, of Pontefract, has set up Yorkshire Saddlery Repairs, producing a range
of leather goods including equestrian head collars, bridles, boxes, dog harnesses
and accessories, as well as mending saddlery, handbags and leather goods generally.
Sarah has been helped to realise her dream by Growing Routes, the organisation
run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society which helps farm-based people in the
region to diversify and start new businesses. Its support ranges from offering
advice and mentoring to providing practical and financial assistance. Sarah is
the 200th person to be helped by the initiative which is backed by Yorkshire Forward and
to date has given more than £900,000 to young entrepreneurs in the region.
Sarah is based at Wood House Farm in Pontefract, where her father has been Head
Man for TD Hough & Sons for 25 years. Customers can come in and see the range
of hand-made items available as well as discuss their own made-to-measure requirements.
Sarah will also operate a mobile workshop so she can travel around to rural events
including horse shows, demonstrating her craft and carrying out on-the-spot repairs.
This will also be made available to equestrian centres, riding clubs and pony
clubs.
In addition, Sarah offers a bespoke made-to-measure service for customers who
require specialist items or unique sizes of bridles and saddlery equipment. All
the products are hand-made and hand-stitched.
Sarah acknowledges the support from Growing Routes has been vital to setting
up her new venture. “I had no idea about starting a business – I thought I could
just do repairs, make things and sell them, take the money and that was it. But
I’ve had to learn about business plans and doing my books and so many other things
– Growing Routes has been fantastic, so helpful,” she said.
“I also got a grant to buy some of my equipment and I’m now going to take up
the Growing Routes mentoring service which will help keep me going in the right
direction. I’m confident my business fills a real niche in the market, and that
I can really take things forward.”
Deborah Phillips
, the Growing Routes co-ordinator who has worked with Sarah, added: “I have really
enjoyed helping Sarah develop her business ideas and to get everything in place
so she’s ready to go. She’s very talented at what she does and I have no doubt
Yorkshire Saddlery Repairs will be a great success – and we at Growing Routes
are delighted to have played a part in that.”
The 21-year-old recently completed a Cordwainer’s Diploma in Saddlery at
“The games were held in
Sarah’s interest in horses and riding led her to decide on her new business.
“When I was at school I found the academic work hard as I am dyslexic, but I was
always good at making things and working with my hands,” said Sarah. “First I
did a Horse Management course at the
At Lincoln, Sarah won Best Practical Student and the Groom of the Year award,
while her studies in London resulted in a national prize, the Worshipful Company
of Loriners’ Bursary, for gaining one of the highest marks ever in the lorinery
exam – an incredible 97 per cent.
“Lorinery is the metalwork involved in the saddlery and harness-making process
– the buckles, stirrups, bits and so on,” explained Sarah. “We had to learn about
the different types and which to use in what situation.”
Sarah Steel can be contacted at Yorkshire Saddlery Repairs, Wood House Farm,
Castleford Lane, Pontefract, WF7 6HX, telephone 01977 513367 or 07729 25750, or
email info@yorkshiresaddleryrepairs.co.uk.
ENDS
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