Down on the Farm

Name

Sandra Palmer - Snellin

Profile name

Farmer Palmers Farm Park Ltd

Occupation

Director

Is this your own enterprise?

Its a family run business

How many years have you been doing this job?

Since January 1998

How did it all start?

My Dad and brother came up with the idea of a visitor attraction in the kitchen one day as a way of keeping the family farm stable for the future. 

What does the job involve?

The learning curve was huge when I first started. I did a small job in advertising at the age of 18 which is now one of the favourite parts of my job  My brother Phillip and I work intuitively well together but he is not a fan of the paperwork so I do all of that with my team. I've had to learn how to do everything from  setting up a shop, right through to Accounts, Marketing, running the Restaurant, health and safety, legal, planning and all HR related matters. We are still a farm and we work with DEFRA with all the animals and movement licences. It's a very long list that never seems to end. We grew from humble beginnings to a family brand in Dorset.

What qualifications do you need?

You don't always need academic qualifications, but they definitely help. The first and foremost thing you need is confidence and Life skills People learn by experience, however, you do have to have a good personality which is a real must Good customer service skills will enable you to engage with everyone around you. Running a business is so diverse so you really need to wear a lot of different hats ranging from legislation through to project management. As things grow you can then delegate which does make things easier.

What’s the best part of the job?

Being able to have the flexibility to do many different jobs within the business is what I see as important. I love to see the smiles on children's faces and know that we are helping to create great memories to both parents and children alike. Children are so dynamic and I enjoy that Farmer Palmers is part of their growing milestones as they go on in life e.g. such as saying tractor for the first time or learning how to walk. It's an awesome feeling inside. 

What’s the worst part of the job?

My lack of work / life balance. Because I do so many jobs at once I'm always on the go and trying to think of ways to help push and promote the business. I think most business owners struggle to switch off and try to give everything. I need to improve my delegation skills.

What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?

Get involved with as many things as possible to get different life and social skills. Make sure you are comfortable and able to interact with the public. If you are happy in what you are doing you will be very good at it. 

About the interviewer:

David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.

To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com

Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.

Click here if you want to take part in this blog.