Build Your Own Rural Business Retreat

Build Your Rural Business

Join us for a two-day, one-night immersive experience with experienced rural business owners Sheena and Jamie Corry. Drawing on their journey from corporate consulting and the wildlife charity sector to running two successful rural businesses, they’ll share honest insights, practical tools, and hard-earned lessons from nearly 20 years in the field.

Over the weekend, you’ll learn how to turn your idea into a viable business—while avoiding some of the common pitfalls along the way.

Day One – From Idea to Opportunity

We kick off at 9am on Saturday, diving straight into the foundations:

• Where to start when developing a business idea

• Testing and shaping your concept so it actually works

• Defining your unique selling point

Enjoy a hearty, locally sourced lunch as conversations continue and your ideas begin to take shape.

In the afternoon, we step outside—because some of the best thinking happens in nature—while exploring:

• Finding the right location

• Navigating planning, licensing, and regulations

• Making the transition from town to country

There’ll be time to unwind with a dip in the wild swimming pond, relax in the sauna, or take a walk to a nearby Iron Age hill fort. Throughout, Sheena and Jamie will be on hand for informal 1:1 conversations.

As evening sets in, we gather for a barbecue and share real-life stories, lessons learned, and the realities of building a rural business.

Later, we turn to the personal side of the journey:

• Adapting to a new identity as a rural business owner

• Protecting your mental and physical wellbeing

• Becoming part of a local community

We’ll round off the day around the campfire—with hot chocolate, marshmallows, or a beer—before settling in for the night in bell tents or shepherd’s huts.

Day Two – From Plan to Reality

Start the day with an optional walk or run to the local hill fort, or a dip and sauna to get the ideas flowing.

We then focus on the financial foundations of your business:

• Grants, funding, and loans—where to find them and how to apply

• Writing a business plan and cash flow forecast

• Building a financially sustainable, year-round business

After lunch, there’s time for tailored Q&A before we move into bringing your business to market:

• Choosing a name and building a brand

• Creating a sales and marketing strategy

• Collaborating and building your network

We’ll close the weekend by sharing contacts and exploring ways to support each other beyond the retreat.

Pricing

£295 per person (shared twin bell tent)
£345 per person (private shepherd’s hut room)

Ready to turn your rural business idea into reality?
Click here to book.