IN a further expansion of its work, Ilkley Community Enterprise, the local charity that runs Outside the Box, has purchased the artisan preserves enterprise – Green Hut Co – from its founder, Paula Connor.

“We are always open to new opportunities to provide our members, adults and young people with learning disabilities with new experiences and skills and to support local community initiatives” said Jenna Peel, manager at Outside the Box.

“When Paula approached us about taking over her business we were thrilled. We will continue to be a regular at the local food market and already have members involved in our production, packaging and sales, with plans to start growing some of our own ingredients.

“We can see lots of potential to grow and develop this as part of our operation as a community enterprise.”

The Green Hut Co was set up by Paula in 2014 using her growing, cooking and making as a way of helping her recover after a period of ill health. Having grown the business in recent years, she wanted to focus her time on further developing Ilkley’s Real Food Market.

Paula said: “I am delighted his opportunity has come along – it means that the Green Hut Co brand will continue to grow in the safe hands of Ilkley Community Enterprises Ltd.

“I feel particularly happy that we share the same values, especially as my vision when starting the business was to involve the local community”.