Over my father David’s lifetime of more than eighty years in apiculture, our family has learned that the most resilient partnerships are built on shared values. When two independent, family-run businesses come together with a genuine, heartfelt desire to look after the land, the positive impact ripples across the entire local environment.
That is why I am absolutely delighted to celebrate our partnership with C&C Catering Equipment Ltd. Based right here in the North West, the C&C family has stepped up to enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by sponsoring three brand-new beehives in our dedicated apiary in Hough, Crewe.
Our Core Aims
- Sustainably reverse the decline of the native honeybee population in the UK.
- Raise the profile and importance of the honeybee within the wider ecosystem.
- Enhance the viability and success of natural pollination and other wild pollinators.
- Holistically maximise and balance the environment, habitat, and health of the bees.
- Create engagement and green employment opportunities.
- Educate people and encourage future generations of traditional beekeepers.
A Passion for the Native British Honeybee
At Buckley’s Bees, we are not motivated by profit margins; we are driven by a profound, life-long belief in the amazing role of the honeybee and the good they do in the world. As registered members of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders’ Association (BIBBA), our mission is scientifically grounded: we work to protect and sustainably propagate the native British honeybee (Apis mellifera mellifera), breeding for gentle, hardy and hygienic traits.
When corporate partners like C&C sponsor a hive, they are directly funding this vital conservation work. It was a deeply personal highlight for me when I was able to show off the freshly painted, branded C&C hives to their Commercial Director, Matthew Kitchin, at my wedding in July!
Reflecting on his visit to our farm HQ, Matthew shared:
“It’s amazing to see first-hand the work that Emma & her Dad, David, do for the future of British Bees. The passion and dedication to their work is so inspiring and their efforts to support the declining native honeybee population is so admirable. I learnt so much about bees and just how much they contribute to our society when I went on a beekeeping experience day at their farm HQ.”
The True Value of Natural Pollination
Educating people about the staggering ecological and economic weight these insects carry is half the battle. Many people are surprised to learn that around one-third of the food we consume relies directly on insect pollination. Without the quiet, tireless work of bees, it would cost UK farmers an estimated £1.8 billion per year to pollinate crops artificially.
By funding managed apiaries, local businesses help us maintain a balanced habitat where managed colonies and wild pollinators can coexist without overcrowding. This ensures the survival of our native flora and supports the birds, mammals and insects that rely on a healthy ecosystem.
Getting the support of local companies like C&C is incredibly important to us. It allows us to keep our focus exactly where it belongs: on education, habitat balance, and scientific research. We are deeply grateful to Matt, Peter and the entire team at C&C Catering Equipment for rolling up their sleeves and joining us on this journey. We cannot wait to welcome their broader staff back to the farm for a hands-on experience day to get up close with the hives!
Align Your Business with Nature
Is your company looking to make a measurable, passionate investment in British biodiversity? Sponsoring an apiary or hosting a Buckley’s Bees hive on your land is a brilliant way to boost your green credentials, fund vital pollinator research and provide unforgettable educational experiences for your team.
Explore Corporate Sponsorship Packages or get in touch with our team today to help us save the British bee.