Norfolk’s only working watermill has been given a new lease of life, and is really on a roll, thanks to the specialist help of Credo Asset Finance.

Credo played a major role in making the dream of the current owners come true by helping them finance the restoration and install a roller mill and flour separator. Now, flour production has doubled, the range of flours in the shop has expanded, and the owners are working with local farmers to get Norfolk its own oat de-hulling machine to reduce food miles.

The current Letheringsett Watermill was built in red brick with a black pantile roof in 1802.

There had been other mills, going back at least to the Domesday Book of 1086, on the River Glaven site but all burned down.

Although the mill was part of the Letheringsett estate, its grandeur meant that it was regarded as a separate property.

Richard Rouse built the present mill so large so it could house four sets of mill stones. One day it is hoped the mill will house four sets of stones so that it can run at full capacity again.

Michael Thurlow came across the mill in 1987 when delivering animal feed there as, at the time, it was used to store animal feed.

He had served 20 years in the Royal Navy before being discharged for medical reasons after metal poles fell on his legs while at sea. It had been thought he would never walk again but he was nursed back to health by Marion, who became his wife.

They moved to Winterton in Norfolk and, while driving delivery lorries, Michael came across the mill. He was talking with the then owner, the late Mrs Beryl Cozens-Hardy, who said “I just need someone stupid enough to take this mill on and restore it to its former glory”.

Michael, having travelled the world, had seen many countries restoring and maintaining their heritage but, on returning to England, felt part of his heritage had been left to ruin.

He wanted to help keep his heritage alive and took on the task of lovingly restoring Norfolk’s only working watermill. This labour of love brought Marion and Michael to Thornage, a small village a mile from Letheringsett.

The restoration began in 1987 with the mill undergoing a full refurb and brought back to life producing stoneground flours to be supplied to local bakeries and farm shops.

Marion and Michael adopted their two children, William and Michelle, in 1991 and they grew up learning about the mill and enjoying its beauty.

Unfortunately, Michael passed away unexpectedly six years ago leaving the mill in the capable hands of Marion and Michelle. They ran the business together for two years before Marion lost a four-year battle to cancer.

Michelle still runs the mill which is now expanding, bringing it forward and restoring further machinery to ensure it is self-sustaining. Both sets of mill stones are in regular use and the mill can now make its own traditionally separated white flour and roll its own oats and wheat flakes.

Credo Asset Finance had a key role in the mill’s makeover and modernisation by helping it to finance the restoration and installation of the Bamford roller mill and flour separator.

Due to the nature of the specialist equipment needed, it was very difficult for Michelle to get the finance she required. After searching online she was delighted to hear that Credo was able to help.

“The whole process of setting up the finance was so easy. Donna at Credo, who looked after our bespoke finance needs, was so approachable and friendly. She attended for a site visit to see the machinery in action and the whole process was set up and ready to go within a week – no difficult, lengthy paperwork, straightforward terms and conditions and a friendly face to speak with in person rather than just on the phone”.

Following the installation, the mill’s production of flour has doubled, the range of flours within the shop has expanded and the owners are currently working with local farmers to get Norfolk its own oat de-hulling machine so they can the roll Norfolk oats, making the carbon footprint less than 10 miles.

Find out more about this historic and beautiful Watermill by visiting the website at www.letheringsettwatermill.co.uk

National Locums are a Milton Keynes based recruitment company with a global reputation. They place temporary health workers into jobs all over the world and were able to afford a big office move recently thanks to a finance package created by Credo.

Their new office has a truly modern feel, with many features for staff including a pub area inspired by the director’s love for Tottenham Hotspur and based on a famous hostelry near the old White Hart Lane ground. The pub area includes beer taps, a pool table, arcade games and game consoles for staff to enjoy. There is also a fully equipped gym, modern seating area with artificial grass and state of the art desk space.

Credo funded most items in the office including chairs, desks, flooring, partitions, alarms and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and the move will allow this fantastic business to move into the next stage of its growth.

Are you interested in growing your business? Need an office re-fit or an upgrade in technology? Credo can help fund everything you need to enable you to get to the next stage. Why not call our specialist team here at Credo to discuss how we can help. 01603 703180

We deal with a multitude of lenders, who all offer different products to suit different people and their circumstances. And because the wide array of choices can be confusing and intimidating, one of our main aims is to create long-lasting relationships where our customers trust us to provide the right solutions with the minimum of fuss.

So when William Jones asked us to help with the finance of his car in quick time, we immediately rose to the challenge!

As usual, we quickly scanned the market, a quote was given and agreed, and the finance was approved within a few hours. Mr Jones was invited to sign the paperwork online with our chosen lender, but due to a technical hitch their end, he was unable to do so. This could have proved an issue to stopping him picking up his car on the day he wanted, however Donna and Tony from our office quickly sorted the issue with the lender, keeping the customer updated the whole time.

As promised, the car was ready for pick up on the day chosen by Mr Jones, and he was delighted with the professional service he was given by Credo

Mr Jones wrote to us today with this testimonial

“Excellent service start to finish. Tony and Donna guided me through the process. A little hiccup via the internet, but was sorted out straight away. I would like you to contact me again later in the year for my next purchase”.

We listen closely to the feedback we receive here at Credo and constantly strive to improve and develop our business. So thank you Mr Jones, we really appreciate your comments!

Are you looking at a major purchase soon? Then put Credo to the test! We are fast, efficient and will guide you through the process smoothly.

A minibus gives schools real freedom to offer wonderful experiences from school trips and sporting fixtures to swimming lessons and forest school. These experiences form a vital part of students’ development and bolsters the pride teachers and students have in their schools.
Taking a finance option can also take the pressure off administrative staff and teachers when it comes to budgeting, and enable the school to have their Minibus when they need it.

Credo Asset Finance were very happy to help Rosecroft Primary School in Attleborough obtain and secure the leasing on their new minibus which they have now used for regular swimming trips for the students and other important school trips.

Claire Bonner, Account Manager at Credo who advised the School on the finance options available stated “We have since been advised that there are lots more sports trips planned in the new school year which the children wouldn’t have been able to do before.” 

We are delighted to help Rosecroft Primary and we’re sure the children will enjoy the new Minibus, but we would love to help many more schools in this region, so please get in touch if you would like us to help.

‘Most of our customers come to us when buying a vehicle or piece of business critical machinery, but the buyer of this McCloskey Crusher unit first came across Credo when selling an HGV tractor unit.

The service of one of our Sales Executives provided, during the selling process to an existing Credo client on this HGV lorry, lead to the enquiry of funding the McCloskey machine six months down the line. The purchase was a sizeable one at almost £200k. Competitive pricing, along with service levels to turnaround the deal within two working days were the decisive factors in using Credo for this purchase.

So if you are looking to finance machinery for your business, then give Credo a try. Our aim is to build long lasting business relationships, so we will look after you and continue to do so for years to come.