Margaret Manchester has been named one of the UK’s most 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign. Margaret Manchester founded Durham Hens Limited in the north of England in 2007. Experiencing rapid growth in recent years, this award-winning business retails quality hens and poultry supplies to the pet and smallholder markets. In addition to selling modern hybrid layers, the company has a breeding programme to help preserve traditional breeds. They post rare breed hatching eggs throughout the UK in special packaging. As well as being a successful businesswoman, Margaret writes historical romance. Her debut novel ‘The Lead Miner’s Daughter’ received excellent reviews and quickly became an international best-seller. Her books have been likened to those of the great Catherine Cookson. Margaret is also the chairperson for ‘Friends of Killhope’, a charity involved with industrial heritage in the North Pennines. She was instrumental in saving the last mining headgear in Durham from demolition. The headframe at Groverake is now an iconic landmark in a county steeped in mining history. 'It’s an honour to be selected to join this prestigious group of high-achieving female entrepreneurs,' said Margaret. 'I’m thrilled. I would like to thank everyone at Small Business Britain for their dedication and support.' Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and f:Entrepreneur, said, 'Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100. Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish. We need to continue and increase our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.'

Advice and guidance on hatching fertile eggs at home as a family activity.

Durham Hens is celebrating its success after being chosen as the UK’s Best Rural Retail Business at the Rural Business Awards, held at the luxury Midlands hotel, Chateau Impney. The event was hosted by television presenter Jules Hudson, best-known for BBC’s Escape to the Country and Countryfile. Based in rural Durham, Durham Hens began as a hobby business in 2007, and the business has increased in size every year since to meet demand. Selling laying hens, pure breed chickens, chicks, hatching eggs and poultry supplies, their reputation for great customer service and quality products means customers travel great distances to buy from them. Demand for fertile eggs to hatch at home and in schools has increased dramatically. Durham Hens pack hatching eggs in special boxes, designed by Alec Manchester, Director of Durham Hens, and sell them via e-commerce throughout the UK. With so many hens being kept in back gardens, there was a gap in the market for a boarding service for poultry. Durham Hens set up ‘Hen Holidays’ in 2011 and intend to franchise this part of their business in the near future. And what else could hobby hen-keepers possibly want? A course to learn how to look after them, of course. Margaret Manchester, Managing Director of Durham Hens, runs these regularly throughout the year. Margaret said, “The Rural Business Awards celebrates the best businesses the British countryside has to offer. We are delighted that the judges chose Durham Hens as the Best Rural Retail Business in the UK. This means so much to us, our staff and our customers.” The award was sponsored by online retail giant Amazon and presented by James Salter, Senior Category Merchant Manager, Amazon Marketplace.

Durham Hens was short-listed for a Rural Business Award earlier this year. Alec and Margaret attended the 'North' regional event, which was held at The Last Drop Hotel and Spa in Bolton, on Tuesday, 9th October 2018. The evening was well-organised. We enjoyed the champagne reception and a three-course dinner with wine, while chatting with other finalists.