Breda and Maurice Grinsell
Having lived in Britain for twenty two years, Breda and Maurice Grinsell felt they needed a change and with the Celtic Tiger in full swing, decided to check out Ireland and what opportunities might await them.

The couple spent two weeks in 1999 travelling around the countryside to get a feel for where they might like to set up home – they finally choose Edencurra, Dunmanway, in scenic West Cork.

Both Breda and Maurice had many years of experience in IT, Breda in training and support, and Maurice in development, and continued with this line of work when they made their move home.

“Soon after moving back Maurice became ill, which forced him to give up his employment. Having young children and needing to look after my husband I gave up my job too.

I’ve always been a resourceful person throughout my working life and wasn’t about to let this set-back have a negative impact on our life. I started thinking about business options and as our new home came with just over an acre of land, organic farming sprang to mind.”

Not a person to rest on her laurels, Breda put together a business plan and approached various institutions to raise capital. First Step reviewed and approved the Grinsell’s plan and provided the required finance.

First Step continued their support and advised the Grinsell’s to approach the West Cork Leader Company for further financial support and to help market their products through the Fuschia Brand programme.

“In fact, it took nearly thirty months to reach this standard. Organic farming takes time, not to mention the building and erecting of tunnels and greenhouses. We eventually began trading in September 2006 and our products are now Fuschia branded.”

“Our ability to learn in an industry that we came into only three years ago has contributed to the success of the business. Currently, we are in negotiations to purchase more land, which should increase the turnover of the business by 600 per cent in the next four years. I am so happy we made the move from Britain to Ireland and into farming.

Gairdín Eden,
Edencurra,
Dunmanway,
Co. Cork
Tel: +353 86 196 3687