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What started as a childhood hobby and a simple love of beekeeping has since grown into a buzzing business for husband and wife team Rupert and Kim Phillips.
With a clear vision and strong values around sustainability, authenticity, and education, Rupert and Kim opened The House of Honey, an agri-tourism business nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley, in 2010.
From bees to business
Rupert’s fascination with bees began at the age of eight, when he started keeping hives and harvesting honey.
After relocating to Australia from South Africa in 1982, beekeeping became a lifestyle for Rupert, and eventually for Kim too.
With 600 hives, Rupert and Kim envisioned a place where they could share their love for bees and honey with the community.
Today, The House of Honey welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is a staple on any Swan Valley food and wine tour. The business combines a honey showroom, the Sticky Spoon cafe, retail store full of homemade honey products, a meadery and educational centre.
Early challenges and turning to the SBDC
When establishing the business, Kim approached another company to enter an exclusive arrangement for product development.
At the time, the opportunity had the potential to elevate the brand, but it also posed significant legal and commercial implications.
To ensure their business was protected and the agreement served their long term interests, Kim sought SBDC’s expertise in understanding contracts.
The SBDC provided the information she needed to consider when creating the contract and she was given referrals for legal assistance.
“The support of the SBDC gave us the clarity and confidence to grow, from one product to a whole experience. It made a real difference.”
This proactive approach helped the House of Honey secure a partnership that contributed to sustainable growth.
Structure offerings to ensure profitability
Kim has continued to work closely with the SBDC - attending workshops, reading the SBDC Blog and accessing advice on various issues to ensure the longevity of the business.
A significant area the SBDC has assisted Kim with is profitability – how to balance product value, pricing, cost control and market demand.
Kim says the Pricing to Make a Profit workshop made a significant impact on the way she runs the business.
“The workshop changed what I do within our business, making sure that we are profitable,” Kim said.
“Sometimes you need to let go of those things that are not making a profit anymore.
“This can be sad, because they might be things you are passionate about, but it is important to make sure you are looking at growth and profit and moving into new areas.
“We have changed course a little bit along our journey."
Expanding horizons with government support
The confidence and business expertise gained along the way allowed Kim and Rupert to recognise The House of Honey’s potential for international growth.
A successful application to the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification's Access Asia business grant program, enabled them to enhance their digital presence and build sales in high value Asian markets.
More information
- Find out about starting a food business in WA
- Read about entering into contracts and agreements
- Learn the ins and outs of exporting
- Ask these 7 key questions to improve your profitability
- Access our free business advisory service and wide range of low cost business skills workshops
- Read more WA small business stories.
