When Jacki Barlow started offering alpaca walks at her North Yorkshire farm, she had no idea it would turn into such an important income stream for her business.

But 12 years later, strolling with the friendly creatures is one of the most popular gift experiences with Uniquely Local, which provides handpicked experiences and gifts.

Animal lovers join the alpacas for a gentle 1.5-mile stroll around Jacki’s peaceful farm near Thirsk. While there, they learn about how to look after them while admiring the stunning views to the White Horse at Kilburn and the Vale of York.

“The walks were just an idea for people to meet the alpacas - but they’ve proved to be an essential extra income stream for my business,” said Jacki, whose alpaca Livanti has appeared on TV in The Yorkshire Vet.

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“Working with the Uniquely Local team has allowed me to add value and also reach a much wider audience.”

This has helped the farm expand, adding a gift shop selling its hand-spun individual alpaca fleece.

(Image: pic supplied)

Becoming an experience provider can be extremely lucrative. Small businesses and individuals can sell a gift experience without any financial risk; there’s no initial set up cost or minimum contract, and Uniquely Local only takes a small percentage of the price. Businesses also get support with marketing.

York mums Rachel Marshall and Ema Broadhurst got the idea for Uniquely Local in 2016 after they were unable to find interesting, local, memorable experiences.

Uniquely Local now works with carefully-selected suppliers, artists and makers to offer unique and exciting Yorkshire-based experience days and gift vouchers.

(Image: pic supplied)

Rachel said: “As well as bringing in an additional income, the margins on gift experiences can be very attractive. It also helps you to reach new customers and create brand ambassadors, and provides a platform to tell your story as you can connect with your customers and invite them into your business."

“People are often curious about the businesses around them and the impact on their local economy. Experiences are a fantastic opportunity to tell your story, paving the way for future collaborations.”

Uniquely Local offers many experiences, from learning how to keep bees, make gelato ice cream and take photos at night to paddle boarding, jewellery-making and wine tasting. There’s also horse riding, an introduction to foraging, woodland mindfulness walks, an escape room experience and a self-guided food tour.

Any business can add an experience to their offer, but think about ‘indulge’ and ‘experience’:

Rachel added: “Anyone can become an experience provider. If you have a passion for something, you can turn it into an experience.”

• For more information, visit https://uniquelylocal.co.uk/how-to-become-anexperience-provider or email: hello@uniquelylocal.co.uk