Highgrove Enterprises sponsors 2nd QEST Apprentice

Highgrove Enterprises is delighted to support The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) apprenticeship programme for the second time.

QEST will use a grant awarded by The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund (PWCF) to support Jack Silberrad to undertake an apprenticeship in bee keeping with The London Honey Company.

The London Honey Company specialises in maintaining beehives for clients such as Highgrove Estate, Fortnum and Mason, the Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum and various Michelin-starred restaurants. Under the supervision of founder Steve Benbow, Jack, who was inspired to take up bee keeping by his apiarist grandfather, will learn all aspects of commercial beekeeping, including honeybee biology, botany, honey cropping, processing and storage. Part of the funding will be used to help Jack undertake a placement in New Zealand. Jack’s apprenticeship will be accredited by the Bee Farmers Association and the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers as he works toward earning a Diploma of Excellence in Bee Farming.

Jack Silberrad said: “Through my apprenticeship I will be equipped to expand honey production in the UK and to pass on knowledge about pollinators, by running beekeeping courses and offering educational talks. I already volunteer for my local beekeeping association of more than 500 members as Events Secretary, and wish to continue to drive a positive impact for bees and British bee-related industries on multiple fronts.”

Chris Prescott, CEO at Highgrove Enterprises, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Jack’s apprenticeship in beekeeping through QEST, which was established to provide support for talented craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, and to welcome him as this year’s apprentice. Bees are critical to our ecosystem and this funding will not only support Jack’s education as he builds his skills for a future in bee keeping but also supports the continued sustainability of this important species.”

Highgrove Enterprises, which operates garden tours, events and a retail enterprise to raise money for PWCF, firmly believes that businesses can be successful while also serving wider social and environmental interests. The company is committed to embedding sustainable principles in its operations, while also supporting small businesses and craftspeople.