Olly left Yarm in 2005 went to study Business Management at Northumbria University where he met his wife, Francesca. After living in London both Olly and Francesca relocated back to the North to be closer to family and the farm. 

Lovesome Hill Farm is based just north of Darlington and the Lawson family have farmed the land for over 90 years, with oilseed rape being introduced to the farm nearly 40 years ago. In 2020, the business received a grant to purchase a press and bottling facility which allows Olly and his family to not only grow the seed, but also press, filter, bottle and label the oil all on site - reducing food miles.

Lovesome Oil is a family affair with Olly’s wife working on both the production and day to day running with his mum, Heather and daughter also helping out too. Olly’s brother and former pupil, Toby, also helps out when he is back in the area. 

Sustainability is important to the Lawsons and they’ve implemented many steps to keep the farm land as fertile as possible, while simultaneously reducing the reliance of artificial fertilizers.

Olly said “Yarm School Christmas Market was the ideal platform for Lovesome Oil, it was great to be back at the school and see how it had progressed over the years. Despite all the impressive changes, it was nice that the inclusive ‘feel’ of the school still remained.” 

Lovesome Oil can be bought online (https://lovesomeoil.com) or from local farmers’ markets in the area (Sedgefield and Barnard Castle).

We are looking forward to welcoming Olly and his family again at this year’s Christmas Market!