The Willen Ice Cream Company, based in Milton Keynes, won in the Micro Business category at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards in March.
The category celebrated businesses that demonstrated sustained success and contributed to the city’s reputation as a thriving place for businesses and growth. The judges commented that The Willen Ice Cream Company showed ‘a sustainable ethos running throughout the business’ and is ‘a shining example of a micro business, which has already seen sustained growth, with more forecast for the future’.
This recognition is a proud moment for the small, independent business, celebrating its commitment to creating artisan ice cream with locally sourced ingredients and sustainability at its heart.
Founded six years ago with a passion for quality and creativity, The Willen Ice Cream Company has grown into a thriving local business, delivering delicious, hand-crafted premium dairy, dairy-free and vegan artisan ice creams that showcase the best of Milton Keynes. From working with local fruit growers, farmers and family businesses to embracing eco-friendly practices, sustainability and community is woven into every scoop it makes.
The team works with local producers and collaborators to create deliciously unique flavours and award-winning ice cream, including its Simply Dairy flavour, which was awarded a coveted Gold Great Taste Star in 2021 at The Great Taste Awards.
The Willen Ice Cream Company also received the sought-after Sustainability Award at The SME Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire Awards 2023.
Richard Gordon, owner of The Willen Ice Cream Company said: “Winning this award is true testament to how hard we have worked to grow our business from our home kitchen to a brand-new production facility that helps us keep up with demand.
“As a small business, we’ve poured our hearts into creating not only exceptional ice cream but also a business that values sustainability and community.
“This award isn’t only for the team – it also goes to our amazing and loyal customers. We wouldn’t be here without them, and for that we are very grateful.”
Looking ahead, The Willen Ice Cream Company is aiming to continue growing the business, future innovations and new flavour ranges, as well as working with more responsible, local producers and businesses, and improving sustainability practices further.
To find out more about The Willen Ice Cream Company visit their website here.
