Torquay Stockfeeds calls time after four decades

Popular family-owned business Torquay Stockfeeds has called time on a 40-year journey serving the Surf Coast and will close its doors next month. Pictured (L-R) are family members Graham, Brian, Jill, Michael, and Hayley Pocklington. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

A STAPLE of Torquay’s business landscape will close up shop next month after more than four decades serving the Surf Coast community and beyond.

Local family-owned produce business Torquay Stockfeeds will cease operations on September 28 after 46 years at its Grossmans Road location, with founders and owners Brian and Jill Pocklington to go into well-deserved retirement.

Brian and Jill first took over the local egg farm in Torquay in 1977, where they continued it for 44 years before closing it down in 2021.

Items at Torquay Stockfeeds will be at a reduced price up until closing day.

Six years on from opening the egg farm in 1983, Brian and Jill would begin the business as it is known today, commencing trade as Torquay Stockfeeds with three bags of feed on the original steel table still in use today and committing to the business principle of fair pricing.

“We’re sad to see Torquay Stockfeeds close down, knowing we started the business from those original three bags. Ever since, the business has just grown and grown and grown,” Mr Pocklington said.

“Our children Graham and Hayley want to do their own thing and we’re perfectly happy with that.

“It’s a little bit exciting for Jill and I, we’re not exactly sure what we’re going to do with ourselves with all the extra time – we heard there’s a beach in Torquay.”

Brian and Jill Pocklington opened Torquay Stockfeeds in 1983 and will close up the business on September 28.

Mr Pocklington’s wife and business partner Jill says there is a lot of pride, knowing they ran a successful business for almost half a century.

She said she was excited for what came next.

“We still have a couple of those customers that have been with us since the start, that’s something that really sits well with me,” Ms Pocklington said.

“It’s hard to single out a favourite moment during the time we’ve had here because there has been so many, but from a family perspective, getting our grandkids to work in the shop with us has been a great way to spend extra time with them.

“But it goes without saying, none of this could have been possible without the community remaining committed and loyal customers over all these years.”

The pair have publicly stated they are willing to help anyone looking to start up a similar business to keep the community supplied with animal stockfeed.

Until the business officially closes next month, many items will be sold at clearance prices.