The Giggly Pig Company was formed in 2007 by Tracy Mackness, 42 years old from Essex. Tracy one the Gold Award in a competition hosted by Barclays Trading Places 2007

In February 2002 Tracy Mackness’s life hit its lowest point. She had two failed marriages behind her and a history of mental illness that involved two attempted suicides. Finally she became involved in a drug conspiracy that landed her a 10 year prison sentence.

But, Tracy used this as an opportunity to take stock of her life and break away from the self-destructive ways of her past. Transferred to an open prison after three years, Tracy secured a position looking after rare breed saddle back pigs on the prison farm. She had found something that made her feel good about herself and went on to take a course in pig husbandry. When she was released from prison, Tracy was ready to start up her own business, the Giggly Pig Company.

Soon she had secured space at farmers’ markets in prime locations in Essex and in and around London and her sausages and bacon were a sell-out success.

It has not been an easy journey, but Tracy has now found belief in her ability to work hard and achieve her goals and, most of all, she has won back the respect of her family and friends.