A farm upbringing in Herefordshire led to Stephen studying a degree in Agriculture at Newcastle University. He developed a keen interest in action sports, particularly kayaking and now regularly goes mountain biking and swimming. A career at major companies in the food industry followed and he married Mandy. Along the way he acquired a commercial helicopter pilot licence and flew professionally for five Years.

With the arrival of daughter Lauren they chose to return to Herefordshire In 2001 to join the family business, a mixed poultry, Cider apple and arable farm. Stephen expanded the business with the planting of dessert and culinary apple and Perry Pear orchards. However he became concerned with the sustainability of modern farming practices, a view that was galvanised during study travels that followed his awarding of a Nuffield scholarship in 2011. Studying for the NTS certificate in sustainable agriculture in Queensland Australia the penny dropped in Stephens mind by establishing the link between soil, plant, animal and human health. He has been on a mission to improve his farms soil and grow nutrient dense fruit ever since with an increased emphasis on biological farming practices.