Business Advice for Farmers

On Merseyside there is a range of support available to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) (Click here to download Definition of SMEs) including farms and related rural businesses. The level of advice varies from an initial action plan and review of the business to a full business and management strategy. In terms of funding, Business Plans are required to accompany any grant application and there are many organisations that can assist in this process. There are templates available from the ICEP Project Team.

Business Plans

A business plan is a key document in the development of any new venture or activity and is intended to be a framework the business objectives and how you intend to achieve them. There is a range of key components to any business plan, depending on the proposal. The following are some suggestions but are by no means conclusive:

Aims and Objectives of new activity/business
Background and review of core business
Market Need (research) for new activity/business
Financial Implications, breakdown of costs and funding.
Implementation and Project Management.
Sustainability of project, social, environmental and economic considerations.
Risk Assessment and Sensitivity Analysis.

There is a wealth of information in the Documents and Website sections, giving examples, templates and guidance notes for formulating business plans. In addition, the Project Officer will be happy to discuss further and advise.

Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS)

Defra is funding a new Farm Business Advice Service which aims to help you gain a better understanding of the financial implications that the SPS will have for your business and give guidance on how you might adjust your business in response to the changes.

Eligibility

You must meet some basic eligibility criteria but if you are farming in England and claiming under the Single Payment Scheme, it is likely you will be eligible to receive free advice under the service. You will be asked to provide some basic information when you register.

What Next

To register for help phone 0870 870 7380, you will need your CPH/holding number.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/capreform/pubs/pdf/farmbus.PDF

Business Management Clubs

Local clubs, dependant on demand, have been established across the Merseyside region where participants meet together fortnightly and learn from a sympathetic tutor. Topics covered include cash flows, budgets, business planning and other tools that today’s progressive business managers need to be comfortable with, in order to have a meaningful dialogue with bankers, accountants, co-operative leaders and the like. Working with like minded people, the individuals benefit from the sharing of best practice and group discussion. For further information see the training section or contact ICEP Project Officer.

Groundwork

There are two groundwork organisations in Merseyside, operating north (Groundwork Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley and Sefton) and south (Groundwork Wirral) of the Mersey. They run a number of initiatives for businesses in Merseyside including the Environmental Business Service (EBS) and Merben (Merseyside Business Environment network). They can provide advice and support on issues such as waste management, health and safety, environmental management systems, training and environmentally sustainable business management. They also support a number of community engagement initiatives and can offer advice and support for a board range of activities.