Farming Connect is hosting a series of business review surgeries to help farmers and foresters evaluate how their business is performing, identify areas for improvement and discuss plans for the future.
The business review surgeries will provide individuals registered with Farming Connect with a fully-funded hour-long confidential appointment with an experienced agricultural business adviser to evaluate current performance, discuss challenges and look at ways to strengthen the business, such as through more efficient ways of working, expansion or diversification projects.
“The biggest advantage of attending a surgery is the opportunity to meet with an adviser who has experience of working with all types of agricultural businesses, who may be able to provide fresh ideas to develop new business opportunities, or strengthen the existing business,” says Lois Evans, surgeries officer with Farming Connect.
As well as gaining an overview of the current farming system and using accounts to benchmark the farm with similar businesses, the adviser will also help identify areas for improvement and discuss any future plans to strengthen the viability of the business.
“A good way to identify the strategic direction of your business is to prepare a business plan, which is a very useful tool to help you understand where your business is heading, plan ahead for any future challenges and strengthen its resilience,” she added.
Farming Connect has produced a business plan template and guidance notes, which are available on the Strategic Business Planning page of our website. Alternatively, contact your Local Development Officer who will be able to provide guidance on the new range of business support services available.
Farmers are encouraged to bring information to the surgeries which offers an insight into their business, such as three years’ of financial accounts, dairy costings, NMR records, acreage farmed, stock numbers and subsidy payments.
To book your hour-long appointment at one of the following surgeries, contact Catrin Lloyd on 02920 467418 or email catrin.lloyd@menterabusnes.co.uk
- 5 September 2016, Monmouth
- 8 September 2016, Carmarthen
- 8 September 2016, Llandrindod Wells
- 13 September 2016, Porthmadog
- 28 September 2016, St Asaph