Firms that work on the land will be supported

9:20am Friday 10th October 2008

COMPANIES working on the land in Worcestershire are being supported by a new package from Business Link West Midlands, which will provide a dedicated information website and a team of industry specialists.

The move, which is being backed by key partners such as the Rural Hubs, Natural England and local authorities, is designed to provide firms with the expertise and knowledge they need to make the most of a changing industry and more immediate concerns such as flooding, the credit crunch and climate change.

Business Link’s Mark Davies said: “When people refer to land-based businesses many quote farmers as the main audience but the reality is somewhat different. The sector is diverse in its nature and covers anything from prime producers to floristry and agricultural engineering and fencing.

“Talking to these businesses we know the challenges they face and the opportunities they have are different to your everyday company and this support boost will ensure we are doing everything we can to help the sector flourish.”

Chris Higgins, Bill Johnson, Joe Pell, Terry Draycott and Stuart Brown are some of the experienced advisers who will be delivering one-to-one advice and business mentoring to Worcestershire companies.

They will use nearly 100 years’ experience to play a crucial role in signposting businesses to funding opportunities and in introducing firms to the National Farmers’ Union-backed Business Link supply database, which features many industry specialists.

In addition to the intensive support there are also a host of factsheets on new legislation available and a new micro-site (rurallink.co.uk) aimed at land-based companies will be launched shortly.

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