SUPPORTING FARM INNOVATION
IGNITING INNOVATION AND GROWTH: WHY YOU NEED TO ATTEND FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION 2023
GROWING PROFITS: HOW FARMERS SUCCESSFULLY DIVERSIFY THEIR BUSINESS WITH GARDEN CENTRES
We will make the play at your farm attraction unique and special
We design, manufacture and install our playgrounds nationwide.
If you’re operating a Farm Attraction or developing plans to diversify, we can help you. We know that unique and special play and adventure areas draw in more families. Our play areas enhance their visitor experience and encourage people to stay longer spending more on-site with you.
Our team is experienced in creating bespoke, original, sustainable playgrounds that provide youngsters with rich, creative, engaging play. We help you keep Mum and Dad choosing your attraction as the place to take the children to this weekend and next weekend and that Birthday treat with all their friends.
We’re used to working with all sizes of destination play attractions and everyone is special to us. We know you need to make your budget for play really pay back for your business and we will focus on getting the offer right for you.
All our initial design and consultation work is free so don’t hesitate to call us and discuss your potential play project with us. We can make your plans a reality.
Contact us:
T: 0117 963 8222
E: enquiries@touchwoodplay.co.uk
W: www.touchwoodplay.co.uk
The opportunities to diversify seem to grow every year with new takes on age old ideas and some completely original schemes. Of course, the carbon credits and biodiversity net gain could provide you income in the long run, but they’re not a quick solution.
If you want to boost your income in the next two to five years, or sooner, an old fashioned business you can see, hear and feel is likely to be a more certain bet.
In this edition we have ideas a plenty, from offering storage solutions, to hosting events or opening a garden centre.
And if you’re thirsty for more ideas after reading our magazine why not attend the Farm Business Innovation Show? The Show is dedicated to empowering farmers, landowners and agricultural professionals with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to drive innovation, diversification, and growth in their businesses.
The trade event at the NEC on November 15/16, brings together industry experts, suppliers and thought leaders to create a dynamic platform for learning, networking and discovering new opportunities.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to propel your farm business to new heights!
We’ll see you there and if you have any feedback on the magazine you can let us know at the time or email me nick@euromediaal.com
In this summer 2023 edition we’re looking to make hay while the sun shines by bringing you the features you need to make a success of diversifying your farm or land.
farm innovation
6 Bolton: Landowner case study Yate Fold Farm is situated in Bolton, Greater Manchester, just 25 minutes by car from Manchester city centre.
14 Igniting Innovation and Growth: Why you need to attend Farm Business Innovation 2023 Farm Business Innovation is set to be a game-changer for farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals
20 Growing Profits: How Farmers Successfully Diversify Their Business with Garden Centres Farm diversification is a significant business opportunity, with around 68% of farms in England having diversified in some way as of 2022 according to Defra
38 Farmers lead research to revive the lost linen industry in Scotland Farmers and crofters are collaborating with weavers and textile makers to revive the acient craft of linen production
The farm has been the main source of income for the Pendlebury family for over 70 years, who moved in as tenant farmers in 1951. Managed initially by Richard’s parents, and now by Richard and his wife Kirsten, the farm will one day be inherited by their two children.
The importance of diversification and adaptability in the farming sector is reflected in the changes seen by Yate Fold Farm since the 1950s. It started from a place of hardship and was established as a dairy farm with little to no resources, but changed considerably in 1998 when Richard returned from his travels. When abroad, he had been exposed to a host of new organic farming practices, which he subsequently implemented at home.
There have been many changes at the farm since 1951, but the Pendleburys’ open-mindedness and refusal to become complacent have remained the same.
When Richard heard about Environment Bank from his land agent, he was immediately interested in the benefits its Habitat Bank product may present. Now, after careful consideration and lots of useful advice from Environment Bank’s team of expert ecologists, the creation of a Habitat Bank is underway.
Here, he explains his journey.
Why did you choose the Environment Bank model?
Our land is difficult to farm. It’s grade 4 pasture land so often, it isn’t the most suitable for generating an income.
After hearing about Environment Bank, I filled out a simple triage form and within three weeks, one of their senior ecologists, Fleur, had come to Yate Fold Farm to walk the site and talk me through initial plans.
The more I researched Environment Bank, the more I learned about the people behind it. What immediately made me feel more comfortable about making this big change was reading about the Chairman of Environment Bank, Professor David Hill.
Knowing that he was part of a team that had lobbied for Biodiversity Net Gain to become a legal requirement demonstrated to me his vested interest in restoring nature across the UK and made me really confident in the process.
I also liked the fact that Environment Bank’s head office is based in York, just across the Pennines. The team understands what it’s like to farm in the north, especially when it comes to issues like weather conditions that generally
aren’t as harsh further south. It’s good to know they really understand us and our experience of farming.
Finally, the prospect of a Habitat Bank aligns with what I want for my family. The partnership with Environment Bank is enabling us to see a clear picture of how the farm can stay within the family for generations to come, and we’re comfortable that there will be no Inheritance Tax issues in the future, as we’re still farming and grazing the land and thereby preserving its agricultural status.
What is the process so far?
So far, the process has been really positive.
Following ecologist Fleur’s visit, her team embarked on some in-depth research to ensure that the habitats we’d be creating and the wildlife we’d be aiming to attract would be the best possible addition to our land.
Environment Bank is putting me through a conservation grazing course at the end of March so that I can continue to farm cattle, but potentially for different purposes. The breed of cattle I’m going to invest in will graze for conservation
Yate Fold Farm Habitat Bank visualisation.
Images courtesy of Environment Bank
purposes but I’ll also be able to rear them for meat production, so Environment Bank really took into consideration how this Habitat Bank will improve my existing farm business.
We also put plans in place for the monitoring and management of the Habitat Bank and scheduled the yearly visits from the team of ecologists. It was great to have these conversations outright and map out what the future of the farm looks like, so we know what to expect.
The herd of cattle that will be grazing will hopefully improve the quality of the land. Unlike dairy cows that compact the land, pull out the grass by the root, and prohibit regrowth, the new breed we’ll be welcoming will chew the grasslands,
almost like a lawnmower.
It really is like going back to the very early days of farming, where the land and the cattle would benefit each other, and make for a richer, more biologically diverse landscape.
What benefits do you expect from the Habitat Bank?
The financial benefits are abundant. The Environment Bank model means that we’ll receive funding for a minimum of 30 years to manage the Habitat Bank, with annual uplifts to counter inflation. This is very reassuring, seeing as it is a guaranteed, regular source of income for a considerable period of time. Such assurance is quite rare in the farming landscape, which is typically subject to constant change.
We’ll also be able to boost our income from the new cattle on the land, which will be high-quality, organic meat that goes direct to market or direct to restaurant.
Also, farming is labour-intensive work that consumes a lot of time. By opening up this brand new income stream, we’ll be able to pursue a work-life balance, which is especially important for Tristan and Nathaniel as they grow up. Up until now, my father and I have been working 70
hours a week. The Habitat Bank somewhat opens up a new era of quality time together for my family and me.
The Habitat Bank will also potentially allow us to diversify our income even further. Given the farm’s location in such close proximity to Manchester city centre and the surrounding urban areas, city dwellers most likely feel that they do not get enough exposure to rural landscapes. Therefore, we’re hoping to open the farm to visitors in the coming years, and potentially even host school trips here. The opportunities are endless!
What advice would you give to other farmers or landowners?
We couldn’t fault Environment Bank. It did feel daunting to us when we first began to explore the options but the team of expert ecologists has been easy to get on with from the outset and always eager to answer any questions.
Our advice would be to explore the options offered by Environment Bank with a truly open mind. It’s easy to be skeptical, but trust the process! You’d need a crystal ball to predict the future of farming and land, and this is an option that offers both certainty and a stable income.
Destination play parks have long been enjoyed by parents as spaces that offer endless opportunities for children to explore, imagine, and engage in playful activities within a safe environment.
materials used in their play structures are of the highest quality, ensuring durability and longevity. Rigorous safety standards are adhered to during construction, guaranteeing a secure environment for children to play. By prioritizing safety, parents feel confident in allowing their children to explore freely, leading to longer play sessions and enhanced peace of mind.
Touchwood Play acknowledges their role in facilitating extended play sessions. This consideration enhances the overall experience for families, encouraging them to visit more frequently and for longer durations.
Destination parks are designed to captivate young minds and provide a unique recreational experience. In this editorial, we turn our attention to Touchwood Play, a unique British brand in play that specialises in destination play parks. Touchwood focuses on creating a broad spectrum of play experiences that deliver the dwell time you need for your park. We delve into the reasons why Touchwood Play stands out among its counterparts, highlighting the benefits it brings to both children and parents and therefore you as the park operator.
Touchwood Play’s success lies in its innovative design and layout, which promotes prolonged engagement. The park’s architecture incorporates interactive and immersive features that captivate children’s attention. From climbing structures and slides to imaginative play areas involving interactive kinetic experiences, every element is meticulously crafted to foster creativity and exploration. Touchwood can design you stand alone experiences through to master planning a whole new park. Touchwood, thoughtfully design with varied levels of challenges, ensuring that children of different ages and abilities can find activities that cater to their interests, leading to extended play sessions and creating satisfied customers.
Touchwood Play is committed to providing an unparalleled play experience without compromising on safety. The
Touchwood Play goes beyond conventional play equipment by incorporating interactive and immersive elements. By integrating technology, sound, kinetic elements and light effects, they create an enchanting environment that stimulates children’s imagination. Whether it’s a water play zone like the one they recently installed at The Eden Project, or a musical play area, these unique experiences offer endless possibilities for exploration and engagement. The innovative blending of different play experiences encourages children to stay involved for extended periods, enhancing dwell time within the park.
Touchwood Play embraces the principles of inclusivity, ensuring that children of all abilities can fully participate in the play experience. Their designs always have accessibility as part of the design process, sensory play areas, and equipment designed to accommodate children with diverse needs. By providing an inclusive environment, Touchwood Play promotes social interaction, empathy, and understanding among children and caregivers. This inclusive approach not only fosters longer play sessions but also contributes to the development of a more inclusive society.
Touchwood Play understands the importance of catering to parents’ and caregivers needs as well. Their designs offer comfortable seating areas, shade, and amenities where parents can relax and enjoy their time while keeping a watchful eye on their children. By providing a comfortable and inviting space for parents,
If you are looking for a company to provide the ‘wow’ factor and a play experience that occupies them for hours not minutes then Touchwood Play are a company you should be talking to.
Bristol Office:
Touchwood Play - Bower Ashton Woodyard, Kennel Lodge Road, Bristol BS3 2JT
Tel: 0117 963 8222
enquiries@touchwoodplay.co.uk
Newcastle Office:
TouchWood Play – Northern Sales and Design Office, Wylam, Northumberland
Tel: 07888 732280
enquiries@touchwoodplay.co.uk
Playspaces are launching their exciting New Robinia Forest Range! A well-known rot resistant European hard wood, Robinia is perfect for outdoor playground equipment and tough enough to withstand anything the British weather throws at it. Highly sustainable, the wood’s irregular look blends into its surroundings, creating original and fun spaces for children.
Playspaces design, manufacture, supply and install bespoke outdoor playground equipment, providing individual play equipment pieces or complete turnkey playground builds. Their extensive range of timber playground equipment suits all ages and settings, including safety and allweather surfacing. The New Robinia Forest Range is especially suited to commercial applications for parish councils and play park owners concerned about the higher
carbon footprint of metal play equipment.
Complying with stringent safety standards, all Playspaces manufactured products come with full installation instructions, with each component part simple to identify. From trim trails to climbing frames and towers, Playspaces have outdoor play covered.
enquiries@playspaces.co.uk
Tel 01622 844 238
www.playspaces.co.uk
The Farmtrac range of innovative, value-driven tractors and attachments, including the industry’s first all-electric model, could transform operations around the occupied areas of your farm.
The electric version can run for up to six hours and be left to charge overnight using a domestic three pin socket for eight hours and still outperform a comparable 25hp diesel tractor in applications such as mowing and transporting materials.
It allows you to continue operating without disturbing guests while also working towards the decarbonisation of your business.
The electric tractor will be on display at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, from July 28-30.
Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink Agriculture, who are distributing the vehicle, said: “What Farmtrac as a brand and attendees at The Game Fair have in common is an appreciation and enthusiasm for the countryside pursuits which means safeguarding that asset for us all to enjoy is paramount.
“That’s why the star of our stand is the revolutionary FT25G electric tractor. Hailed as the ‘future of the industry’ with its lithium-ion battery, it’s sure to be a big draw.”
While on stand visitors can view the diesel compacts in the Farmtrac range. Compact tractors are ideal for handling the jobs around smallholdings, paddocks, and private estates and Farmtrac has three in varying horsepowers on stand.
There’s the crowd favourite, the 24.4hp FT26, with its light and narrow body and 750kg capacity meaning it’s more than capable of handling field work. The 21.3hp FT22 doesn’t come up short when it comes to its capabilities and is packed full of all the key features of a larger tractor. And the 47hp FT6050 is designed to meet the latest EU emission standards, which ensures clean emissions while delivering good levels of fuel economy and plenty of power.
All three are jam-packed with innovative features and supported by extensive warranties and the history of UK distributor Reesink Agriculture. For those interested in a tractor with hydrostatic transmission, there will be HST version of the FT26 also on stand, plus models fitted with ROPS and cabins for viewing.
For the ultimate combination, the BigToolRack range of rack attachments will also be on stand. The perfect finishing touch for getting the ultimate productivity and efficiency from the work required from a tractor. This lightweight piece of kit allows every tool needed for most jobs to be easily taken out on the tractor all day long.
Steven concludes: “The Game Fair has become a key event in our calendar due to the interest they inspire in the audience that attends the show. The Game Fair visitors are discerning customers who want the best machinery options for the countryside and who appreciate products that offer great value for money.”
The Game Fair attendees can find Reesink Agriculture and its products on stand L1346.
To find out more contact Reesink on 01480 226800, visit reesinkagriculture. co.uk to view the tractors or email info@ reesinkturfcare.co.uk.
Enter now for the chance to win accommodation for the first night of show
Visitor registration for SALTEX 2023, Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, is now open. And with it the chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.
The theme for 2023 SALTEX is ‘boost your game’ which will see SALTEX focus on providing visitors and exhibitors with all the key tools needed to be successful in the groundscare sector.
Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, the leading notfor-profit organisation organising the show, explains: “At this year’s show, attendees will be supported in boosting their knowledge, career, skills, sales, surface, and network – all of which will result in an industry that is better connected, holds more expertise, and continues to be at the forefront of turfcare around the world.”
Last year’s show brought together over 8,300 visitors from 50 plus countries with the biggest names in the groundscare industry.
Sarah continues: “SALTEX was set up by the industry for the industry, keeping the
many different reasons that people attend in mind, at all times. For example, boosting sales is much easier when over 60 percent of visitors attending play a role in the purchasing decision.”
In addition, Sarah confirms, “Visitors can hear from the industry’s leading experts, as well as groundscare professionals from the country’s top sports grounds, covering burning topics in the Learning LIVE seminar programme.
“There will be opportunities to speak to grassroots pitch advisors from the GMA and representatives from the National Governing Bodies to receive technical advice as well guidance on accessing much-needed funding and ways to upskill through the Grounds Management Framework,” she says. “All this is in addition to the unrivalled opportunities to network, earn CPD points and speak to experts offering career advice.”
With soon-to-be-announced exciting new show features making their first appearance at the show, Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association is keen to ensure that SALTEX continues to adapt and cater to the industry’s needs as it has done numerous times over its 76
exhibitions: “All income generated by the show is ploughed back into the industry securing its future for generations to come.
“By attending SALTEX, visitors are supporting the vital year-round work that enables the GMA to invest in important resources for the sector, as well as developing closer and more collaborative relationships with sports bodies that can help create inward investment back into the sector. Registering for your free ticket doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the industry too.”
Registering now comes with the bonus of being entered into a free prize draw with the first 1,000 people to register as visitors in with a chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show.
SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. To secure a free ticket to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, register online at https:// www.saltex.org.uk/ Competition details and T&Cs can be found at https://bit. ly/3PkITZU
Farm Business Innovation is set to be a game-changer for farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.
This dynamic event brings together the brightest minds, innovative technologies, and cutting-edge solutions that can help you generate more profit from your farm or land.
Discover New Opportunities:
The show offers a platform for farmers and agricultural professionals to explore a vast array of opportunities. From agritourism and farm diversification to renewable energy solutions and technological advancements, Farm Business Innovation showcases the latest trends and innovations that can revolutionise your farm business. Discover new ideas, business models, and revenue streams that can help you thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Gain Expert Insights:
The show features a lineup of industry experts and thought leaders who will share
their knowledge and expertise through engaging seminars, demonstrations, and panel discussions. Learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights into best practices, and stay up to date with the latest industry trends. Whether you’re seeking guidance on diversification strategies, sustainable farming practices, or rural tourism, Farm Business Innovation provides a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the challenges and seize opportunities.
Network with Peers and Suppliers: Connect with like-minded individuals, network with peers, and forge valuable connections with leading suppliers, service providers, and industry professionals. Share ideas, exchange experiences, and collaborate on innovative projects that can drive growth and success. Farm Business Innovation creates a vibrant environment where you can build relationships, find
potential business partners, and uncover new ways to expand your network within the agricultural community.
Find Inspiration:
Immerse yourself in a world of inspiration as you witness success stories, innovative concepts, and visionary ideas. Farm Business Innovation showcases real-life case studies that demonstrate how others have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable results. Be inspired by their journeys and let their stories fuel your own aspirations for growth and innovation.
Join us at the NEC on 15 and 16 November 2023 to open your farm gate to the world of diversification! Contact us today at marketingre@agriconnect.com
Tentipi Event Tents create practical, versatile, and visually impressive outside spaces. They increase capacity for alfresco dining, workshops, and events, creating a unique atmosphere for any gathering.
Founder and owner of Tentipi, Bengt Grahn, designed and made the world’s first
giant Nordic tipis in Sweden back in 1989. Tentipi remains a family business, steadily building a customer base around the world.
In recent years Tentipi has seen a growing number of farms and landowners join their customer base, with tipis being used as semi-permanent
wedding venues, cafes, farm shops and glamping tents.
Designed to withstand harsh Scandinavian winters, Tentipi tents are robust structures suitable for year-round use. They come in various sizes, accommodating capacities ranging from 16 to many hundreds in linked tents.
Tentipi tents are built to last. Their canvas has the best water-repellent properties available and complies with all relevant flame-retardant standards. The timber poles are crafted from sustainably harvested slow-grown spruce and undergo rigorous lab testing to ensure their strength.
Customers receive
comprehensive support from Tentipi, including detailed training materials, videos, safety manuals, method statements, and risk assessments. They also enjoy ongoing after-sales support for the life of their tipis.
For a limited time, new customers can take advantage of a special offer from Tentipi, which includes FREE installation, training and delivery.
For more information, please contact the Tentipi team –e: event.tipis.uk@tentipi.com
t: 01769 615044
w: tentipi.com/events
*TS & CS APPLY
Thirty years ago, Wigwam Cabins unveiled the world’s first Glamping Pod. Three decades on, they are excited to launch their all new EcoCabin, confirming their position as market leaders.
rural community.
Wigwam Holidays, pioneers of the UK glamping industry are proud partners in bringing the Eco-Cabin to market.
the natural aesthetic of traditional timber with contemporary design with particular emphasis on utilising off grid technologies”
The Perthshire company are specialists in the construction of rural buildings from sustainably sourced timber and the new ‘Eco Lodge’ is aligned with the company’s sustainability strategy. Its biophilic design combines eco-friendly features and design aesthetics that establish a connection between the indoors and the outdoors. This makes it the ideal solution for rural leisure and suitable for multiple uses including green office buildings, or to meet the demand for affordable, low energy, green homes for
Charles Gulland, Managing Director, commented, “We are delighted to launch our first eco cabin. The all timber cabin is constructed using sustainably sourced materials and uses the highest quality insulation for energy efficiency. Customers will be able to choose from a whole range of eco-friendly features, ranging from underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, solar panels and triple glazing to name a few”.
Initially developed to expand the offering at Wigwam Holidays Glenlivet, a new 24 cabin site in the Highlands, the new Eco Lodge is now being rolled out to sites across the whole of the UK.
Charles continued:
“This elegant rural building combines
Developed with support from finance from the Scottish Government, the design team have focused on utilising off grid technology to respond to the rapidly increasing demand for sustainable environmentally friendly solutions for both leisure and residential accommodation.
Fund Manager for Business Loans
Scotland, Andrew Dickson said:
“Wigwam Cabins is a clear market leader and innovator within the glamping industry and I am delighted that Business Loans Scotland has been able to support the business with its plans to grow and to produce the first ‘eco’ glamping cabin. Producing these ‘eco’ buildings will have many benefits in today’s current economic climate and I wish the business continued success for the future.”
With three decades of experience, we build wooden pods and lodges as durable as they are beautiful, right here in the UK. Now introducing our new 'Eco Lodge, the ultimate sustainable, environmentally friendly rental unit for the rapidly growing outdoor holiday market.
0131
The UK’s deer population is believed to be at its highest level for 1,000 years, with some two million deer in our countryside and semi-urban areas.
and is a sustainable alternative to fencing and plastic tree guards in the landscape. As such, I strongly encourage producers to apply for this new scheme.”
management of wild deer in England & Wales and maximise the use of a healthy source of protein.”
Agrowing deer population with no natural predator puts more browsing pressure on woodland ground flora through their consumption of tree shoots, shrubs and woody vegetation that sequester carbon.
Farmers and landowners are being encouraged to assist with ncreased wild deer management in a bid to protect existing woodland and newly planted saplings, meet England’s tree planting targets, protect agricultural crops and biodiversity and increase carbon stocks in woodlands.
The wild venison quality assurance scheme, which is open to applicants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will ensure a set of audited standards are met throughout the supply chain, from forests, to the processing chain, to supermarket shelves.
Successful applicants –including venison producers and processors – will support the development of a wider, more robust marketplace for British wild venison, which is a sustainable and healthy food source.
Applicants must demonstrate they comply with the new
scheme, ensuring carcasses are handled correctly, premises are registered as food businesses with the local authority, and that standards expected for producing food are met in line with relevant regulations and best practice, ensuring that full traceability occurs.
It is hoped the first qualityassured meat badged under this scheme will go on sale next year.
Richard Stanford, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said: “A healthy native wild deer population that is in balance with its ecosystem will allow woodland to flourish, and support biodiversity.
“However where there are high-density populations of wild deer these can negatively impact the establishment, growth and biodiversity of woodland.
“Deer therefore must be managed as part of sustainable forestry in England which will also support the development of the wild venison market as a healthy meat.
“Boosting confidence in the British venison market encourages deer management
Martin Edwards, Head of Deer & Woodland Management British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said: “The British Quality Wild Venison standard has the capability to grow confidence in the wild venison market through opening doors and allowing wild venison to reach its full potential. A wild venison market working at full capacity across the supply chain will assist with the
The scheme is a crosssector initiative developed by the Forestry Commission, Grown in Britain, Forestry England, Natural Resources Wales, National Game Dealers Association, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, British Deer Society, and the National Gamekeepers Organisation.
To apply for the British Quality Wild Venison scheme visit: British Quality Wild Venison - Quality assurance for British Wild Venison.
As a comprehensive 360-degree technical service provider we offer multiple options from bespoke design and management to simple hire of equipment. We will find the best solution to help you create unique experiences and we guarantee great service throughout your journey with us.
We support multiple sectors across the
live events industry and by working closely with our clients we can deliver tailor-made solutions with customer service at the core.
Our fantastic team have a wealth of experience supplying a wide variety of custom projects that range from compact installations into immersive experiences such as scare mazes, Halloween events and Christmas trails, to the custom design
of a summer music concert with outdoor stages, technical equipment, and power generation.
Using the latest technologies we possess the capability to integrate various technical elements, such as lighting, sound, video and special effects, ensuring seamless synchronisation to produce immersive moments for the audience’s enjoyment.
‘Solutions
solutions, and we pride ourselves on
Working at renowned venues including The Dorchester Hotel, Kensington Palace and Government House Sydney; she has developed some extraordinary venue businesses and planned events for the World’s most discerning clientele. Learning from the best in the business and collaborating on some truly remarkable events she has gained a unique insight into venues and events and has become an expert in helping venues reach their ideal customers, maximise sales opportunities, increase
profitability, establish effective teams and streamline venue operations. She now shares her knowledge, skills and experience in venue management and event planning with venue owners at all stages of their business journey to help empower you and your team to achieve success, win business for your venue and deliver outstanding events.
https://charlottewinship.com/ Tel: 07493 350303
Email: charlotte@charlottewinship. com
Farm diversification is a significant business opportunity, with around 68% of farms in England having diversified in some way as of 2022 according to Defra
service expertise.
The Horticultural Trade Association estimates there are approximately 1,800 garden centres in the UK, with consumers spending around £7.5 billion per year on garden goods. Over two-thirds of British adults visit a garden centre annually, indicating the continued potential for farmers to move into this market.
If you are a farmer looking to enter the garden centre sector, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, a business plan is essential. You need to consider your budget, estimated timescales, and conduct market research. Importantly, identify existing customers and competitors in your area, determine your market position, and explore additional products to source.
Location is also crucial. While you may not be able to change the location of your farm, it is important to choose a suitable location within your site. Consider the passing traffic
and the distance potential customers have to travel. Being off the beaten path does not necessarily mean you cannot run a successful garden centre, but it may affect your offering as you need to draw customers from further afield and keep them with you longer.
Next, decide what you will offer potential customers. You need to determine how much of your own produce you can sell in the garden centre and whether you need to expand your farm’s output. You may consider ancillary offerings such as a café or letting units as part of a wider retail experience, which are often critical to success and give potential customers more reasons to visit. It is important to consider how you can add value to your existing farm produce and whether you have the expertise to manage the offering, or if you need to recruit the appropriate horticultural, retail, and food
To attract customers, you will need to demonstrate that your offer is a safe and familyfriendly retail environment, as research shows these are key values for customers visiting garden centres. This can be achieved through design, staff training, and branding. Your branding should illustrate your proposition and demonstrate your unique selling point. Additionally, you can create added value for customers and the local community by providing multi-purpose spaces for community use, pop-up events, and themed/seasonal activities.
Once you have considered these essentials, write a clear brief for the project that covers all the above and identifies where you might need help. Employing the right consultants and project delivery team with the appropriate experience,
skills, and track record will help see your plan through to fruition - from master-planning, planning applications, through to construction and operation.
Are you looking to diversify your farm business? We can help you bring your ideas to life. At HPW Architecture, our team of experts in architecture, interior design, master planning, and branding, have a passion for low energy design and an intuitive understanding of commercial viability. We have helped landowners create successful and sustainable holiday parks, visitor attractions, farm shops, and communities and have completed over 100 garden centre projects of all sizes in the last 20 years. Talk to us today to see how we can help.
HPW Architecture Ltd, contact us on (0)7513 822048, email , or visit www.hpw.co.uk
The better the basket or trolley the more the customers buy as they fill it to the top, therefore we stock only wellmade products that we can happily guarantee. We offer a full year warranty on all our products for peace of mind when purchasing.
We stock a large range trolleys including standard deep and shallow shopping trolleys of every capacity and two-tier garden centre trolleys, flat beds and more. Plus every shape of basket is available in wire and plastic, with and without wheels plus stackers to suit.
Our range of all plastic shopping trolleys and our new hybrid range are proving extremely popular with the trade as they will not succumb to the dreaded rust, they are lightweight and easy to push over different surfaces and they do not cause any damage when they run into displays.
Every Retail customer has different requirements when it comes to trolleys and baskets due to store layouts, ground surfaces, customer base and product specialities. At Formbar we are a small team so we get to know our customers and we can offer expert advice
on the most suitable options. We are always willing to discuss trials or supply samples prior to making the final decision so our customers feel confident when making the significant capital investment these products require.
For more information do please go to our website www.formbar. co.uk or contact us on 01235 850368 or info@ formbar.co.uk
We stock a wide range of traditional and modern trolleys and baskets in our UK warehouse.Image courtesy of Cube Studios
Omar Group has revealed its updated 2024 range of Regal park homes.
efficient it is.
Until now, all Regal’s models have been built to BS EN 1647, the European standard for holiday homes, suitable for seasonal holiday use only.
All three of the models now available in BS 3632 lend themselves particularly well to those looking to use their holiday homes for longer stays, or at any time of year, who might benefit from the energy saving elements incorporated into the residential build standard.
There are key changes for the Cranleigh, Artisan and Charmouth, the three models leading Regal’s luxury range.
The Cranleigh and Artisan 2024 versions will be built to BS 3632 as standard, and the Charmouth is also available in BS 3632 in a 42’ x 14’ footprint with two or three bedrooms.
BS 3632 is the British benchmark for
residential park homes, offering better insulation and energy efficiency to help you stay cosy and comfortable whatever the temperature outside. That makes models built to this specification perfect to enjoy at any time of year, depending on park licence. You will also be issued with an Energy Efficiency Calculation for your BS 3632 home, so you’ll know just how energy
Regal’s founder, Nigel Heslington, said: “These changes have been made based on feedback from our buyers and the fact that the interior designs for these models have been particularly well received for potential ownership.”
For further information about Regal Leisure Homes call 0333 577 5274, email info@regallh.co.uk to let them know you plan to attend, or visit www.regallh.co.uk.
Farm and land owners looking to develop facilities for the public such as accommodation have a new option when looking to create toilet facilities quickly.
The Advante welfare unit is a sustainable solution that is also accessible for those with disabilities.
Stan Chapman, Research & Development Director at Advante, explains: “This unique toilet facility was developed in response to demand from customers looking to provide accessible facilities for wheelchair users. We held in-depth discussions on what clients required from a disabled access unit to ensure we understood fully the needs and challenges to be met. The final unit design took its inspiration from an already successful model in our range in meeting all access needs, plus we built on our expertise in utilising renewable energy.”
The Vision Solar Access unit comprises a two-bay toilet area with two urinals accessed by a short staircase and a single full access toilet with ramp and automatic door system, compliant with Building Regulations for disabled access.
This latest innovation follows the release of the Vision Solar toilet block recently, as part of Advante’s commitment to helping sites to achieve net zero. Like Vision Solar,
the new Vision Solar Access is powered by a solar hybrid system, which is fully self-sufficient needing no connection to external services as part of helping sites to achieve net zero. The toilet block is space heated to ensure a comfortable environment for users in the colder months.
Advante’s Vision Solar Access unit is designed for any site that requires a fully accessible toilet unit, including construction sites and existing buildings undergoing refurbishment. The fully compliant DDA unit is 7.6m x 2.7m (25ft x 9ft) in size.
The new Vision Solar Access is powered by Oasis Solar Hybrid Technology which delivers up to 100% renewable energy to power the electrical loads in the unit silently, including lighting, hot water and hand dryers, backed up with a 6kVa LPG generator.
With up to 100% of electricity being delivered from renewable sources, the unit gives impressive carbon savings and air quality is enhanced due to minimal reliance on a generator.
The toilet block is also fully HSE (Health & Safety Executive) compliant and provides hot and cold running water in a high quality, comfortable environment. The innovative new unit is designed to cater
for large numbers of staff and comes with an intelligent telemetry system, meaning it can be monitored remotely to ensure trouble-free welfare operation.
Advanté pioneered the design and production of its Oasis® welfare units for main contractors after health and safety requirements, introduced in 1998, meant that all construction sites had to provide hot and cold running water before work could start. The Oasis units provide a complete solution that is ready to use on day one, before services are installed on site.
Advanté supplies hybrid (Solar LPG) powered welfare and office units to some of the UK’s most prominent construction and housebuilding firms, including many of the Tier 1 contractors.
Many of the company’s original early adopter clients remain as clients of the business. The Oasis® Welfare range continues to be renowned for its innovative, high-quality market-leading features.
For more information on Advanté, and the Vision Solar Access range, visit https:// www.advante.co.uk/ or email sales@ advante.co.uk
Farm diversification in the form of tourism and farm based family attractions has grown rapidly over the past 15 years, to the point of there being over 400 farm and rural attractions in the UK welcoming over 40 million annual visitors.
The value for both families and schools
is clear, with the offer of educational and fantastic fun days out, but also for farmers, with the average farm park welcoming over 113,000 visitors per year and generating annual revenues of over £1,375,000.
Alongside the operational challenges of running a farm park, marketing is a significant consideration. There is no merit in being the “best kept secret”.
Post Covid, more than 75% of visitors make that first step online, but how do you create that first impression digitally without a significant budget and specialist in-house resources to design and provide content for your digital shop window.
It is a daunting challenge with so many points to consider:-
• Budget constraints
• Timeline
• Requirements gathering
• Resourcing
• Branding
In many cases these challenges are sufficient to put off the task for another year, but in doing so you deprive yourself of the many commercial and engagement benefits of a new site.
With LOOP from Semantic, a website platform specifically built for Farm Attractions, we can overcome these challenges and have a new website up and running quickly, with the confidence that it is designed specifically for you..
LOOP is designed for visitor attractions, so the features you require to promote events, sell tickets and deliver exciting content, even on a mobile phone, are already in place.
Most significantly LOOP is a ready made framework, just add your own brand and content.
• Live site within 1 month
• Lower upfront costs
• Inherently flexible design
• Continuous improvement and site optimisation
• Self Service content management
• Mobile Responsive
• Test and Learn
• Regular updates
• Additional modules in the roadmap for AI and eCommerce
• Ongoing support and Optimisation service
To find out how LOOP from Semantic can work for you visit loop.semantic.co.uk or contact Pete Oliver on peter@semantic. co.uk or 02380 111 547.
Ready to supercharge your farm diversification?
Our powerful features and tools will boost ticket sales, streamline footfall management, and maximise merchandise upselling like never before.
; Easy-to-use features: from time slot management, to our free check-in app, seasonal pricing, and simple product upsell
; Pricing as low as 19p per ticket
; Works seamlessly with Stripe, Square and PayPal
; Round-the-clock customer support (from real humans!)
; Over 40 million tickets sold worldwide
Proud to power events across the UK and beyond Create
In this article we’ll take you through five effective strategies to maximise your revenue and make this a summer to remember (with a little helping hand from us, of course).
Let’s dive in.
1. Foster customer loyalty by selling season passes
Selling season passes can be a strategic decision for farms to increase revenue, foster customer loyalty, improve planning, and create a sense of community, all while providing visitors with a cost-effective (and exclusive way) to enjoy your farm’s offerings.
2. Drive revenue by upselling your addon products
Having an on-site gift store selling farm-fresh products, merchandise and more, is a great way to drive revenue. But did you know with an online ticketing system like Ticket Tailor, you can also sell your products online? This helps you to reach a wider audience and capture sales that could be missed on the day. You could even sell experiences in advance, for example a time-slot for workshops, pick-your-own product, or access to an attraction like a playground.
3. Boost cash flow by selling gift
Selling gift vouchers is a great way to grow your customer base, as it allows your existing fans to share the magic of your farm. Plus it provides an immediate boost to revenue as customers pay upfront for a voucher, even if it’s redeemed at a later date. This can help improve cash flow and provide a consistent source of income even in the quiet seasons.
4. Offer easy-day-out-planning by selling tickets online
If you’re not already doing so, selling tickets online for your farm through platforms like Ticket Tailor can greatly benefit your revenue and operations. By offering online ticket sales, you can boost revenue, manage footfall and capacity (by setting your capacity across daily time slots), optimise your staff rotas, and ensure a seamless and stress-free admission process with the help of Ticket Tailor’s free check-in app.
5. Save money in the right places by partnering with a low-cost ticketing partner - like ticket Tailor!
Maximise your profitability by choosing a low-cost ticketing partner like Ticket Tailor so that you can spend your hardearned cash in the places it really matters.
With pricing as low as 19p per ticket, no contracts or tie-ins, and round-the-clock customer support (from real humans), it’s a no brainer. Plus we work seamlessly with Stripe, Square and PayPal to process payments.
Ready to sow the seeds of success?
With Ticket Tailor as your trusted ticketing partner, you’ll be able to start selling tickets and products online for all your farm events, from daily admissions to exciting one-off experiences. But that’s not all – we offer a range of extensive features designed to support you in managing footfall effectively, upselling merchandise faster than you can churn butter, and so much more.
Create your farm events page for free at tickettailor.com
Ready to make this summer season one for the books? Whether you’re offering strawberry picking, petting opportunities, or small-scale music festivals, Ticket Tailor is here to help you boost your sales.Image courtesy of Ticket Tailor (via pexels.com)
Furthermore, if hygiene and safety regulations have not been followed, insurance cover would be invalidated.
Water that goes unchecked can cause a range of conditions and illnesses –including legionnaires disease – and this can lead to potentially ruinous claims from affected guests.
James Cutbertson, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, said: “All too often, people tend to skip over the small print regarding the potential health hazards.
“If they ignore the regulations around taking water samples, and someone falls ill, their public liability insurance will be void and they could end up paying out thousands of pounds.”
He was highlighting his concern as farmers, who have invested in glamping as part of their diversification schemes, look
forward to an influx of summer guests.
“Hot tubs are a big attraction for holidaymakers, and farmers know that by providing them, footfall is likely to increase.
“However, hot tubs have environmental conditions that could potentially lead to the growth and dispersal of legionella and other infectious agents.”
The Health and Safety Executive specifies how hot tub water should be tested and monitored, along with the quality and frequency of water inspections.
Cuthbertson added: “For those who offer – or are considering – hot tubs to enhance the holiday rental experience, ensuring all hygiene and safety regulations are adhered to is a must.
“They should also seek expert guidance from an insurance specialist.
“Local authority environmental health
departments and the Health and Safety Executive have produced documents that detail the steps and checks that should be followed, and I strongly recommend owners read them.
“Everyone loves a hot tub, and being able to enjoy them safely means guests and operators can both relax.”
Outdoorsy Living’s bespoke luxury shepherd huts and glamping pods are perfect for a wide range of holiday retreats, enabling year-round occupancy and the wow factor of being close to nature without losing any creature comforts. If you are thinking of elegant glampingsite developments, charming hideaways or delightful guest rooms, they will design, build and deliver your unique vision.
Hut and pod layouts can be modified to your specifications, from empty shells to fully furnished space saving designs. Shepherd hut sizes range from 16 to 20 feet, and
glamping pod lengths can be increased in 1m increments. External timber cladding or corrugated iron options provide stylish protection against the elements, with the fully insulated walls, floor and roof keeping guests cool in summer and warm in winter.
Contemporary yet traditional, Outdoorsy Living create glamorous spaces with meticulous craftsmanship, patience and care, offering a superior experience of luxury leisure in nature. info@outdoorsy-living.co.uk Tel
Farmers who provide hot tubs for guests as part of their glamping holiday packages, risk significant claims if customers fall ill.Image courtesy of iStock
Demand for short breaks in attractive rural environments has been growing in the last 10 years and agencies that specialise in curating unique holiday experiences report that the more unusual and comfortable the accommodation offered, the greater your return on investment.
UK holiday letting agencies such as Quality Unearthed/Cottages.com and Canopy & Stars invite guests to indulge in digital detoxing and explore our beautiful countryside, while based in the loveliest tailor-made spaces on offer.
A few of these have been created by Castles Carey Ltd. We have been building treehouses and cabins for private and glamping purposes for over 20 years. Commissions have ranged from familyorientated treehouses with adventure areas to luxury accommodation for grown-ups seeking to get away from it all. At a site visit we will advise on access, services, planning and building control requirements, plus additional accessories if desired. Once our free estimate is
accepted, every treehouse is carefully designed in detail to suit your individual situation and budget (starting at about £120,000), to accommodate any number of guests, with or without separate sitting room, shower/bathroom, all fully insulated to meet modern building regulations. Our hard-working construction team is known for its efficient, courteous, friendly and tidy service, on which many clients have specifically commented.
So if you’re considering diversifying to generate a new income stream from your land, give us a call for an informal conversation about high-
end glamping accommodation options. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Contact Jeffrey Carey 07714 754378 sales@castles-carey.co.uk
Inside or out, Spring, Summer, Autumn , Winter, you can offer your visitors comfort, adventure, relaxation, a romantic setting, all made possible through Castles Carey treehouses and log cabins.
Over 20 years of designing and building made to measure structures for private and commercial holiday lets and B&Bs, we have the skills and expertise to help you create a visitor attraction that will bring you rewards for years to come, not only through increased revenues but also in happy reviews from satisfied clients.
Jeffrey Carey will liaise with you to produce a unique design to suit your location and budget, while our professional, courteous and hardworking team will construct from scratch on site, wherever you are in the UK.
Please visit the website to view our range and give Jeffrey a call to discuss your ideas.
www.castles-carey.co.uk 07714 754378
request within 28 days of the payment deadline.
• They do not have any other payment plans or debts with HMRC.
• The payment plan debt is scheduled to be paid off within the next six months.
Businesses should be able to set up a VAT payment plan through their online business tax account in the following situations:
• They have filed their latest VAT return.
• They owe HMRC VAT of £20,000 or less.
• They are submitting the payment plan
It should be noted that the option to submit an online VAT payment plan is not possible for businesses that operate the cash accounting scheme or make VAT payments on account. Businesses that are unable to submit online VAT payment plans will need to contact HMRC to request a payment plan.
Nick Hart, Director, Saffery Champness and a member of the firm’s Land and Rural Practice Group says: “This introduction is helpful when considering the new VAT penalties for the late submission of VAT returns and late payment of a reported
This year Portman has helped over 1000 customers to secure funding and fuel their growth. Whether you are looking to build holiday lets, install green energy farms, set-up an activity centre or even build a crypto-mining warehouse, Portman can support your ambition.
We understand the pressures of working in the agricultural sector and provide funding options covering everything from renewables, property,
livestock, or vehicles, anything to better utilise your land.
If you’re purely agriculturefocused and this autumn will bring preparation for next year’s crops, whether you need tractor units, trailers, flail mowers or hedge cutters, Portman can help you spread the cost of vital farm machinery.
Like you, we value that personal touch so there’s no complex call centre or different departments to deal with. If you’re looking to start your diversification project or simply boost yields with the latest equipment, call today to see how Portman can help.
Call: 01604 669352
www.portmanassetfinance. co.uk
VAT liability were introduced for VAT periods commencing on or after 1 January 2023. There is currently a soft-landing period and first penalties for late payment will not be levied up to 31 December 2023 providing, within 30 days of a business’ payment due date, the liability is either paid in full or a VAT payment plan is arranged.
“The option to set up VAT payment plans online will be helpful for some VAT registered businesses, unable to settle an outstanding VAT liability in one payment. It will be interesting to see whether in time HMRC extend the conditions so that businesses with VAT debts larger than £20,000 are also able to establish VAT payment plans online.
set method of defining a “rebuild” and each case is evaluated on an individual basis.
Permitted development rights can appear overwhelming and off-putting, especially Class Q, when considering how awkward the legislation is worded but, in many cases, Class Q is the best way of achieving your dream home in the open countryside.
Our team of specialists have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you realise your dream barn conversion project, with a wealth of experience working with homeowners, landowners, developers and farmers.
Permitted development (PD) is the right of an owner to develop his or her land within limits prescribed by a piece of legislation known as a General Permitted Development Order. The order was originally introduced to allow minor developments to go ahead without having to go through the planning application
process, outlining sets of criteria that must be met in order to be considered permitted development.
The contentious point that often arises with a Class Q application is to what extent can the proposed works be considered a “conversion” or a “rebuild” and where is the line drawn? Unfortunately, there is no
At Nordbarn, we specialise in creating stunning new homes using your existing barn, whether it is a steel-framed sheet clad building or a historic stone barn, we can help. We take your concept and use our expertise, experience, and skill to plan and implement conversion projects across the country.
At Nordbarn we can help you identify and realise the potential of your unloved and under utilised agricultural buildings.
To find out how we can help you achieve planning permission, unlock significant gains and maximise the value of your existing barn contact us:
To find out how we can help you achieve planning permission, unlock significant gains, and maximise the value of your existing barn please contact us:
0114 278 8548 admin@nordbarn.co.uk
Michael Bamford, BA (Hons) MPlan MRTPI, Director - Chartered Town Planner, NordbarnAt ABO Wind, we manage the entire consenting process. When planning permission is in place, we finance, build and operate the project, whether it be a wind farm, solar farm or energy storage facility. This means there is no outlay or time commitment for the landowner, who enjoys the rental benefit when the project is live. We often see this additional income used to grow other areas of the farm business, buy plant and machinery, and even provide an option to retire and sustain the farm for the next generation.
Established in 1996, for almost thirty years we have successfully designed, delivered, and operated leading renewable electricity projects across the world. Although this involves many factors, our long-term relationships with landowners is at the heart of everything we do.
As a company, through our renewable energy projects, we are committed to supporting the decarbonisation of the UK economy, whilst creating investment and diversifying income for farmers and landowners across the country.
As our UK presence continues to grow, we now have full time offices in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland. Our specialist teams in each location bring local knowledge which is backed by global expertise, with over 1000 colleagues operating across 16 countries.
Our main areas of focus are developing wind farms, solar farms and battery energy storage projects. At the early stages, this
involves identifying suitable lands and assessing things like relevant planning policy and the possibility of achieving a connection to the electricity grid.
If a site passes initial feasibility studies, it is at that point that we enter discussions with the landowner with a view to agreeing a rental contract, before progressing with a full planning application. With leases usually running for a period of 40 years, these are long-term partnerships which create secure and reliable index-linked income for farmers over a long period of time.
Renewable energy developments also bring broader benefits. Wind farms and solar farms provide community funds, which help to support and sustain local groups and organisations, mostly in rural areas; and all ABO Wind projects contribute to national energy security and decarbonisation targets. We are also passionate about increasing biodiversity through initiatives like additional hedgerow planting, the use of meadow flower seed mixes and the creation of more suitable habitats for animals.
We are actively seeking suitable lands for new projects throughout the UK. Generally speaking, to facilitate a project we require at least 70 acres falling within approximately four miles of a substation, or with overhead electricity lines running across the land.
If you have land that you believe may be suitable for a wind farm, solar farm or battery energy storage project, please feel free to contact us via email at UK@abowind.com or via telephone on 0208 1875 480 and we would be delighted to have an initial, no-strings-attached conversation about how we can work together.
For further information, please visit www. abo-wind.com/uk
If the UK’s shift to net zero is driven by innovation, at ABO Wind we believe it is powered by partnerships.Images courtesy of ABO Wind
At ABO Wind, we are creating additional income for farmers and landowners across the UK, with indexlinked rents paid for up to 40 years for hosting Solar Photovoltaics and Battery Storage projects.
If you have at least 70+ acres of flat land within four miles of a substation or with overhead lines running across it, we would love to talk to you.
If you feel your land might be suitable, please feel free to contact us today for an initial discussion about how we can work together.
uk@abo-wind.com or call 0208 187 5480
Solar farm Leutershausen, Germany, 2023
If your roof is any of these: structurally weak, thatched, new slate, orientated less than optimally, or includes gables and veluxes, you could install a solar tracker in a sunny patch of garden, reduce your energy bills, and if you move, don’t worryyou can take it with you!
Our Heliomotion dual axis solar tracking systems tilt and rotate to follow the sun from sunrise to sunset. This enables them to generate considerably more power than a static roof or ground mounted system. The UK average is a 40 - 45% uplift, other latitudes can be higher. In simple terms, 6 panels tracking = approximately 10 panels of a static roof system. Because Heliomotion is ground mounted, using
ground anchors or a concrete plinth, it is straightforward to install and relocate. It is available in three sizes, with 2 colour options, and is supplied as a kit ready for installation in less than two days (by enthusiastic DIYers,) using our fully illustrated assembly guide - downloadable from www.beesolartech.co.uk.
Solar PV systems are made up of multiple panels which generate direct current (DC) electricity from sunlight, even on cloudier days. An inverter or micro inverters, (installed by a competent electrician), are required to convert the direct current into alternating current (AC) used for household appliances. The power generated can be used throughout your
home/business or exported to the grid.
Contact details:
W: www.beesolartech.co.uk
E: sales@beesolartech.co.uk
T: 03333 034366
When reviewing the performance of assets, it can be difficult to look at the bigger picture.
continue to face regulative,
Asimple way of approaching this is land zoning, a mapping exercise where the portfolio is split into different land use classifications and then reviewed to see whether the current use is the most suitable and efficient. This process is vital in identifying potential opportunities for both residential and commercial development, mineral extraction, sustainable energy, and biodiversity net gain (BNG).
During this process landowners must
consider the impact on current rural business activities both logistically and financially as any changes must consider the environmental social governance impact on their ESG credentials, for example, their carbon footprint and contribution to net zero. They must consider how the changes will add value to the community whilst adhering to any relevant legislation and for those that may require planning permissions or have tax
implications it is important to seek expert advice early in the process.
At Fisher German, we carry out an objective review of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to a business to recommend improvements and changes to optimise assets and provide alternative income streams to support a rural business strategy and ensure future resilience.
Our leading group of industry experts have the strategic vision to help provide optimum solutions for your assets
Rural landowners will
legislative, and political changes that have a direct impact on their business and their income. Now is the time to review current practices and establish if the assets owned are being utilised to provide maximum output.Ellie Savage, Diversification Specialist
As people’s lives are becoming busier and more cluttered, they are increasingly looking for storage solutions for the bits and pieces in their lives that they simply don’t have room for at home. Farmers are ideally located to take advantage of that high demand for storage space, by utilising surplus farm buildings, or secure yard areas to bring in an additional income stream to their farming enterprises.
If you are considering diversifying your farm and are looking for a venture which is relatively low cost to start up, low maintenance, and in high demand, you could do far worse than considering diversifying into providing storage solutions.
There are numerous reasons self-storage offers a real benefit to many people. Moving home, transitioning after a divorce, needing to store bulky seasonal items (for example such as large Christmas ornaments), storing business supplies, or sometimes people simply don’t have room at home for bulky items such as bikes, lawn mowers, caravans, or even boats. There
is growing demand too, from businesses for self storage solutions to fit their needs. Businesses, especially those based online, are able to take advantage of the flexibility that self-storage offers- with no business rates to pay and the ability to rent exactly the amount of space that they need. The boom in online deliveries has also led to a surge in demand for more rural and semirural warehouse space from companies looking to improve their rural logistics.
What facilities you have, available space, and access to your farm, will all affect what sort of items you want to/ are able to store. You might simply want to utilise an area of hard standing, or a disused farm building. You might want to take advantage of your unique location and offer storage tailored to your local area (for example, if you live near the coast, there is high demand for winter storage of boats, yachts, jet skis, dinghies and the like). Either way, there are many opportunities for landowners to take advantage of the growing market for both short and long term storage solutions.
Whilst items such as vehicles, boats, trailers etc are perfectly able to be
stored outdoors, undercover and/ or weatherproof storage will always demand a premium price. Shipping containers don’t require a huge amount of space, and are a relatively inexpensive outlay, which can quickly pay for themselves. As well as being easily scalable, they offer the benefit of being able to provide immediate, secure, dry storage space, whilst only requiring a minimum of a level site.
With the demand for accessible storage space for both business and personal use increasing, farmers and rural landowners are in the ideal position to take advantage of the possibilities that offering storage solutions could bring to their farm.
The Business Barn is the leading free to use diversification website, dedicated to providing ideas, inspiration and rural business advice to diversifying farmers and rural landowners, as well as connecting them to businesses who can provide advice, products and services for all their diversification needs.
Contact: 01299 848111, https://www. thebusinessbarn.co.uk/
Farmers and rural land owners are in unique possession of a highly sought after commodity - space.Image courtesy of iStock
Storage on Site is a family run and industry leading, nationwide supplier of shipping containers and on-site accommodation, with reputable experience spanning nearly 6 decades.
Ordering is an extremely simple process, offering very competitive pricing and always with a customer-first, personal and friendly service, and with no hidden extras ever, the price you are quoted is the price you pay.
With a wide range of sizes and colours always ready to ship, our high quality containers are built to the highest specifications and perfect for numerous projects, large and small, and are especially suited to diversity projects such as self storage centres. If you require something unique, we have on-site modification facilities at our head office in Southampton.
Storage on Site owns outright its large fleet of crane-assisted delivery and aftersales vehicles, meaning that from your order right through to delivery, you’re always talking to the same team, often with just one point of contact. This also ensures you get the fastest response times from your initial point of enquiry.
We also offer added value with our free of charge site visits, to help assess, plan and advise how to best manage the accessibility, location and setup for your project.
engagement and biodiversity alongside food production.
She is providing flax for student research into developing the processing equipment needed to help bring this natural fibre back to the British Isles – as currently there is no commercial processing in Scotland.
Jossie said: “Flax used to be a really important part of the agricultural heritage in Scotland, but it’s been completely lost. The field lab is helping us get a sense of how it performs as a crop, which is important because there must have been different varieties that were developed and grown in Scotland because it’s well suited to this region. Finding the seeds that work here will help contribute to that wider work to bring this industry back to the local area. It’s super exciting.”
While flax is still grown in the UK for seed, these varieties are shorter-stemmed plants that put their energy into producing seeds rather than tall stems, so don’t provide the long fibres needed to make linen.
New farmer-led research with Innovative Farmers - a not for profit network giving farmers research support and funding on their own terms - is seeking to revive the production of flax as a sustainable textile for the future.
Flax produces an array of blue flowers loved by pollinators and was grown for textile and linen mills across Scotland for many centuries until cheaper imported textiles became popular in the 1900s.
Scottish varieties of fibre flax were lost,
but growers now working with farmer-led research network Innovative Farmers are leading a field lab to find new varieties and rediscover lost knowledge on linen fibre crop production.
They hope to demonstrate the crop as an option for nature-friendly rotations that could meet a growing demand for sustainable textiles.
Triallist Jossie Ellis grows vegetables at Lauriston Farm, Edinburgh – a 100acre site that focuses on community
The three farmers involved in the trial are utilising knowledge from the Netherlands and France, where 70% of the world’s fibre flax is still grown, to discover which varieties might work best in Scottish growing conditions.
The plant grows well in a range of conditions but is known to thrive and grow tall in temperate climates and damp soil, which makes Scotland an ideal location.
They are testing the performance of three Dutch varieties of flax to assess which are the highest yielding and which
produce the best quality fibre, as well as exploring the best time to harvest for textile use.
There is also a parallel citizen science research project with more than 30 growers and groups across 25 community sites across Scotland trialling one variety to complement the growers’ findings by broadening the range of growing conditions being tested.
At Lauriston Farm they are keen to test the crop’s commercial viability and to engage the local community in home grown fashion.
Jossie added: “We are growing our trial crop with no intervention. If the intention is to grow it at field scale, we want to see what our yields will be in that scenario and see how robust it is.
“It’s also a really interesting crop to engage people on the farm. It’s really pretty with lots of blue flowers, but there’s something about it that people get excited about. It surprises them to realise that’s where linen comes from – people don’t expect their clothes to have come from a
plant.
“There’s growing awareness of the significant impact that cotton can have on the environment, and that industry is often very exploitative and highly extractive. It gets people thinking about growing in their everyday lives. It makes people realise that farms are for everyone, and we all have a reliance on the land in ways that we might not have considered.”
As well as the potential to provide a UK grown, biodegradable textile, flax can also be beneficial for nature-friendly farming as it provides food for pollinators and grows well without chemical inputs.
Farming consultant and field lab coordinator Colleen McCulloch said: “For farmers interested in diversifying their rotations with crops which are good for biodiversity and suit a regenerative or organic approach, flax fits really well.
“There is a growing interest in regenerative textiles and fashion – people are looking at linen and they can buy
it in from Europe, but nobody grows it on a commercial scale here. So, there’s a demand that farmers could meet, as well as flax fitting into low-input and regenerative rotations.
“The field lab is a one-year trial, but the growers are looking to scale up and collaborate with a growing network of other businesses and organisations to establish a commercially viable Scottish linen supply chain in the longer term.”
Innovative Farmers Manager Rebecca Swinn said: “This is an exciting trial that shows the potential of farmer-led research, with real-life trials on farms that are connected to their local communities and ready to collaborate. We are excited to see where these growers can take the regenerative textiles industry in Scotland and the wider UK.”
To find out more and to get involved, visit the field lab portal on the Innovative Farmers website, where any farmer can join the network and find trial information and findings for free.
Any business working on behalf of another, such as a consultant, agent or contractor, is likely to incur costs or expenses on behalf of their clients which they then pass on.
apply:
• You paid the supplier on your client’s behalf and acted as the agent of your client.
• Your client received, used or had the benefit of the goods or services you paid for on their behalf.
• It was your client’s responsibility to pay for the goods or services, not yours.
• You had permission from your client to make the payment.
• Your client knew that the goods or services were from another supplier, not from you.
• You show the costs separately on your invoice.
• You pass on the exact amount of each cost to your client when you invoice them.
• Goods and services you paid for are in addition to the cost of your own services.
This is particularly common with professional services and services provided by property management agents.
Nick Hart, VAT Director, Saffery Champness and a member of the firm’s Land and Rural Practice Group, comments:
“The treatment of recharged expenses is a common cause of error within VAT accounting with the differences between a recharge and a disbursement often misunderstood. The term ‘disbursement’ has a specific meaning for VAT purposes. Recharged costs are often referred to as disbursements when in actual fact they are not VAT free disbursements.
“In short, a recharge expense is an expense that is incurred in the process of performing one’s own services but the client ultimately bears the cost. As an example, if a land agent travels to see a client and then charges the travel costs on to the client, this is a recharge. This type of expense is a cost that the business has incurred itself for a service that has been
received by the business itself.
“A disbursement is different as it is an expense that has been paid on behalf of the client. In the case of a disbursement, one acts on behalf of the client in arranging and paying for the goods or services, but the underlying supply remains between the supplier and the client (the end customer) and the client is liable to the supplier for payment of the cost. The supplier would issue their invoice or demand to the client. Payment is made by the agent who would then seek reimbursement from the client.
“From a VAT point of view the difference is significant as recharges are subject to VAT while disbursements are outside the scope of VAT. Getting the treatment wrong could lead to incorrect input tax recovery and under declarations of output tax.”
HMRC guidance outlines that to treat an expense being passed on as a disbursement, and therefore outside the scope of VAT, all of the following must
Should all the above points apply, then the cost can be treated as a disbursement and VAT is not chargeable when the expense is charged to the customer. In addition, VAT is not recoverable on the incurrence of the expense as the supply has only been received by the client and not the party passing the cost on as a disbursement. The client would have the opportunity to claim back the VAT subject to their own VAT status.
While HMRC does not make this point clear within its guidance, when issuing a VAT registered client with a disbursement charge, it is recommended that steps are taken to ensure all supplier invoices are addressed to the end client. This is to ensure that the client holds the evidence necessary to recover the VAT incurred on the supply, where applicable
HMRC guidance is available at https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-costs-ordisbursements-passed-to-customers
are you reporting your recharges and disbursements correctly?Image courtesy of iStock
HMRC’s decision to stop issuing option to tax acknowledgement letters as of 1 February 2023, will impact on rural land and property owners, and those seeking to buy or rent land and agricultural property. A supply of land or commercial/ agricultural property is largely exempt from VAT, unless the party making the supply has ‘opted to tax’. An option to tax election is basically where the supplier makes a conscious decision to charge VAT rather than keep the supply as VAT exempt. Such decisions are usually made to ensure the supplier can reclaim the VAT incurred on associated costs. An option to tax needs to be notified to HMRC in order to be effective.
Both buyers and tenants will want to know whether they are going to incur VAT or not when acquiring or renting land or commercial/agricultural property and usual practice is to request from the seller/ landlord evidence of an option to tax
election. Generally acceptable evidence has been HMRC’s acknowledgement letter issued following the submission of an option to tax election to HMRC but in light of HMRC’s decision to stop sending out such letters, Saffery Champness is advising its clients to be extra diligent when opting to tax and to ensure detailed records are kept on file.
Nick Hart, VAT Director, Saffery Champness and a member of the firm’s Land and Rural Practice Group, says:
“The retention of option to tax records is an important part of the mandatory need to retain business records and to demonstrate to other interested parties that a valid option to tax has been made. Now that an HMRC acknowledgement letter will not be received those records will need to be particularly comprehensive to satisfy counterparties to property transactions, which would include farms let under FBT arrangements for example, that
VAT is being correctly charged to them.” There is some best practice which needs to be adopted now when making a new option to tax election, to safeguard against complications in the future. The automated email which HMRC will send out when an election is submitted to the option to tax unit, has become just one important element that should be kept on file. However, no response from HMRC should be expected if an election is notified by post.
Nick Hart says:
“Uncertainties regarding option to tax elections can delay or potentially prevent transactions from completing, and rural land and property owners need to ensure their house is in order with respect to option to tax records, as HMRC will no longer check on their side to confirm an election has been made, where it is believed to be under six years old.”
As HMRC rules change Saffery Champness is advising its rural clients to be extra diligent when ‘opting to tax’ and ensure detailed records are kept on fileImage courtesy of iStock
The types and scale of summer events hosted by farmers and landowners are wide-ranging – even on-farm outdoor cinema is taking off. Other ventures include musical, cultural, and sporting events from large festivals taking place over a number of days, to the smaller ‘pop-up’ events, which are available to attend for a limited period in one day. Income might include that generated from admission tickets to car parking and camping, and might be based on numerous different variable elements.
Nick Hart, Director, Saffery Champness, and a member of the firm’s Landed Estates and Rural Business Group, says:
“There is a misconception that complexities and risks only arise with larger major events, but even those putting on something much less extravagant, with only a handful of people attending, need to consider how that might affect their tax liabilities, and the implications the event might have. For example, there can be consequences for both inheritance tax and VAT, and not taking these into account at the time could prove to be very costly in the future.
“Also, provided certain criteria are met, the tax position of the individual who owns the land can be much improved if they run the event themselves, or enter into a joint venture with the organiser.”
It is sensible to ensure the relevant tax issues are being addressed by considering the following questions, before entering into any agreement for an event to take place on your land or site:
• What is the landowner’s involvement –is it purely a rent received for the use of the land by a third party?
• Should VAT be charged on that use?
• Will VAT be recoverable on any related
costs incurred with the event?
• How will income be taxed in the hands of the recipient?
• Does the occupation of the land for an event (such as a festival) have an impact on agricultural property relief that might otherwise be available for inheritance tax purposes.
For VAT, the major consideration is whether VAT is due on any rents or licence fees received. This is not just a case of whether the land has been opted to tax by the landowner, or the party which is the beneficiary of the income. Even when the land or site is not opted to tax, such income is still subject to VAT where the licence being granted, or the pitch hire, goes beyond a passive licence to occupy.
Any additional service or support provided will often mean the income received is subject to VAT and not VAT exempt. Admission tickets, granting facilities for car parking and also the provision of camping pitches are all supplies subject to VAT.
Arrangements regarding certain types of event can be complex, with the site owner for example often acting as an agent for owners of artwork who are exhibiting their pieces for sale during an event such as an Art Fair. The site owner may take payment from attendees purchasing those pieces and receive a commission for doing so. The site owner would then need to be mindful of the value of its supply as agent, to ensure the correct VAT accounting.
or other
For farms and estates, making sites available for summer events can be a lucrative source of additional income. But there are a number of potential tax pitfalls to beware of, says Saffery Champness.Image courtesy of iStock
