Farm Diversity - Farm Business Preview 2023

FARMDIVERSITY

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. 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

Diversification insight and opportunity at Farm Business Innovation

The Farm Business Innovation show returns to The NEC, Birmingham this November (15th and 16th) with invaluable insight and opportunities for farmers, landowners and agri-professionals wanting to embrace innovation and diversification.

Louise Newton from Bidwells will explore how diversifications are bringing life and value back into rural places and spaces.

Advocating for specific enterprises, Lewis Pennicott of Cleveland Containers will share why self-storage is the ultimate remote business, and Joby Mussell from Holidaycottages.co.uk makes his case for including holiday lets on farm.

Farm Business Innovation Show has partnered with Leisure Food & Beverage Expo to create ‘Great Taste of the Country’, a new zone dedicated to independent British food businesses. It will feature live culinary demonstrations, providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products in action. The line-up includes popular food brands Hello Fresh, Devil’s Bridge Rum, and My Gyros.

Building on its previous success, the event will once again run concurrently with three other shows - Holiday Park Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, and Leisure Food and Beverage Expo. Together, the four shows form the largest event for businesses in the fields of land, leisure, and tourism.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a large exhibition space, spanning two halls and featuring more than 420 exhibitors showcasing an extensive range of products and services essential for building successful diversification businesses. From expert consultancy in planning and finance to safari tents, vertical farming, renewable energy solutions, software packages, and even vending machines, every aspect of diversification will be covered. Some leading organisations have already confirmed their attendance, including Sykes Cottages, Environment Bank,

Agventure Farms, Bidswell, Forestry Commission, Daisy Vending, and Omar Park Homes.

Why go to the Farm Business Innovation Show?

• Diversify your income streams

• Network with industry experts

• Open the gate to diversification

• Stay ahead of the curve

• Explore cutting-edge solutions

• Gain inspiration and motivation

Learn more at www.farmbusinessshow. co.uk/why-visit

The extensive seminar schedule across both days of the show will feature experts from a wide range of specialisms sharing top tips and advice for start-ups and existing businesses.

Farmer and diversification consultant Antony Pearce will share the lessons learnt from his own family farm’s journey, while

Verity Hyland, Events Director for Agriconnect, said “Given the fast-evolving landscape of the agricultural industry, uncertainty is the only constant. Many farmers and landowners are proactively future-proofing their businesses by diversifying or strengthening existing diversifications,” she said.

“Farm Business Innovation provides a unique platform to learn from a diverse range of experts, connect with likeminded rural entrepreneurs, and acquire actionable takeaways to enhance the profitability and sustainability of your business. We look forward to once again welcoming everyone to The NEC on November 15th and 16th and supporting our charity partner Farming Community Network.”

With longer opening times this year from 9am to 5pm on day one and 9am to 4pm on day two, entry to the Farm Business Innovation Show, and the other three events, is free of charge.

Leveraging finance to generate additional income

A recent survey revealed that 80% of farmers plan to cut production if processors and retailers don’t start to pay fairer prices

investment, whether panels are used on such a large scale or simply mounted on farm buildings for your own use.

Glamping Sites

quickly then repay if you are generating income from customers.

Other ideas

Being unable to pass-on all of the industry’s price increases means many are looking for additional revenue streams to supplement their income. With farmers collectively owning 70% of land in the UK, they certainly have the space to do it. 26% of farmers have already diversified their income in some way, with many leveraging finance to fund their project. Spreading the cost of an investment increases affordability, allowing you to get what you need now, and quickly boost your income. Solar farms and glamping sites are two of the most common investments but what’s involved and how much would they cost?

Solar Farms

Solar farms can generate income as well as save on your energy bills, but obviously take up a lot of room. The maximum non-commercial scale development at the moment is a pretty hefty 1MW, which will require about 3500 panels covering 5 acres and all-in likely cost you upwards of £700,000. Consultation with your local authority regarding planning permission, as well as working with your energy supplier are both crucial, but the process is becoming easier and supply options more abundant. Asset finance is a common way to spread the significant cost of this

If you have a practical location, glamping is a popular idea. You’ll need planning permission and should check there’s sufficient tourist demand within your region. Following that, you’ll need reasonable access, an area that you can deliver running water, electricity and waste facilities to, and flat areas for your chosen habitats. You’ll also need to think about how you service and market your site. Utilities, cleaning, laundry, customer service, a booking system and a website will all be important, as well as a plan to promote the business. Glamping facilities vary from bell tents at about £1,000, through 5m yurts at around £5,000, domes from £5k - £10k, right up to pods and cabins that vary from £5k to £40k depending on size and specification.

Farmers often spread the cost of glamping pods with finance, as it’s easy to get going

Farmers are an innovative bunch, revenue streams created across the UK include: brewing and wine making, self-storage containers, pet boarding, dog training and rural skills, hosting events, establishing a natural burial ground, growing flowers, selling meat and/or vegetable boxes, opening a livery or stables, soft play and outdoor activity centres, converting outbuildings into holiday lets or office space, or even shooting ranges.

Portman Finance Group have been working with farmers and landowners since 2007, helping establish everything from glamping sites and solar arrays to play areas and breweries across the UK. Whatever your diversification idea, give the experts at Portman a call to discuss your options.

Call:01604 669 352

Visit: www.portmanfinancegroup.co.uk