Farm Business Innovation Show Guide November 2013 by Fortem International

M - 6PM A 0 1 : R E B M E V O N 8 2 M - 5PM 29 NOVEMBER: 10A

OLYMPIA LONDON

INSPIRING FARMERS AND

OM THEIR FR EY N O M E R O M E K A M ND OWNERS TO

LAND

OPS H S K R O W S R O IT IB H X E 0 0 1 S R E K A E P S T R E P X E S R A IN M E S 80 FREE

WELCOME

WELCOME TO FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION 2013

CONTENTS KEYNOTES Hear the biggest names deliver essential sessions. Don’t miss these!

SEMINAR SCHEDULE The comprehensive schedule of every seminar session, with times and locations.

PANEL SESSION Don’t miss your chance to hear four diversification experts discuss permitted development rights.

SUPPORTERS The great and the good of the diversification sector that we are proud to work with.

EXHIBITOR A - Z A full listing of every exhibitor at Farm Business Innovation 2013.

FLOOR PLAN See where every exhibitor, seminar hall and workshop theatre is.

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Hello and welcome to the first ever Farm Business Innovation. This exhibition has been created to support farmers and land owners looking to diversify in the second decade of the 21st century. There’s a lot packed into the two days of the show, so this show guide tells you what’s on when and where, so that you can make sure you don’t miss out. A great place to start is with the keynote speakers at the front of this guide, including BBC The One Show’s Kate Beavan; Ian Burrows, Farmers Weekly’s Diversification Farmer Of The Year 2012; Alastair Sawday of Canopy & Stars; and the straight-talking Brad Burton. There are more than 85 seminars at Farm Business Innovation 2013 and you’ll find every one of them in our complete listings section in the heart of the guide. There’s no need to book for any of the seminars, but places are on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to avoid disappointment.

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Tweet About Us #farmbiz Farm Business Innovation 2013 is running alongside The Business Show, the UK’s biggest business exhibition and conference, which is being staged for the 30th time this November, giving you even more chances to learn about the business side of things while you’re here. There will also be another event running for the first time, with Takeaway Innovation Expo dedicated to progressive takeaway restaurants – you might just find your next client! You can be part of these exciting events while you’re attending Farm Business Innovation; just register online for your free tickets at www.businessboxoffice.co.uk. Take your time to pore over these page and plan your visit to get the most out of your time. Places for workshops and many of the features are limited and fill up fast, so make sure you book in advance at www.thefarmingshow.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you at the show.

The Farm Business Innovation Team

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

FROM HAY TO FARM HOLIDAY Alastair Sawday, Founder Of Special Places To Stay

Many British farms and estates are opening their doors to holidaymakers and in doing so, presenting unique, characterful destinations for great getaways that are exactly what the founder of Alastair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay is looking for. In the early 90s, Alastair Sawday’s Tours, always maverick, led travel groups to the hidden delights of France; to B&Bs, farms and small privately-owned hotels, meeting wonderful people along the way. 18 years ago, Alastair brought together his favourite discoveries into his first book, French Bed & Breakfast. It was a

SEMINAR HALL 4 Friday 14.00 - 14.45

bestseller. Then he did the same in Britain and then for other European countries. These days, through its website and books, Sawday’s represents over 5,000 special places in the UK and Europe from B&Bs, hotels and châteaux to villas, farmhouses, cottages, tents and tree houses.

Special Places To Stay Hear the fascinating story of how Alastair’s passion for finding unusual holiday accommodation turned into an international business. His seminar will explain how he supports UK landowners looking into regeneration, eco-friendly ventures and tourism. Drawing on real-world examples, Alastair will inspire you with successful case studies that include the Treehouse at Harptree Court to inspire and encourage you in your dreams of developing or diversifying your land.

DIVERSIFICATION FARMER OF THE YEAR Ian Burrows, Award-Winning Farmer If you’re thinking about diversifying, then you need to attend this seminar by someone who has won a national award for doing just that! Ian Burrows was the worthy winner of the title of 2012 Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year. His relentless drive and enthusiasm for innovation – and his determination to get new products to market – meant Ian pipped the other two finalists at the post. By embracing new thinking, he shows it’s possible for smaller family farms to thrive, not just survive. Ian has secured a future for his family’s 105ha farm by growing and supplying high quality Timothy hay products to the pet market. From a standing start, his self-belief has turned Newhay Feeds into a business with an annual turnover of more than £750,000. Using lessons learned from other industries, Ian has made his own business a success. These include applying the same sort of stringent quality-control methods used in the equine feed sector to create a new market for affordable, high-quality herbivore feeds for small pets.

SEMINAR HALL 3 Thursday 14.00 - 14.45

How To Win Awards For Diversification Based upon his own professional experience and drawing upon real-word examples, Ian will explain the thought process that led him to diversify and how he approached the challenge. This insightful seminar will let you know the key areas of success that Ian discovered in his drive to diversification and just what it was that inspired Farmers Weekly to award him their Diversification Farmer of the Year 2012. Don’t miss this chance to hear from an award-winning diversification expert.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

TAKING LOCAL TO THE MASSES Simon Mellin, Online Poultry Entrepreneur

With more consumers taking an interest in the source of their meat, Simon Mellin offered free range chickens for sale online. His provocative seminar will address the issues of a local business going national.

Simon Mellin owns the Lancashire sustainable food business Roaming Roosters, alongside his butcher brother, ‘Nick the Knife.’ Simon and Nick set up Roaming Roosters in 2009 when they spotted a niche in the market for free range chickens and they began trading online; packing boxes in the back of their dad’s butchers shop. Demand saw them increase their product range to include beef, lamb and pork, and what they didn’t rear themselves, they sourced from fellow local farmers sharing their sustainable ethos.

While just 27 and 25, the brothers enjoy a long heritage of farming and butchery and it is their passion for going back to traditional methods in both areas that has won them the respect of their peers. Last year, they opened a bistro and farm shop and within 12 months, turnover has increased over 12 times and this is just the beginning for this nationally recognised brand.

Taking Local To The Masses

SEMINAR HALL 3 Friday 15.00 - 15.45

More and more consumers are starting to buy local as they look to understand the provenance of their weekly shop. But how do you take the term local and offer it to the masses? Simon Mellin, owner of Roaming Roosters, talks about how he has opened the doors to a UK-wide market, while remaining true to his Lancashire farming and butchery roots.

PLAN FOR SUCCESS Ian Butter, Rural Planning Consultant

With more than three decades’ experience working in planning and rural issues, Ian has also advised on rural regeneration for the government. This is your chance to benefit from the same expert insight and advice as the prime minister. Ian Butter BSc (Hons) FRICS MRTPI is a chartered surveyor and town planning consultant who has specialised in rural planning issues for over 35 years; in particular the regeneration of heritage and rural buildings on landed and farming estates throughout Britain.

Ian has written and lectured on a range of planning and development topics and was co-author of a widely circulated publication for the Countryside Commission which is now highlighted in the UK Government’s ‘Good Practice Guide on Planning for Tourism’ (2006). He was also invited to advise Matthew Taylor MP on rural regeneration issues for his 2008 report to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, ‘Living Working Countryside.’ In his spare time, Ian is Chairman of and a Deputy Launching Authority on the crew at Blackpool Lifeboat Station and a board member of the RICS UK World Regional Board.

SEMINAR HALL 1 Thursday 13.00 - 13.45

Maximising Farm And Estate Business Through The Town Planning System Get some great ideas for getting the most out of planning permission, as well as insider tips to help you get it right first time. The Town Planning system is changing quickly, with new opportunities and constraints appearing almost too frequently to keep up with. But recent legislative and market changes are allowing greater flexibility within the rural sector, as Ian explains in his up-to-the-minute seminar. Drawing on his 35 years in professional practice, Ian’s seminar will outline the current potential for using the planning system to your advantage, highlighting areas of opportunity and some of the potential pitfalls to avoid. The advice in this seminar could be essential to the success of your diversification.

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AWARD-WINNING DIVERSIFICATION Charlie Forbes Adam, Steward Of Escrick Park Estate

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

FARMING, LECTURING AND RUSSELL BRAND! Kate Beavan, BBC The One Show’s Resident Farmer

SEMINAR HALL 3 Thursday Ensuring a country estate 13.00 - 13.45 that has been in your family for three centuries remains relevant and profitable in the 21st century can’t be easy, but Charlie Forbes Adam reasoned that diversification was key to securing the estate’s future Charlie Forbes Adam is the 12th generation of his family to be the steward of Escrick Park Estate. Prior to being awarded the Royal Agricultural Society’s Bledisloe Gold Medal for 2012, Charlie and the estate won the Anders Wall Award in 2010, a Europe-wide prize for ‘creating a positive rural environment’, as well as a RICS Award for Building Conversions in 2002. The estate has been in the family for 300 years and now offers holiday accommodation, woodland and countryside horse rides, office space, and conference, training and events facilities. Revenue from these activities supports a long term plan of conservation to ensure Escrick Park remains the beautiful natural sanctuary it is today and for future generations Charlie is also Chairman of the Yorkshire branch of the CLA and on the Council of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Mostly he floats about shouting at his Labradors, reading metaphysical poetry and vaguely bird-watching.

Straight from the small screen and onto our seminar schedule, The One Show’s resident farmer shares her behind-the-scenes story. TV viewers everywhere will remember Great Trerhew Farm as the location for the first series of BBC’s ‘Lambing Live’ in 2010. Following on from the popularity of this series, the BBC asked Kate to become The One Show’s resident farmer. But Kate is far more than a familiar face from the telly. As a qualified lecturer and veterinary nurse with a degree in Natural Sciences & Biology and an MSc in Environmental Conservation Management, Kate has over 17 years’ experience lecturing in animal management. Kate combines farming alongside lecturing at Coleg Gwent and teaching at her highly successful Kate’s Country School. Offering a wide range of courses including topics such as butchery, dry stone walling and cider making, Kate has managed to find a way to combine her love of farming and the countryside with a great way to diversify without disrupting the everyday work of the 66-hectare farm. Kate is a farmer’s wife, mum of two, and an eternal optimist.

Farming, Lecturing and Russell Brand! This seminar is more than a chance to hear first-hand the impact that becoming a TV personality can have on your life. Kate will explain how she combines her everyday work as a farmer with lecturing and why she decided to set up her own small business, Kate’s Country School. She’ll also spill the beans on a certain notorious bearded movie star - don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to hear her story.

A Rural Revolution – The Transformation Of A Traditional Yorkshire Estate Hear how planning permissions and diverse new income streams have dramatically increased both cashflow and profitability of Escrick Park Estate, as well as reducing reliance upon farm income and agricultural rents. In this seminar, Charlie will reveal the fascinating story of this Yorkshire estate, with one eye on its heritage and the other on the future, as the increased income allows the estate to dramatically improve biodiversity in an arable farming area.

SEMINAR HALL 4 Thursday 14.00 - 14.45

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

FROM RUNDOWN FARM TO STATEOF-THE-ART CAFE

GROWING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Celia Gaze, Successfully Diversified Her Farm

Doug Richard, Former BBC Dragon And Serial Entrepreneur

Celia Gaze brings a fresh pair of eyes to farm diversification with a seminar that’s sure to be an eye-opener.

One of the original ‘dragons’, Doug left the ‘den’ to dedicate his time to helping entrepreneurs set up in business for themselves, earning a host of industry awards in the process.

After 14 years in the NHS, Celia Gaze turned to farming. With a Masters in Business Administration, a background in strategy and project management and as a qualified stress-management trainer without much farming experience, Celia brings a fresh pair of eyes to farm diversification. Over the past three years, Celia has transformed a rundown farm in Bolton, Lancashire into a state-of-the-art farm café with its own cookery school, meeting rooms, farm shop, butcher’s and a focus on ‘field to fork’ and the provenance of food. The farm has been designed as a ‘green’ venue with a real focus on sustainability. Celia brings a new approach to farm diversification and farming. Based on her own experience, she can provide knowledge on market research, grant funding, sponsorship, getting over the planning permission hurdles, marketing and PR opportunities – all while managing your stress levels!

How I Transformed A Rundown Farm Into Something Wonderful Hear the story of how Celia transformed a rundown farm in Bolton, Lancashire. Her inspiring seminar will explain the highs and lows of setting up a new farm diversification business, covering how to overcome planning permission hurdles, market research on over 185 venues, securing grant funding and sponsorship, obtaining bank funding, PR and marketing and lessons learnt along the way. This seminar is filled with essential advice if you’re thinking about diversifying your farm.

Fans of the BBC TV series Dragon’s Den with long memories will remember Doug Richard as one of the dragons in the first two series. He’s a technology and software entrepreneur of more than 20 years, in which time he was President and CEO of Micrografx, and founded and sold two other companies, Visual Software and ITAL Computers. As a serial entrepreneur with a degree in psychology from the University of California, Doug is uniquely qualified to create and deliver effective training in how to start and run a profitable business. He was the founder and Vice-Chairman of the Cambridge Angels and Chairman of the Conservative Party Small Business Task Force. Doug was an Honorary Recipient of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2006 and became a fellow of the RSA the following year. He founded the School For Startups in 2008, helping people start more profitable businesses by teaching thousands of business people face-to-face and through online classes. This work gained him the Enterprise Educator Of The Year award from the National Council on Graduate Employment in 2010.

SEMINAR HALL 1 Friday 11.00 - 11.45

Growing Your Small Business

SEMINAR HALL 2 Thursday 16.00 - 16.45

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Join former BBC Dragon and serial entrepreneur, Doug Richard, as he takes you through his key steps to start-up success. Doug will answer any and all of your questions in this fun and informative session, so if you have a business to grow, or a burning question about your start-up, come along for some clear, candid and jargon-free advice from one of the most respected business mentors in the world.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

LAW FOR LANDOWNERS Clive Rich, The £10Bn Negotiator

Clive is a certified superstar on the global business stage. Earning the nickname of ‘The £10 Billion Negotiator’ from his work with mega-corps like Sony, Apple and Tesco, he’s never forgotten how crucial good legal advice is for start-ups and SMEs.

SEMINAR HALL 2 Thursday 15.00 - 15.45

Clive Rich has been a lawyer for 30 years, originally qualifying as a barrister. Working in-house at major multinationals such as Sony, Bertelsmann and Warner, he has also run his own law firm in association with Olswang, the UK top 30 law firm, and represented hundreds of clients from major tech companies like My Space and San disk, to SMEs of all shapes and sizes. He now runs LawBite – an online legal service providing ‘Simple law for small companies’. Many small companies avoid law firms, believing they are too expensive, slow and difficult to understand. Lawbite believes the law is for everyone, and keeps small companies safe and sound at a price they can afford. LawBite restores trust in the law by providing simple, affordable contracts in plain English, a suite of editing and sharing tools and a virtual law firm of LawBriefs wrapped around the platform. It also tailors its offering for different industry sectors. It’s the law as it should be, minus the marble hallways and mahogany boardrooms.

Don’t Turn Your Green Fields Into A Legal Jungle Small companies are often too busy to take care of the legal requirements of their business. They also think lawyers are generally slow, expensive, and make things difficult to understand. This lawyer agrees with them. As a result, many SMEs don’t bother with the law – but that’s risky. Clive’s unique seminar shows that law can be easy, affordable and simple – helping you avoid making mistakes that could cost your business revenue, profits and exit valuations. Can you afford not to attend?

LIFE. BUSINESS. JUST GOT EASIER. Brad Burton, Business Motivational Speaker In a world of pressed suits, crisp shirts and conservative ties – or even worse, comedy ties – you underestimate this T-shirt sporting skinhead at your peril. Brad is the very definition of a self-made man, with his own unique take on business that speaks to everyman.

SEMINAR HALL 2 Thursday 17.00 - 17.45

Don’t let the jeans, tattoos and T-shirt fool you; Brad’s a true entrepreneur. Brought up on a council estate, he has no qualifications, spent years on the dole and started his first business in 2006 with £25,000 of personal debt. He delivered pizzas to keep his start-up business afloat and his dream alive. That business, 4Networking, revitalised a once tired UK business networking scene that it now dominates by running over 6,000 events each year! Brad packs halls with his standing-room-only seminars and he’s regarded as the UK’s number

one motivational business speaker; Dragons Den star, Theo Paphitis refers to him as, “A northern Anthony Robbins.” The author of three books, including the highest rated business book on Amazon, Brad’s latest book, LIFE. BUSINESS. JUST GOT EASIER. is currently storming the charts. Brad will change the way you approach your life, business and direction forever.

Life. Business. Just Got Easier. The UK’s number one motivational business speaker is back. Sometimes provocative, at times hilarious, always inspiring. In what is sure to be a riot of a keynote seminar, Brad will bring his trademark down-to-Earth approach to explaining the world of business and how to make it easier. And we’re promised this session will also tackle that small topic of… life! Be sure to arrive early; it’s always a lock out.

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HALL 1 THURSDAY SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE 10.15 - 10.45

14.00 - 14.45

Barry Davies Davies & Co Farm to Farm Attraction – Top tips and how to deal with the red tape!

Bill Brown cottages4you by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Making Your Holiday Home Work Harder For You

Dealing with the red tape – planning permission, highways, business rates, ecology, grant aid, etc. Practical examples of diversification projects to be given.

From guidance on what holidaymakers expect to tips on how to market your property and choosing between an agency or directory; cottages4you will help make your holiday home work harder for you. Ideal for everyone involved in holiday letting, whether you have years of experience or are just considering taking the plunge.

11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Ken Warner Energy Renewals Energy Made Simple Ken Warner will be discussing how to obtain the right gas/electricity contract for your specific needs, how the renewal process works and the variety of tariffs offered by suppliers and things to look out for such as “hidden charges” which are not always mentioned when obtaining prices. He will also discuss some of the problems facing small to medium businesses when trying to switch suppliers and resolve contractual disputes.

12.00 - 12.45 Ray Noble Renewable Energy Association Solar Energy and opportunities for Farmers Solar PV offers some unique opportunities for Farmers from the use of farm building roofs to generate electricity and protect against future price rises to using the Fields, or renting the fields to developers, to generate electricity to be sold to the grid. Government provides subsidies to make this commercially viable.

13.00 - 13.45 Ian Butter FRICS MRTPI Rural & Urban Planning Consultancy Maximising Farm & Estate Business through the Town Planning System The Town Planning system is changing rapidly with new opportunities and constraints appearing almost too frequently to keep pace with. However, recent legislative and market changes are allowing greater flexibility within the rural sector. Drawing on the speakers 35 years in professional practice this seminar will outline the current potential for using the planning system to your advantage; highlighting areas of opportunity and some of the potential pitfalls.

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Carl Gurney Jelf group PLC Insurance for Operators of Renewable Energy Systems The seminar is to explain the insurance requirements for operators of Renewable Energy Systems. Giving an explanation of the main insurance requirements that should be considered, along with sharing claims experiences.

16.00 - 16.45 Nick Holmes Chavereys Assessing your tax structure in just 45 minutes Nick will demonstrate how to appraise your taxation structure in just 45 minutes and how to achieve a flexible and tax efficient structure that is appropriate for the future direction of your business.

HALL 1 FRIDAY SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE Doug Richard School for Startups Growing your Small Business Former BBC Dragon and serial entrepreneur Doug Richard will take you through his key steps to startup success and will be answering any and all of your questions, so if you’ve got a business to grow, or a burning question about your startup, come along for some clear, candid and jargon-free advice.

12.00 - 12.45 Alastair Carnergie Total Energy Solutions Ltd Energy purchasing – Making the complex simple We all know that energy brokers can save money on energy bills, but buying energy is a complex and confusing industry, so how do you ensure you don’t get ripped off? Alastair dispels the myths surrounding the industry and tells you all you need to know about how to choose the right deal for you. Also, learn the dos and don’ts when expanding or diversifying.

13.00 - 13.45 Carl Gurney Jelf group PLC Insurance for Operators of Renewable Energy Systems The seminar is to explain the insurance requirements for operators of Renewable Energy Systems. Giving an explanation of the main insurance requirements that should be considered, along with sharing claims experiences.

14.00 - 14.45 Simon Hayley AgriChatUK How to use social media effectively for maximum business benefit The relationship between farming, technology and innovation is well-established. Inserting social media into this mix is a great chance to complement existing business activities in respect of marketing, networking and communications, and can help to realise new opportunities. This talk will explain how the rural industry is currently using such digital communications tools and what the future looks like for increased adoption, with focus on case studies of both the benefits and pitfalls of its use.

15.00 - 15.45 Guy Warren UPM Tilhill The Woodland & Forestry Market in England Forestry & woodland businesses have resolutely bucked the wider economic trend since 2008 with demand for property continuing un-abated in 2013 coming from a wide spectrum of buyers. Hot of the heals of the recently launched UPM Tilhill & Savills Forest Market Report 2013 we shall explore these market trends and their drivers before considering what the future for woodland values in England might look like.

* Content and speakers are subject to change. The digital show guide and seminar timetable will be updated online prior to the show, so please check www.thefarmingshow.co.uk for the latest information.

11.00 - 11.45

CHECK OUR ONLINE TIMETABLE FOR UPDATES! There’s no need to book for any of the seminars, but places are on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to avoid disappointment. Content and speakers are subject to change. This final update to the digital show guide represents the final content of the seminar schedule to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Any further revisions in advance of the show will be made online at www.thefarmingshow.co.uk For the latest information on the day(s) of the show, please check the timetables outside each hall.

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HALL 2 THURSDAY BUSINESS ADVICE 11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Barry Jefferd George Hay Chartered Accountants Tax traps of diversification

Clive Rich LawBite Limited Don’t turn your green fields into a legal jungle

It is well known that Agriculture has many favourable tax advantages such as Farmers’ Averaging and Agricultural Property Relief. As farmers/landowners seek to diversify do these valuable reliefs still apply? HMRC are always seeking to deny these advantages and often see diversification as a good excuse for close investigation. Barry will point out the traps that need to be avoided as well as the opportunities for further tax planning.

Small Companies are often too busy to take care of the legal requirements of their business. They also think lawyers are generally slow, expensive, and makes things difficult to understand. This lawyer agrees with them. As a result many SME’s don’t bother with the law – but that’s risky. This talk shows that law can be easy, affordable and simple – helping you avoid making mistakes that cost your business revenue, profits and exit valuations.

12.00 - 12.45

16.00 - 16.45

Nick Moriarity ERCA Ropes Courses – All YOU should know

Celia Gaze The Wellbeing Farm How I transformed a run-down farm into something wonderful – a great farm diversification story

What exactly is a ropes course? Perhaps a mile long zip line, an “adventure park” like Go Ape in trees or something similar inside a barn, an “obstacle” course over water or a challenge used by top corporations. More than 25 million people take part on one every year across Europe. Learn about relevant standards and legislation, why some work and some don’t and how to maximise your investment.

13.00 - 13.45

17.00 - 17.45

John Tucker The Woodland Trust Trees and Woods – a forgotten resource

Brad Burton 4Networking Life. Business. Just got easier.

This talk introduces recent research undertaken for the Woodland Trust by sustainability consultants Best Foot Forward, into how native trees support sustainability issues in the dairy and top fruit sectors. It reviews the factors affecting sustainability; the functions that non-cropping trees deliver and puts the benefits in the context of what really matters to farmers and businesses. The research also looks at supply chains and how to influence farm practice.

The UK’s #1 Motivational Business Speaker is back. Sometimes provocative. At times hilarious. ALWAYS Inspiring. Brought up on a council estate, he’s got no qualifications, spent years on dole and started his first business in 2006 with £25K of personal debt! That business 4Networking is now the largest joined up business network in the UK, running over 6,000 events each year. Brad will change the way you approach your life and business forever. Be sure to arrive early, it’s ALWAYS a lock out.

14.00 - 14.45 Mark Charter Blake Lapthorn Diversification: getting it right legally Mark will highlight some of the common legal pitfalls to be avoided and issues to be aware of in considering diversification strategies. His talk will cover a wide range of diversification possibilities including renewable energy, commercial ventures, philanthropic approaches, land-share and other alternative land uses.

The story of how a run-down farm in Bolton, Lancashire was transformed – covering the high’s and low’s of setting up a new farm diversification business covering overcoming planning permission hurdles, market research on over 185 venues, securing grant funding and sponsorship, obtaining bank funding, PR and marketing and lessons learnt along the way.

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11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Ray Hipkin Chartered Safety Practitioner Making sense of health and safety

Matthew Heast National Farm Attractions Network Practical ways of enforcing the code of practise

Complying with health and safety requirements for many is an enigma and looks extremely challenging. This session is designed to show that, with a little properly targeted help from a specialist, it can be done without a lot of pain when issues are dealt with in a proper, timely manner. It will also inform you of how to Keep It Sublimely Simple.

Practical ways of bringing your farm park or animal attraction up to the new code of practice standard, as experienced by Matthew a farm park operator.

12.00 - 12.45

16.00 - 16.45

Mark Charter Blake Lapthorn Diversification: getting it right legally

Barry Jefferd George Hay Chartered Accountants Tax traps of diversification

Mark will highlight some of the common legal pitfalls to be avoided and issues to be aware of in considering diversification strategies. His talk will cover a wide range of diversification possibilities including renewable energy, commercial ventures, philanthropic approaches, land-share and other alternative land uses.

13.00 - 13.45

CHECK OUR ONLINE TIMETABLE FOR UPDATES!

Ben Patten FarmDrop Ltd A new era of retailing: How to take advantage of online food retail trends This seminar will explore ways farmers can take advantage of one of the fastest growing areas in retail: online grocery shopping. Online shopping is one of the only meaningful growth drivers in UK grocery at the moment, and research suggests the market is set to double to £11.2bn by 2016. With more consumer spending migrating online, this session will examine the main obstacles, trends and opportunities for producers in this emerging route to market.

There’s no need to book for any of the seminars, but places are on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to avoid disappointment. Content and speakers are subject to change. This final update to the digital show guide represents the final content of the seminar schedule to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Any further revisions in advance of the show will be made online at www.thefarmingshow.co.uk For the latest information on the day(s) of the show, please check the timetables outside each hall.

14.00 - 14.45 Richard Jenner Openfield Taking the risk out of Grain Marketing When selling grain volatility is a growing concern and with information in abundance how do you evaluate its significance? Richard will explore attitudes to risk and market drivers, how to assess these factors and how they influence you in developing your grain marketing plan.

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HALL 2 FRIDAY BUSINESS ADVICE

HALL 3 THURSDAY IDEAS AND RESOURCES 11.00 - 11.45

14.00 - 14.45

Jae Mather HW Fisher & Company How to Profit through Sustainability: Opportunities for Farm and Land Owners

Ian Burrows Newhay Feeds Farmer’s Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year

As environmental pressures associated with increased energy and supply costs and early impacts of climate change steadily increase; the very fabric of business is changing and forcing business to change at an unprecedented rate. With that said there are ample opportunities to increase operation efficiency, tackle supply-chain issues and to profit through energy generation. The potential for farm and land owners to profit through sustainability is now greater than ever.

Ian Burrows was the worthy winner of the title of 2012 Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year. His relentless drive and enthusiasm for innovation – and his determination to get new products to market – meant Ian pipped the other two finalists at the post. By embracing new-thinking, he shows it is possible for smaller family farms to thrive, not just survive.

12.00 - 12.45

15.00 - 15.45

Cameron Roucher Rathinny Estate Why England, Why now- The development of a vineyard on a 600 acre arable farm

Alastair Carnergie Total Energy Solutions Ltd Energy purchasing – Making the complex simple

An explanation of why it is now feasible to grow wine grapes in the UK, and the challenges of setting up Rathfinny Estate.

We all know that energy brokers can save money o n energy bills, but buying energy is a complex and confusing industry, so how do you ensure you don’t get ripped off? Alastair dispels the myths surrounding the industry and tells you all you need to know about how to choose the right deal for you. Also, learn the dos and don’ts when expanding or diversifying.

13.00 - 13.45

16.00 - 16.45

Charles Forbes Adam Escrick Park Estate A Rural Revolution – The transformation of a traditional Yorkshire estate

Steve Heap, General Secretary of AFO The Association of Festival Organisers Beware of Parachute Artists (a Festival on your farm?)

After a brief history of Escrick Park Estate, the seminar will demonstrate how planning permissions and new income streams have dramatically increased both cash flow and profitability of the business as well as reducing reliance upon farm income and agricultural rents. Increased income has also enabled the estate to dramatically improve biodiversity in an arable farming area.

Farm land and country parks are the sought after venues for new festivals. How would yours be successful when so many fail? Can you be different enough – you need qualified professionals just like a solicitor or accountants. Don’t think it’s as easy a birthday party.

17.00 - 17.45 Professor Roy Seaman Franchise Development Services Ltd How to Franchise Your Business Based on the presenting Company’s 31 years of experience they will outline how a Company can prepare themselves for expansion by Franchising. A brief walk through of the three main stages will provide a valuable insight for owners of a successful business that are considering expansion by Franchising.

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HALL 3 FRIDAY IDEAS AND RESOURCES 11.00 - 11.45

14.00 - 14.45

Charles Forbes Adam Escrick Park Estate A Rural Revolution – The transformation of a traditional Yorkshire estate

Ray Hole Lappset, in association with Ray Hole Architects Lappset presents mini attractions for all weather conditions: turn your land into a valuable asset, whatever the weather Attraction operators take weather seriously because visitors have always made weather related decisions. Even the most agile attractions are not immune from the impacts of volatile weather. Lappset, in association with specialist attraction designers Ray Hole Architects, outlines a shift in strategic approach that actually thrives on different weather types, promoting increased and repeat visitation, and generating higher revenues from the experiences that diverse climatic characteristics can provide.

12.00 - 12.45

15.00 - 15.45

Colin Taylor The Parasol Group Farm diversification – have you considered man’s best friend?

Simon Mellin Roaming Rooster Taking local to the masses

Do you have a lifetime’s experience in looking after animals? Why not use it to generate income through boarding, breeding or training dogs? The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 requires that premises for boarding dogs must be licensed by the local authority. Colin Taylor explains how to obtain a licence, how to choose the best kennel building and what returns you can expect.

13.00 - 13.45 Mike Donovan Practical Farm Ideas magazine Niche markets: the next retail revolution Editor of Practical Farm Ideas, farm cost cutting guru, dairy farmer, former editor of Retail Business, Mike will be advising on the future of farming’s relationship with supermarkets and it’s not as bleak as you might think! There will new opportunities opening up for those in the right place

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

HALL 4 THURSDAY FUTURE FOR DIVERSIFICATION 11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Charles Gulland Wigwam® Holidays The Power of Wigwam® for Business Success

Danielle and Louise Country Land & Business Association Delivering new housing stock and protecting existing housing stock in the countryside

With a track record of over two decades in building wooden cabins from sustainable home grown timber, Charles Gulland, the original innovator of the camping pod and founder of the first ‘glamping holiday’ business, demonstrates how his unique and proven business model has helped farm businesses diversify and maximize revenue. Charles will talk about how Wigwam® Holidays can support your business with the benefits of being part of one of the UK’s biggest alternative holiday brands.

12.00 - 12.45

16.00 - 16.45

Simon Pain Billow Farm Diversification After Foot & Mouth

Melanie Edwardson Edwardson Associates Ltd Diversification in the rural business sector: the need to pursue and secure flexible and appropriate planning consents

In 2001 Simon found himself the tenant on a farm that had been devastated by foot & mouth. With no machinery, little capital and 1000 acres to farm Simon had to turn to diversification in order to survive. Come and learn from one farmer’s story of how he turned near disaster into success.

This seminar explores some of the current opportunities in diversification and the critical need to exploit planning, considering the impact and effect of the National Planning Policy Framework and other recent Government initiatives.

13.00 - 13.45

17.00 - 17.45

Doug Jackson AG Advisory LLp Balancing your Business: the See Saw of Diversification

Keith Arkle Sage UK Slash your running costs using online applications: A Case Study

A successful diversification enterprise can boost farm profit, provide an opportunity for another member of the family to join the business and maximise the use of business assets but it can also result in increased business debt, higher risk and reduced profits. Doug Jackson will talk through the process of identifying opportunities and making them happen but protecting the core business at the same time.

Using a real business as an example we will show you how using online technology in your business will reduce your running costs, free up your cash flow and give you the flexibility to get time back or scale with ease. This seminar is ideal if you’re worried about the costs of starting up or expanding or are already trading and would simply like to reduce your costs.

14.00 - 14.45 Kate Beavan Kate’s Country School Farming, Lecturing and Russell Brand! Offering a wide range of courses in including topics such as Butchery, Sheep shearing and Cider Making, Kate has managed to find a way to combine her love of farming and the countryside with a great way to diversify without disrupting the everyday working farm. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to hear her story.

This seminar will cover new opportunities to deliver housing through use of national policies alongside the taxation implications of such activity. For those wishing to rent out new or existing housing stock, the seminar will also look at minimum energy performance requirements. The availability of £800 million grant per annum designed to assist landlords to deliver energy efficient housing will be explored alongside the taxation treatment of the private rented sector.

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HALL 4 FRIDAY FUTURE FOR DIVERSIFICATION Mike Townsend OBE Woodland Trust Integrating trees in to farming systems

14.00 - 14.45 Alastair Sawday Sawday’s Special Places to Stay

The challenge for farming is how to maintain or increase production, whilst also protecting the environment and delivering ‘ecosystem services’. Thoughtful and targeted integration of trees in to farming systems has the potential to increase the sustainability and resilience of farming, whilst also providing wider public benefits for water management, flood mitigation, biodiversity and landscape, carbon storage soil conservation and so on. Research from the UK and other temperate farming systems shows how this can be achieved in ways which can benefits UK farming.

Hear the fascinating story of how Alastair’s passion for finding unusual holiday accommodation turned into an international business. His seminar will explain how he supports UK landowners looking into regeneration, eco-friendly ventures and tourism. Drawing on real-world examples, Alastair will inspire you with successful case studies that include the Treehouse at Harptree Court to inspire and encourage you in your dreams of developing or diversifying your land.

12.00 - 12.45

15.00 - 15.45

Justin Mumford Lockhart Garratt Ltd Making Woodlands Work – Why you should manage your woods

Richard Edwards LC Energy Trees To Heat, Benefits of a Sustainable Woodfuel Supply Chain

Exploring the developing woodfuel market with a focus on the supply chain opportunities for foresters and landowners, not only from the point of view of timber supply but also the other potential benefits that a local woodfuel supply chain can offer.

13.00 - 13.45

16.00 - 16.45

Ian Burrows Newhay Feed Ltd Farmer’s Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year Ian Burrows was the worthy winner of the title of 2012 Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year. His relentless drive and enthusiasm for innovation – and his determination to get new products to market – meant Ian pipped the other two finalists at the post. By embracing new-thinking, he shows it is possible for smaller family farms to thrive, not just survive.

Alistair Cotton Currencies Direct The benefits of FX expertise – Harvest your savings and grow your business. Did you know that you could save up to 4% of the amount of your Single Farm Payment and any other overseas money transfers, just by using a foreign exchange specialist instead of your bank? Learn from Currencies Direct – the FX experts – how to make your money go further when making international transfers, and use those savings to make your business grow!

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

11.00 - 11.45

HALL 5 THURSDAY HOW TO 11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Dr Lydia Smith NIAB Knowledge Exchange and Help with Diversification

Mark Jagger/ Charles Payne BQP British Quality Pigs (a part a Dalehead Foods) BQP, our supply chain and opportunities within.

I will describe how NIAB Innovation Farm (IF) provides a source of information about opportunities in the rural environment. IF has a specific remit to work with small businesses and provide practical help to enable diversification or to set up new businesses. I will refer to some of the exciting innovations in crop science that have emerged recently and how they could impact on farmers/growers or business using farmed material.

12.00 - 12.45

16.00 - 16.45

Ian Butter, Barry Davies, Fenella Collins, Tony Kenron Panel Session Permitted Development Rights - A Step In The Right Direction?

Geoff Mills Bowers ActivSure A/S Cost saving and environmental solutions for drinking water and agricultural/horticultural disinfection

Some building projects don’t need planning permission. This is known as ‘permitted development rights’. This panel session will be unmissable for any land owner who is either about to undertake, or considering, a schedule of work. You’ll find out the types of work that you can undertake without planning permission as our panel explains the benefits, with some surprising opportunities for forward-thinking land owners.

A presentation of new technologies for the treatment of water for humans/animals and disinfection in many aspect of agriculture/ horticulture. The presentation is relevant to all audiences, from a single small holder to a large enterprise.

13.00 - 13.45

17.00 - 17.45

Carl Benfield Prescient Power Ltd Powering Profitable Farming

Gary Richardson Access to Farms Open Your Farm to Visitors

But what technologies are right for you? How can you overcome the high capital costs often involved? How certain of future savings and income can you be? This high-energy talk focusses on the key information needed to make an educated choice.

This seminar will take you through the implications and guidelines of the new Industry Code of Practice for safe farm visits.

14.00 - 14.45 Keith Arkle Sage UK Slash your running costs using online applications: A Case Study Using a real business as an example we will show you how using online technology in your business will reduce your running costs, free up your cash flow and give you the flexibility to get time back or scale with ease. This seminar is ideal if you’re worried about the costs of starting up or expanding or are already trading and would simply like to reduce your costs.

Mark will give an overview of BQP’s history and our unique partnership with Waitrose.He will then be discussing the benefits of mix farming and the opportunities there are to diversify into modern day, high welfare pig production with a guaranteed income. A BQP producer will also be on hand to answer any questions!

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HALL 5 FRIDAY HOW TO 11.00 - 11.45

15.00 - 15.45

Doug Jackson AG Advisory LLP Balancing your Business: the See Saw of Diversification

Rob Sanderson Openfield How do arable farmers get closer to the consumer?

With 24 million tonnes of crops grown in the UK each year and very little of this sold directly to consumers how can farmers engage on a scale to capture some of the value & make a difference? Our cereal supply chains are challenging and with consumers increasingly concerned around security of supply, provenance and traceability this presents an opportunity for a more collaborative approach. Rob will explore recent progress.

12.00 - 12.45

16.00 - 16.45

Tim Willis Harrison Clark Rickerbys Risk Allocation in EPC Contracts

Keith Arkle Sage UK Slash your running costs using online applications: A Case Study

13.00 - 13.45 Keith Arkle Sage UK Slash your running costs using online applications: A Case Study Using a real business as an example we will show you how using online technology in your business will reduce your running costs, free up your cash flow and give you the flexibility to get time back or scale with ease. This seminar is ideal if you’re worried about the costs of starting up or expanding or are already trading and would simply like to reduce your costs.

14.00 - 14.45 Anthony Davidson BigBarn CIC The Perfect Farm Shop Farm Shops have evolved from sheds on farms selling their own produce to large purpose built shops similar to a supermarket. When the supermarkets seem to have gained so much customer loyalty how can farm shops win customers and make them regulars? Anthony talks to hundreds of farm shops every year and has a put together a recipe for the perfect farm shop.

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Any significant renewables project will involve entering into a formal contract for the design supply and construction of the project and also making arrangements to manage operational risks and ongoing maintenance requirements. Purchasers are often farm businesses with little or no experience of negotiation long term technical contracts. The seminar will consider the key issues on risk allocation by reference to contracts for ground mounted solar PV and AD plants.

HALL 6 THURSDAY INNOVATION 11.00 - 11.45

14.00 - 14.45

Digby Summerhill Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited Guarantee your income Whatever the Weather

James Gross Barton Willmore Turning your land into a strategic development opportunity

Bad weather can mean poor returns, but not with large scale solar development. This seminar will provide information to all landowners looking to diversify their land and income through the development of a solar farm. Topics will cover the business case for solar, funding options, common misconceptions, site selection, different agreement structures and how to choose the right developer to work with.

Development offers the ultimate in diversification for a land owner, but what does a strategic development opportunity look like? In this session our Planners and Masterplanners of new settlements, communities, business, leisure and energy facilities will outline some of the criteria we can use to identify key development opportunities that offer not only a grass routes approach but also a real legacy investment for land owners.

12.00 - 12.45

15.00 - 15.45

Julian Martin ICE Renewables Ltd Wind Turbines: Overcoming Barriers to Success in an Uncertain Climate

Alan Hammond and Carl Haynes Orchard Consultancy Setting Up and Managing a Camp Site

Since the Feed-In-Tariff was introduced, the UK’s Small & Medium Wind Industry has been on a roller-coaster ride across an ever changing political and financial landscape. This presentation will highlight some of the major challenges that are currently facing the distributed wind turbine industry; what can be done to overcome them, and what needs to happen to ensure the long-term success of wind turbine projects in the farming sector.

13.00 - 13.45

16.00 - 16.45

Tessa Guy Baystar Energy Commercial RHI – Window of Opportunity

Mark Turner Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited Making the most of your land, what else can you do if you have a solar farm

This seminar will assess both biomass and large scale heat pumps and the impact of the RHI. It will provide an Overview of the Renewable Heat Incentive, examples of qualifying farm-based schemes, a look at different system sizes and investment & payback estimates. We will also address eligibility requirements, financing packages and sources, optimum structures for tax as well as system design considerations, planning and reliability and maintenance issues.

Overview of farm diversification options with emphasis on campsite development from conception to commission including financial, planning and other considerations based on current ‘hands on’ experience. A look at the routes to market and the strengths and weaknesses they include. The advantages of running a campsite as a secondary or bolt on business.

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Solar farms provide attractive farmland diversification options like grazing, biodiversity & habitat enhancement. Solar farm equipment and infrastructure usually only occupy 30% of the rented area and therefore there are plenty of opportunities to put the land to good use further.The seminar will cover land management options and scenarios on how you can make the most out of your land if you are thinking of diversifying with a solar farm.

HALL 6 FRIDAY INNOVATION 11.00 - 11.45

14.00 - 14.45

Raoul Tufnell BELECTRIC UK How to Benefit from Solar Power

Julian Martin ICE Renewables Ltd Wind Turbines: Overcoming Barriers to Success in an Uncertain Climate Since the Feed-In-Tariff was introduced, the UK’s Small & Medium Wind Industry has been on a roller-coaster ride across an ever changing political and financial landscape. This presentation will highlight some of the major challenges that are currently facing the distributed wind turbine industry; what can be done to overcome them, and what needs to happen to ensure the long-term success of wind turbine projects in the farming sector.

12.00 - 12.45

15.00 - 15.45

Benjamin Bodart ODA UK Succeed in a volatile market

Alan Hammond and Carl Haynes Orchard Consultancy Setting Up and Managing a Camp Site

Agribusinesses face significant risks in today’s increasingly complex and volatile agricultural commodity markets. This seminar will introduce 4 steps which will help you turn volatility into an opportunity, rather than a threat; understanding key fundamental and macroeconomic drivers, following relevant market information and analysis, learning how to use all grain marketing and risk management tools, applying these tools and this information to a proactive and adaptable marketing strategy.

13.00 - 13.45

16.00 - 16.45

Neil Davy Olio of Oxney British Extra Virgin Olive Oil – inspiration or insanity?

Derek Burton Befree Power independence, localism and payback

Against prevailing wisdom, Neil Davy has planted a commercial olive grove at Huggit’s Farm on the Isle of Oxney in Kent. His ambition is to produce Britain’s first Extra Virgin Olive Oil. After year-long field trials of a number of varieties, he planted 200 trees, only then to be hit by weather conditions which are the antithesis of successful olive cultivation. Neil will share his experiences, lessons and expectations for the future.

Exploring how individuals can gain independence over their power and water needs, the cost payback balance and why you would want to do it!

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

Solar power (PV) is more efficient than photosynthesis - i.e. You can obtain more energy from solar panels than you can with biomass, and together with subsidies, generate more money than you can from crops. BELECTRIC are the world market leader in developing and constructing both solar farms and solar rooftop systems. Toddington will be highlighting how to seize the best opportunities from UK solar.

PROFESSIONAL AGRICULTURE, COUNTRYSIDE PURSUIT AND EQUINE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

EVERY PURCHASE HELPS TO PROMOTE THE COUNTRYSIDE www.kevinmilnercountryside.co.uk Mob: 07719570370 Tel: 01962 732585 www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kevin-Milner-Countryside-Pursuit-Photography/149336325110272

PANEL SESSION

PANEL SESSION: PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

SEMINAR HALL 1

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear four leading figures in diversification discuss the key issue of permitted developments in a live forum. Find out how your land based business could benefit!

IAN BUTTER

BARRY DAVIES

We’ve gathered together a must-see panel session for the show, drawing together some of the leading figures in diversification for what promises to be a fantastic highlight of the seminar schedule. Whether you already have a change of use in mind for your land or buildings, or you’re looking for inspiration or a better understanding of what the legislation means for the future of your land, you’ll be sure to gain valuable insights from these industry leaders.

opportunities of permitted development rights to realise the full potential of their businesses. With two consultancies, a chartered surveyor and an association dedicated to supporting landowners, the panellists include Ian Butter, Rural & Urban Planning Consultancy; Barry Davies, Davies & Co; Fenella Collins, Country Land & Business Association; and Tony Kernon, Kernon Countryside Consultants.

This is a unique chance to hear key figures from different areas of diversification in open debate, as they discuss the different ways that farmers, rural businesses, land and estate owners can maximise the

This is a remarkable panel of speakers, whose combined knowledge and years of experience are sure to illuminate and inform the way you grow and develop your land based business. There will be

Rural & Urban Planning Consultancy

Davies & Co

FENELLA COLLINS

Country Land & Business Association

opportunity for you to ask your burning questions direct in this panel discussion, making this an essential session whether you’re looking for inspiration to help you understand how permitted development rights could benefit your business, or if you’re keen to learn more about the area that any of these practitioners specialise in. There’s no need to book in advance for the panel session, but with such a diverse and experienced line-up, we expect places to fill up fast, so get there early to ensure you don’t miss out!

Friday 14.00 - 14.30

TONY KERNON

Kernon Countryside Consultants

Permitted Development Rights - A Step In The Right Direction? Some building projects don’t need planning permission. This is known as ‘permitted development rights’. This panel session will be unmissable for any land owner who is either about to undertake, or considering, a schedule of work. You’ll find out the types of work that you can undertake without planning permission as our panel explains the benefits, with some surprising opportunities for forward-thinking land owners.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

SUPPORTERS

OUR SUPPORTERS Farm Business Innovation would like to thank all of our partners and supporters for their help and assistance in launching the show.

Agricultural Trader Stand number F334 The Agricultural Trader is a monthly publication dedicated to the agricultural industry and those involved with agriculture as a whole. We cover the whole of the UK & Ireland. 01271 341652 www.agriculturaltrader.co.uk

BusinessesForSale.com Stand number 248 (The Business Show) BusinessesForSale.com connects business buyers and sellers. With over 61,000 businesses in 130 countries worldwide, the website is the world’s largest businesses for sale marketplace, attracting over one million unique users every month. www.businessesforsale.com

Countryside Alliance Stand number F634 Countryside Alliance has in its short life become the major British campaigning organisation on rural issues. With around 100,000 members the Countryside Alliance defends and promotes country sports and rural life at Parliament, in the media and on the ground. 020 7840 9200 www.countryside-alliance.org

Country Land & Business Association Stand number F324 The CLA offers essential support to all types of landowner whatever the size of their acreage. The CLA provides its members with free and unlimited specialist advice on every aspect of landownership. Anyone who owns rural land will benefit from joining the CLA. To find out more, visit www.cla.org.uk 020 7460 7935 www.cla.org.uk

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Farming Online Limited Stand number F254 Farming Online supplies news, weather and prices information to UK agriculture. Business grade telecoms Broadband, line rental/ calls and mobiles. Farm finance specialising in renewable energy. Technical solutions as smart phone Apps, web site design and construction. Established 1995. 08709090902 www.farming.co.uk

National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association Ltd (FARMA) Stand number F340 FARMA is a member-owned, UKwide co-operative dedicated to supporting and developing farm shops and direct sales from the farm to consumer. Farm shops are challenging but, with professional management, can offer good returns on investment, with cafes and other options for further diversification. 0845 45 88 420 www.farma.org.uk

Holiday Parks Management Our goal is to help clients to source supplies and services, providing a professional website and magazine, with B2B suppliers to the holiday park industry. Our experienced staff offer a service that is designed to improve performance and help with holiday park management. 01432 263219 www.holidayparksmanagement. com

National Farmer Digital Farming magazine Stand number F462 National Farmer is the world’s first digital magazine for the UK agricultural Industry. The publication offers a unique and varied editorial content; focusing on the latest farming news, renewable technology and how the modern farmer can diversify on their farm. 01202 666602 www.nationalfarmer.net

National Farm Attractions Network NFAN) Stand number F456 The National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) is the only co-operative group established to provide professional assistance and support to Farm and Rural Diversification Enterprises. The NFAN is unique, as the only independent national cooperative for farm and rural attractions. 01536 513397 www.farmattractions.net

The National Farmers’ Union Stand number F450 The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Farm Energy Service is delivered by Fisher German and Farm Energy Centre. It provides NFU members with a complete renewables, energy efficiency package and energy contract management package. 0870 844 5700 www.nfufarmenergyservice.com

Practical Farm Ideas Practical Farm Ideas features clever ideas made and developed by farmers and engineers - who, having made it for themselves, are happy to share the idea with others. Posted to subscribers, the 48-page magazine is published quarterly. 01994 240978 www.farmideas.co.uk

Royal Agricultural Society of England Since 1840, the Royal Agricultural Society of England has played a leading role in the rapid agricultural progress of the 19th and 20th Centuries. RASE aims to be the independent voice for the interpretation and application of science and best practice that seeks to optimise agriculture and food resources to ensure a secure global future. 02476 858 252 www.rase.org.uk

Smallholder Magazine Smallholder magazine is the leading monthly publication for the small producer and self-reliant household and has a publishing history spanning more than 100 years. The magazine is available nationally and has a reputation for quality and informed editorial content. www.smallholder.co.uk/

Soil Association Stand number F644 Soil Association Certification are the market leaders in a growing organic industry and are the UK’s best known and most recognised organic certifier. Our logo is your customers guarantee that your produce meets the highest standards of integrity, animal welfare, sustainability and quality. 0117 314 5000 www.soilassociation.org/

EXHIBITOR

A-Z A complete listing of all the exhibitors taking part in Farm Business Innovation at Olympia London.

Abaco Mobile Home Group Stand number F636 Abaco, is a family run business. we look after our customers needs and requirements to the full. We supply temporary accommodation, to all walks of life.Insurance companies, farmers for extra staffing around harvest, extra living space. granny annex. mobile homes give you freedom & space , 01621774084 www.abacomobilehomes.co.uk Access to Farms Stand number F562 Access to Farms is a partnership of organisations dedicated to offering support to the industry which will enable them to offer first class educational farm visits in a safe and welcoming environment 01422885566 www.countrysidelearning.org ActivSure Farm Innovations Stand number F624 Cost saving and environmentally friendly water treatment and cleaning/ disinfection systems that are safe for humans and animals. ActivSure generators and smaller countertop units generate Hypochlorous Acid, one of the most powerful disinfection agents, created by nature herself. 07706 509082 www.ActivSure.com AG Advisory LLP Stand number F232 AG Advisory LLP is a leading advisor to farms, estates and rural businesses. We provide modern and proactive advice to all types of business across the sector. Our core business service offerings are: strategic business advice, sustainability advice, research and investment and technology advice,. 01435 81 38 38 www.agad.co.uk Albion Canvas Co Stand number F550 Stylish Canvas Tents for the glamping industry. Geodesic Domes, Safari lodges, Bell & Festy tents produced in our workshop in Wellington Somerset from the finest fabrics. Built to last and to provide the user with a sturdy, bright and cosy place to enjoy their holiday. 01823 653034 www.albioncanvas.co.uk

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS Anytime Booking Stand number F330 Anytime Booking is a complete online booking, reservation and management system for campsites, touring parks, holiday parks and self catering accommodation providers. 01326 574660 www.anytimebooking.co.uk Barton Willmore Stand number F246 Barton Willmore provides town planning and design services to developers, landowners and investors. Our 11 teams across the UK provide landowners with advice on what opportunities for development might exist and connect you to the people who can make it reality. Come see us for a free site appraisal 0118 943 0110 www.bartonwillmore.co.uk Baystar Energy Stand number F320 Baystar specialises in biomass, heat pump & large PV projects. We are experts in the RHI, which generates lucrative additional income for farms and estates whilst reducing heating costs. We can take your renewable project from conception to installation, allowing you to concentrate on your business 01293 851459 www.baystar.co.uk BELECTRIC UK Stand number F220 BELECTRIC are the world market leader in the design, development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of large scale solar photovoltaic projects. We have completed 3,000 Rooftop Systems, 200 Solar Farms, and several Car Parks. 01895 452 640 www.belectric.co.uk Blake Lapthorn Stand number F646 Blake Lapthorn is a law firm with over 90 partners and 300 lawyers across London, Oxford, Portsmouth and Southampton. Our Estates and Farms Group understand that estate ownership and farming are not just commercial enterprises, they are a way of life, with their own particular complexities. 023 8090 8090 www.bllaw.co.uk BQP/Dalehead foods Stand number F352 BQP is the agricultural arm of Dalehead foods, an integrated supply chain & the largest producer of high welfare pork in the UK. We are actively expanding to meet the demands of our customer, Waitrose & are offering exciting diversification opportunities, with stable cash flows & a guaranteed market 07880187556 www.dalehead.co.uk/about-pigfarming.html

British Solar Renewables Stand number F460 British Solar Renewables builds, owns and operates a new generation of utility-scale renewable energy plants. It’s sister company, Ardenham Energy, specialises in the design and installation of commercial roof mounted solar PV systems, heat pumps and biomass systems. 01458 224900 www.britishrenewables.com BTS Biogas Stand number F464 BTS Biogas is an Italian company with a long-time expertise in the planning, production and construction of biogas power plants. BTS Biogas is now operating in 10 countries across 3 continents, with in excess of 125 MWel installed capacity across more than 170 biogas power plants. 07958876312 www.bts-biogas.com Camping Cabins Stand number F420 Camping Cabins supply a unique range of quality timber campsite buildings along with comprehensive site survey, design and fitting services. Our Camping Cabins, Yurts, Arches (a great alternative to the camping pod) and bespoke Washroom/Utility buildings offer exceptional flexibility and returns 0115 932 8888 www.camping-cabins.co.uk Carter Pumps Ltd Stand number F310 If you are a farmer, smallholder, land or estate owner then you will understand what it means to be “off grid” with no access to mains water or mains sewers. Come and talk to Carter Pumps about developing your own private water supply. We can also help with sewage treatment systems. 01380 734900 www.carterpumps.co.uk Chavereys Stand number F244 Chavereys is an innovative firm of Chartered Accountants specialising in rural diversification. 01795 594495 www.chavereys.co.uk Clear Sky Safari Tents Stand number F540 Clear Sky specialise in supplying the very highest quality safari and bell tents at the lowest possible cost. Our safari tents are manufactured to British standards, designed for year round usage with a lifespan of up to 10 years and are available in a range of colours, styles and sizes. 0845 299 6484 www.safaritents.net Clive Ellis Woodland Management Stand number F140 Woodland management planning and support across a wide range of

woodland types and owner objectives. Including: Inventory; Silvicultural guidance; Ancient woodland restoration; Surveying; Grant applications; Sales; Harvesting contracts; Woodland creation; Woodfuel handling; Tree safety surveys 01449 672655 www.woodland-management. co.uk COMBAT LASER GAMES (UK Distributor For Adventure Sports) Stand number F520 UK Distributor for Adventure Sports (USA). Largest Suppliers in the UK of Outdoor & Indoor Combat Laser Equipment. Ideal business opportunity for anyone with spare woodland or vacant land. We can advise on field layout and game strategy. Center Parcs, Bluestone, Celtic Manor are among our clients 01634 864173 www.combatlasergames.com/TPWelcome.htm Complete Weed Control Ltd Stand number F452 Established in 1972 Complete Weed Control Limited operates as a franchisor with 48 UK based franchises and a further 2 operating in the Republic of Ireland. Complete Weed Control offers a specialist contract service for the eradication of all problem weeds, wherever they appear. 01325 324277 www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk Cottages 4 you Stand number F424 Cottages4you is the UK’s favourite holiday letting agency with over 30 years experience of supporting holiday home owners. Our market-leading brands offer holidaymakers the largest portfolio of hand-picked properties across the county. www.cottages4you.co.uk CPL Renewables Stand number F234 CPL Renewables are the leading UK specialists in supplying wood pellet heating solutions. We offer full turnkey solutions and with a wide range of packages available, including boilers, energy cabins, finance lease agreements, Energy Supply Contracts (ESCO’s) and of course wood pellet fuel. 0845 6880013 www.cplrenewables.co.uk Currencies Direct Stand number F250 Did you know that you could save up to 4% of the amount of your Single Farm Payment and any other overseas money transfers, just by using us instead of your bank? Enjoy the benefits of FX expertise: Harvest your savings & grow your business. 0845 389 3000 www.currenciesdirect.com

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS Davies & Co Stand number F354 Davies and Co is a well-established practice of Rural Consultants, Chartered Surveyors, Agricultural Valuers and Lettings Agents, based in Kettering, Northamptonshire. We provide a professional advice service tailored to Landowners, Farmers and Investors in the East Midlands and throughout the UK 01536 524808 www.daviesandco.co.uk Direct Kayaks Stand number F224 Manufacturer and wholesaler of our own brand leisure kayaks. Offering quality sit on top and sit in kayaks for a variety of leisure activities. 08082350571 www.directkayaks.co.uk ECHO Stand number F614 ECHO is a design company manufacturing unique low energy, off-site and off-grid modular buildings. At 3m squared our modules can stand alone as a garden room or be linked in any layout to create additional accommodation, garden offices, studios or a dwellings for holiday lets. 01556503858 www.echomodular.co.uk Edwardson Associates Stand number F221 Edwardson Associates are specialists in Planning, Farm and Estate Diversification, Tourism, and Leisure. A small, committed team of qualified Town Planners, Chartered Surveyors and Architects offer a multi disciplinary consultancy operating from The Wash to The Borders and further afield. 01377 249 720 www.edwardsonassociates.com Energy Renewals Ltd Stand number F242 As one of the UK’s leading energy consultancies, Energy Renewals is able to negotiate the best contracts and terms on behalf of our clients through our approved suppliers. We offer a fully managed end-to-end service to ensure our clients benefit from significant savings on their energy bills. 0844 909 9001 www.energyrenewals.co.uk Farm Stay UK Stand number F258 Celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2013 Farm Stay UK is a nationwide membership co-operative representing over 1000 farms and country properties providing Quality Assessed Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering, Caravan and Camping and alternative accommodation including yurts and shepherds huts. 024 76 696909 www.farmstay.co.uk Farming Online Limited Stand numberF254 Farming Online supplies news, weather and prices information to UK

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

agriculture. Business grade telecoms Broadband, line rental/calls and mobiles. Farm finance specialising in renewable energy. Technical solutions as smart phone Apps, web site design and construction. Established 1995. 08709090902 www.farming.co.uk George Hay Stand number F566 George Hay has been providing professional audit, accountancy, taxation and business advisory services since 1939. We provide specialist advice to a diverse range of businesses, helping them to fulfil their accounting needs, as well as deal with their financial issues and concerns. 01480 426500 www.georgehay.co.uk Global Teleports Stand number F650 Global Teleports provides Broadband via satellite to the parts of the world that other networks don’t reach using via our wholly owned global network of managed hubs accessing satellites in all three ocean regions for long or short term, domestic and enterprise clients at an affordable price. +44(0) 1 707 648311 www.globalteleports.com Holiday Cottages Stand number F454 Holiday Cottages are one of the UK’s leading independent holiday letting agents. With everything from cosy cottages to barn conversions, our dedicated property managers ensure that our relationship with our owners is just as good as it is with our 167,000 holiday makers. 01237 459809 www.holidaycottages.co.uk HW Fisher Sustainability Stand number F356 HW Fisher & Company is a firm of Chartered Accountants with a multi award-winning department in sustainability. Bringing together accounting and sustainable business, bespoke support is given in the form of: Carbon, energy & solutions audit. Training. CSR Strategy/policy creation, EMS support etc 020 7388 7000 www.hwfisher.co.uk/sustainability ICE Renewables Ltd Stand number F512 Specialist in medium sized and MW wind projects ranging from 50kW 1.5MW turbines, ICE has a proven track record with farmers for the development and delivery of an unrivaled ‘Complete Wind Solution’ package. We offer supply, planning, design, build and operations and maintenance. 01609 749103 www.icerenewables.com Inflatable World Leisure Ltd Stand number F524 We are the recognised specialists in Bespoke and Custom Made Inflatables designed and hand built at our factory in Nottingham, England with a reputation for top quality manufacturing and artwork. We can build any inflatable or soft play product you wish to specify,

with helpful advice along the way 01949 838921 www.inflatable-world.com

and 101 Ways to Start A Business 01323 636004 www.makingmoney.co.uk

Jelf Insurance Brokers Stand number F350 Jelf is a leading UK consultancy providing insurance, employee benefits, healthcare and financial planning services to businesses and individuals. 01905 892156 www.jelfgroup.com

Marsh & Company Insurance Brokers Limited Stand number F222 Providers of Specialist competitive insurance packages covering all your requirements inc. unique cover extensions such as business interruption following closure by a competent authority for E.coli. We offer a site survey and full assessment of your insurance requirements. 0116 2043400 www.marshcompany.co.uk

Jump Jump Ltd Stand number F410 JumpJump Ltd Bespoke inflatables made in the UK. 25 years experience. We also manufacture safety mats, soft play items and sports related equipment. Inflatables built to British standards and HSE approved. 01923 270940 www.jumpjump.co.uk Kate’s Country School Kate’s Country School is run by Jim and Kate Beavan who share their passion for farming, the countryside and traditional skills by offering friendly, fact-packed, fun-filled courses in rural skills and animal husbandry on their family run, mixed farm near Abergavenny. www.katescountryschool.co.uk Lappset UK Ltd Stand number F642 Lappset UK designs, manufactures, installs and project manages themed mini attractions that can increase visitor numbers, whatever the weather. Themed activity areas can be tailored to the specific needs of your venue and are designed to incorporate food, drink and merchandise retail opportunities. 01536 412612 www.lappset.co.uk/ Laughing Donkey Beach Hut Company Stand number F110 Laughing Donkey Beach Hut Company specialises in the manufacture of quality, handcrafted, wooden Beach Huts for the Glamping and Leisure market. They are constructed from treated wood, painted in a in a stunning choice of colours, have certified electrics and are fully insulated. 07814 837829 www.laughingdonkeybeachhuts. co.uk Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited Stand number F426 The UK’s Largest developer and operator of solar farms. 0333 200 0755 www.lightsource-re.co.uk Making Money Magazine Stand number 902 Publishers of Making Money, the leading monthly business opportunity and franchise magazine for 17 years covering all aspects of business opportunities, franchising & running your own business. We also publish What Franchise (UK’s leading franchise title),

NatSol Compost Toilet Specialists Stand number F240 NatSol specialises in toilets for remote sites. They require no water, power or sewage connection. They are simple to use and odour free under normal operation. The Full Access toilet is wheelchair accessible and we have a range of buildings for this model. There is also a compact toilet available 01686 412653 www.natsol.co.uk NatSol Compost Toilet Specialists Stand number F240 NatSol specialises in toilets for remote sites. They require no water, power or sewage connection. They are simple to use and odour free under normal operation. The Full Access toilet is wheelchair accessible and we have a range of buildings for this model. There is also a compact toilet available 01686 412653 www.natsol.co.uk Netzsch Pumps and Systems Ltd Stand number F620 The demands in applications in the agricultural and environmental sectors require various pumps sytems. NETZSCH rotary lobe and progressing cavity pumps, as well as grinders, provide the right solution for your process. +44 1935 483900 www.netzsch.com ODA UK Stand number F344 European leaders in the provision of independent, reliable and timely agricultural commodity market information and advice. 01223 894 791 www.oda-agri.com Openfield Stand number F212 Openfield is Britain’s leading grain marketing and arable input co-operative, marketing in excess of 4 million tonnes of crops each year and collaborating with an expanding national network of central stores and export facilities. We are owned by the producers who choose us to market their crops. 01476 862730 www.openfield.co.uk Orchard Consulting Stand number F230 We are able to visit you and discuss any aspect of your leisure operation

and offer solutions, from obtaining planning permission and facility development through to marketing and even operating aspects of your business on your behalf. 07818 034729 www.orchardcampsite.co.uk/orchardconsultancy/leisure.html Outside Structure Solutions Ltd Stand number F560 Outside Structure Solutions are specialists in the supply and installation of canopies and outside structures. Our shade and shelter canopies are available in a variety of designs with many choices including fixed or retractable roof, aluminium or timber frame as well as more traditional awnings. 0844 561 7679 www.OutsideStructures.co.uk Parsons Containers Ltd. Stand number F311 Parsons Containers Ltd. supply shipping containers nationally by sale and hire for a wide range of applications. We also offer Self-storage via our U Hold The Key Self Storage brand and we specialise in bespoke design and supply of office, cabins, mess rooms, plant rooms, workshops and much more. 01740 62 99 99 www.parsonscontainers.com Pitchup.com Stand number F666 Pitchup.com is the UK’s leading online travel agent for campsites and caravan parks, featuring some 150 farm campsites. With 10,000 bookings taken for farms this year, Pitchup.com receives up to 65,000 daily visits via a simple commission-only model, with no setup costs or regular fees. 0208 123 4450 www.pitchup.com Prescient Power Ltd Stand number F236 Consultants and installers of renewable energy working with farmers across the UK. Chartered engineers on every project, military trained projects managers, MCS accredited installers and expert designers. Clients include National Trust and RSPB. 01530888530 www.prescientpower.co.uk Ray Hipkin & David Rawlinson Chartered Safety Practitioner Stand number F664 Ray Hipkin specialises in pragmatic management of health and safety at farm and visitor attractions as well as outdoor event venues. He also specialises in introducing processes that allows business development without causing disruption. Ray offers a personal service to his clients. +44 [0] 7743 166919 www.rayhipkin.co.uk Robbie Toys Ltd Stand number F632 Distributors of Rolly Toys Pedal tractors,which are strong and robust and are designed for continual play, hence our nationwide coverage in many farm park attractions. Wooden

outdoor games, sledges, giant chess and draughts, go karts with pneumatic wheels and various foot to floor vehicles. 01843 604448 www.robbietoys.co.uk

projects that provide enjoyment to more than two million children every year. 01702 291129 www.sovereignplayequipment. co.uk

Roundhouse Building Solutions Stand number F640 The Roundhouse livestock building is a patented product from Roundhouse Building Soluitions of Barnard Castle, UK. Designed for optium animal welfare and growth rates as well as operator saftey and ease of management, the Roundhouse has brought farm building design into the new millenium. 01833 696927 www.roundhouseltd.co.uk/

Suomen Lomakoti (Artic House) Stand number F332 Artichouse is one of the leading log home manufacturers and exporters in Finland. We design and manufacture individual and ecological log homes & timber frame houses. Whether you are looking for a family home or a holiday village, we will design the perfect solution for you! +358 10 231 4802 www.artichouse.fi

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution Stand number F564 R.A.B.I - the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution - is a grant-making welfare charity which offers confidential support to farming people of all ages if they are in financial difficulty. 01865 724931 www.rabi.org.uk Russells Mobile Homes Stand number F422 At Russell’s Mobile Homes, we are experts in the mobile home industry. As the biggest mobile home and static caravan off site sales in the south, we supply new and used caravans to farmers and land owners to generate income from lettings, with a large range of new and used caravans 01243 602683 www.russellsmobilehomes.co.uk Sage Stand number F510 Over 800,000 companies in the UK trust us to help them manage their accounts and payroll - from single person start-ups to established businesses. We can help you save time and effort, so you can focus on the things that are important to you in running your business day to day. 0800 447 777 www.sage.co.uk Solar Resources Stand number F210 Solar Resources specialise in the design, supply and installation of photovoltaic systems for the Farming, Industrial, Community and Educational markets. Every array we install is engineered to provide the maximum return on investment and use only the highest quality components. 01444 800040 www.solarresources.co.uk Soverign Design Play Systems Ltd Stand number F312 Suitable for both domestic and commercial use, Sovereign Play Equipment designs and manufactures high quality, children’s play equipment, garden furniture and outdoor buildings. Sovereign has completed over 10,000

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS The Playbus Company Stand number F336 The Play Bus Company provides a fusion of a mobile play space with the structuring commonly found in Indoor Play Centres. Retired London Buses are used as the space from which to create a ‘play centre on wheels’. 07801554642 www.theplaybuscompany.co.uk/ The Woodland Trust Stand number F252 The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland charity. We provide free, expert advice and funding support to help farmers integrate trees, woods and shelterbelts into existing farming systems to enhance productivity and long-term sustainbility. 0845 293 5689 www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ farming

Talk Business Magazine Stand number TBC Talk business supports entrepreneurs on the road to success, and provides inspiration, tips and advice, helping young businesses realise their dreams. 02036174681 www.talkbusinessmagazine.co.uk

Total Energy Solutions Ltd Stand number F112 Commercial energy brokers helping our clients to save up to 40% against their renewal quotes, whilst taking away all the hassle and making a complex issue very simple. All this and we don’t charge our clients a penny. Just clear concise honest advice everytime 01579 370073 www.totalenergysolutions.co.uk

TASTY TROTTER Stand number F732 Tasty Trotter is a well-established brand of Hog Roast ovens offering a range of equipment ideal for outdoor catering. We are dedicated to offering premium Hog Roasts for a modest price, which is why our professional spit roasting ovens have a list of features equal to machines twice the price. 01246 866800 www.TASTYTROTTER.COM Technology Crops Ltd Stand number F660 Leaders in speciality crops, with a philosophy ‘From Soil to Oil, Naturally’, Technology Crops Ltd, supply high value oils to some of the world’s most respected companies. Talk to us about profitable UK cropping opportunities for High Erucic Rapeseed, Borage and Ahiflower to supply these markets. 01376 333888 www.techcrops.com The Business Growth Show Stand number TBC The Business Growth Show is a unique business to business road show that offers visitors the opportunity to start and build on relationships with hundreds of local and national businesses. With 100 shows being scheduled for the 2103/14 season, this is truely an exciting time to get involved with us! 0121 454 6120 www.thebusinessgrowthshow. com The Parasol Group Stand number F610 Opportunities for business diversification for farmers and landowners are best grown out of existing skills, experience and facilities. Parasol produces top quality kennel buildings, and insulation panels for upgrading park homes and holiday cottages or refurbishing/modifying existing buildings. 01363 772921 www.theparasolgroup.co.uk

UPM Tilhill Stand number F630 UPM Tilhill is the leading forest management and timber harvesting and marketing company in the UK. We manage more forest for more forest owners than anyone else in the country. We are a National company with a network of local offices across the UK. We also lead the way in biomass supply to the UK. 0800 328 2128 www.upm-tilhill.com Weed Man Limited Stand number F654 Weed Man majors on best available lawn care and great customer service. Weed Man efficiency delivers sensible prices and outstanding value. Weed Man’s business format gives dealers control over daily activity, helps them realise target income and capital appreciation - even free time if wanted! 0800.862.0050 Wigwam Holidays Stand number F530 Wigwam Holidays, provider of Great Holidays in the Great Outdoors. Charles Gulland and his ‘Wigwam’ design was the original innovator of the camping pod concept and the company Wigwam Holidays is now one of the UK’s largest providers of Glamping Holidays - where Camping is made Comfy ! www.wigwamholidays.com

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

EXHIBITOR A - Z Abaco Mobile Home Group

F636

Jelf Insurance Brokers

F350

Access to Farms

F562

Jump Jump Ltd

F410

ActivSure Farm Innovations from EcaSafe

F624

Kate’s Country School

AG Advisory LLP

F232

Lappset UK Ltd

F642

Agricultural Trader

F334

Laughing Donkey Beach Hut Company

F110

Albion Canvas Co

F550

Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited

F426

Anytime Booking

F330

Making Money Magazine

Barton Willmore

F246

Marsh & Company Insurance Brokers Limited

F222

Baystar Energy

F320

National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN)

F456

Befree

F130

National Farmer Digital Farming magazine

F462

BELECTRIC UK

F220

National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association Ltd (FARMA)

F340

Blake Lapthorn

F646

NatSol Compost Toilet Specialists

F240

BQP/Dalehead foods

F352

Netzsch Pumps and Systems Ltd

F620

British Solar Renewables

F460

ODA UK

F344

BTS Biogas

F464

Openfield

F212

Camping Cabins

F420

Orchard Consulting

F230

Carter Pumps Ltd

F310

Outside Structure Solutions Ltd

F560

Chavereys

F244

Parsons Containers Ltd.

F311

Clear Sky Safari Tents

F540

Pitchup.com

F666

Clive Ellis Woodland Management

F140

Prescient Power Ltd.

F236

COMBAT LASER GAMES (UK Distributor For

F520

Ray Hipkin & David Rawlinson Chartered Safety Practitioner

F664

Robbie Toys Ltd

F632

Adventure Sports)

TBC

902

Complete Weed Control Ltd

F452

Roundhouse Building Solutions

F640

Cottages 4 you

F424

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

F564

Country Land & Business Association

F324

Russells Mobile Homes

F422

Countryside Alliance

F634

Sage

F510

CPL Renewables

F234

Soil Association Certification

F644

Currencies Direct

F250

Solar Resources

F210

Davies & Co

F354

Soverign Design Play Systems Ltd

F312

Direct Kayaks

F224

Suomen Lomakoti (Artic House)

F332

ECHO

F614

TASTY TROTTER

F732

Edwardson Associates

F221

Technology Crops Ltd

F660

Energy Renewals Ltd

F242

The National Farmers’ Union

F450

Farm Stay UK

F258

The Parasol Group

F610

Farming Online Limited

F254

The Playbus Company

F336

George Hay

F566

The Woodland Trust

F252

Global Teleports

F650

Total Energy Solutions Ltd

F112

Holiday Cottages

F454

UPM Tilhill

F630

HW Fisher Sustainability

F356

Weed Man Limited

F654

ICE Renewables Ltd

F512

Wigwam Holidays

F530

Inflatable World Leisure Ltd

F524

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

FLOOR PLAN

IDEAS AND RESOURCES HALL 3

F264

F266

F360 F366

F464

F362

F460

F260

BUSINESS ADVICE HALL 2 F140

F566

F462

F560

F562

F550

F258

F354

F356

F454

F456

F250

F252

F350

F352

F450

F452

F244 F246

F344 F336

F240 F242

F340

F234 F236 F230 F232

F224

F222

F220

F221

F212

F112 F210 F110

F564

F254

F130

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE HALL 1

FUTURE FOR DIVERSIFICATION HALL 4

F660 F654 F650

F540

F644 F646

NETWORKING AREA

F634 F636

F530 F332

F732

F630 F632

F424

F426

F524

F624

F320

F420

F422

F520

F620

F310

F410

F324

F311

HOW TO HALL 5

F640 F642

F334

F330

F664 F666

F312

F510

F512

INNOVATION HALL 6

F614 F610

ENTRANCE

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

Alternative income?...weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered. Farming Monthly National is the agricultural magazine published every month in print to farmers, landowners, estate managers, associated agricultural professionals and everybody with an interest in rural business throughout the UK. Also available as an associated digital edition (viewable on any device), the magazine not only reports on the latest news, developments and opportunities available from across the agricultural sector but in addition, reports on alternative income ideas and provides readers with possibly the largest regular farm energy/renewables section in the market. The agricultural and rural sectors are ideally placed to invest and benefit from renewable energy due to their available resources and typically high energy bills. Solar power in particular has been embraced by these communities, with large numbers of farmers nationwide opting to install solar panels on suitable outbuildings, barns, poultry sheds, houses and other appropriate buildings, as well as landowners leasing sites for commercial-scale solar development.

Farming Monthly National provides a diverse source of information which can help farmers select the most suitable scheme to cut costs & increase profits and offers a selection of advertising opportunities to organisations wishing to do business within this sector. The editorial team are also interested in relevant news, including case studies, comments and technology updates. Call us on +44 (0) 2476 353537, email sales@farmingmonthly.com or visit www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading directly distributed, national agricultural magazine Subscribe today!

Carl Gurney, Renewable Energy Development Executive at Jelf provides some guidance on environmental liability insurance. Most operators of renewable energy technologies spend vast amounts of time ensuring that the technology they install is the most suitable for their needs; that it will give the maximum return on their investment and that the best possible installation company and materials are used. They painstakingly check the installers they use are competent, accredited and that they have insurance in place. One area that is generally overlooked however is Environmental Liability Insurance (ELI). Recent statistics provided by the Environment Agency* show that in the last 12 months alone, there have been 21 separate incidents recorded by the 120 operating anaerobic digestion plants (AD) - ignoring water utility company AD plants.

The figures speak for themselves – and ELI should definitely be given consideration. Most public liability policies provide an element of pollution cover, but this is generally restricted to legal costs only, therefore it is strongly advisable to consider a proper ELI policy, which will include: • • • • •

Own site, statutory and third party clean-up costs Biodiversity damage Site investigation costs Legal costs Loss mitigation costs

All of which can be included for both the construction and operational phases of your installation. *Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association 23/10/13

To find out more, visit Jelf Insurance Brokers on stand F350. We’d be delighted to discuss your requirements and answer your questions.

LIFE’S A BEACH

If you’re looking for a business opportunity in a growth sector with low start-up costs, why not offer glamping with a difference?

Come and have a chat with us on stand F110 for more fun ways of capitalizing on this unique opportunity.

The Laughing Donkey Beach Hut Company is a small family-run business based on the beautiful Gower peninsula in South Wales. We specialise in the manufacture of quality, handcrafted, wooden beach huts for the glamping and leisure market.

start-up cost, but with the potential of having fun along the way. Glamping businesses are easily scalable, allowing you to start off with perhaps one beach hut and as your confidence and income increases, adding more beach huts to your portfolio.

Our colourful Beach Huts are nostalgic retreats that transport you to another world where you can put your modern hectic life behind you for a while, as you savour the magic of tranquil days gone by – a place where the troubles and cares of everyday life just melt away.

There are many ways of maximising your return on investment. Have you considered not only renting out your beach hut for overnight accommodation, but also providing imaginatively packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner hampers for your guests?

Have you ever dreamt about starting your own business, but didn’t know where to start? How about setting up your very own glamping site and becoming part of this growing sector? Glamping sites provide a fantastic opportunity to generate an income with a relatively low

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”

STAND F110

STAND F350

ARE YOU COVERED BY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?

BEACH HUT RULES 1. 2. 3. 4.

Remove shoes Sit in deckchair Pour cold beer Feel sand between toes 5. Set clock to beach time 6. Relax – you’re at the beach!

www.laughingdonkeybeachhuts.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

STAND 248 THE BUSINESS SHOW

BUYING THE FARM Whether you’re an old-hand at buying a business, or a first timer selling up, it can be hard to know where to start. If only there was an online resource packed with all the information you need! It’s a good job BusinessesesForSale.com had the same idea… Rural entrepreneurs countrywide are using BusinessesForSale.com to diversify their farming portfolio or to release cash. Explore buying and the selling potential of farms on the world’s leading business listings website. Here’s how:

The Buyers’ Perspective Both farmland expanders and first time buyers will find hundreds of farms available for purchase on BusinessesForSale. com. All buyers should be aware of what to look for when purchasing a new business, such as the location of farmland for sale and the quality of the farming involved, so we enable buyers to communicate with sellers and work closely with specialists such as brokers and valuation experts to access this information. These experts can help with assessing the quality of land, farming infrastructure and drainage – all imperative to buying a quality new farming

business - and advise on the procedural steps in converting farmland into a revenue-generating business.

Diversifying The Business Rural entrepreneurs who buy a second farm can benefit from increased market penetration, and can transfer their good name and reputation onto the new business. Most importantly, by using BusinessesForSale.com, farm owners gain exclusive access to many farms for sale all in one place – so they can speak directly to sellers about soil types, water rights, easements and other farmspecific concerns. BusinessesForSale.com is a cost-effective and time-efficient way for farm owners to increase their portfolio.

Existing owners can also benefit from using a business broker to help carry out due diligence and purchase a high quality business from the large array advertised on our website. BusinessesForSale.com also has a wealth of articles on complementary industries, from adding boarding kennels, or utilising free barn space as bed and breakfast accommodation. This advice can help farmers to diversify and gain market intelligence in order to make informed buying decisions with confidence.

The Sellers’ Perspective Innovation is the byword of the shrewd farm owner and BusinessForSale.com has helped many farm owners from a wide variety of farming businesses. From sellers who have turned their arable land into glamorous glamping sites, to those adding

fishing lakes, owners have access to a huge range of potential buyers with the easy-to-use site. In the last few years, British farmland has produced between a 1.5-2% rental yield and it also provides generous tax breaks to buyers. Advertising with BusinessesForSale.com gets this information out to buyers, maximising the full value of the assets for sale. A farm is a great asset, and sellers can use BusinessesForSale.com to research great ideas to make their land earn more money and find a ready buying market. BusinessesForSale.com also gives sellers access to brokers who can help value a farming business from the seller’s perspective. The site also delivers videos and articles from successful sellers using the site, indicating the pitfalls to be avoided when selling a farm, what type of farms are popular with buyers, and how third party costs - like fuel for plant and fertiliser – will affect future farming profitability.

Connecting sellers and buyers for more than 10 years, BusinessesForSale.com is the perfect showcase for farmers to advertise their valuable business to the right purchasers. Find out more about buying or selling a business at www.BusinessesForSale.com or visit stand 248 and the BusinessesForSale Live seminar hall in The Business Show, right next door to Farm Business Innovation 2013.

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

If you’re considering diversifying by adding a wind turbine to your land, how can you ensure that it will offer trouble-free operation for 20 years? Trade body RenewableUK is working to make sure that happens. “A lot of time, money and effort can go into getting a wind turbine through planning, securing financing and then troubleshooting through the installation and commissioning phase - but having a wind turbine is a 20-year commitment and the serious work really only starts once it’s up and running.” Says Julian Martin, CEO of ICE Renewables and chairman of RenewableUK’s small and medium wind strategy group.

Julian Martin, CEO of ICE Renewables The serious work of looking after the turbine will determine the success of the wind project, ensuring it keeps turning and is working effectively and efficiently to hit its expected

financial returns. A good strategy will extend the lifetime of the turbine, reduce costs and increase availability. A poor regime can seriously jeopardise the financial returns. Nightmare stories of customers being left with turbines not working, a lack of parts and proper contracts, installers who have walked away or manufacturers unable to deal with their fleets, are real issues facing the industry. At present, there are no defined rules or standards, so the quality of services varies across the UK. However, the trade body RenewableUK has recognised this as a growing issue and their small and medium wind strategy group, chaired by ICE Renewables, is committed to setting MSC approved medium wind turbine standards by 2014 for on-site approval and importantly, installation and operations and maintenance, so that only qualifying accredited companies can offer an approved level of service. This will be shortly followed by the IEC 64100-1 standard on wind turbine design.

Visit www.icerenewables.com or phone 01609 749103 or email energy@icerenewables.com for further information.

BALANCING FARM BUSINESSES

STAND F232

STAND F512

KEEP THAT TURBINE TURNING

AG Advisory LLP is working with a wide number of farming and rural businesses that are looking to get the right business balance whilst making investment. Doug Jackson, Managing Partner of AG Advisory and Farmers Weekly Farm Advisor of the Year Finalist, explains why diversification doesn’t have to mean big outlay. “With farming incomes on the increase and the relative low cost of borrowing, many businesses are looking to expand and invest in nonfarming enterprises.” But as Doug explains, “Whether the business is wanting to invest in production, renewable energy, commercial or residential property, tourism or adding value, the challenge is the same – to retain a good balance of enterprises, ensure debt does not overburden the business and that risk is appropriately managed. “The first step is always to understand the core business and to look at the business assets (including people.) It’s also vital to understand what the business partners or owners want to achieve. From this, you can then come up with a clear plan.” Diversification doesn’t have to mean significant levels of capital investment, as Doug says, “A small campsite or visitor attraction, for example, can be set up for a few thousand pounds and have a return on capital of over 25%.”

AG Advisory can be contacted on

info@agad.co.u

www.agad.co.uk

Raising finance is relatively easy and cheap if you have a good trading performance and a clear plan. Banks want a clear and well-thought-out plan with financial projections covering at least three years. You’ll need to look at more innovative methods of financing if the business doesn’t have assets to offer as security. With the recent changes in the permitted development rights afforded to farmers, now is the time to look at farm property and see what financial returns could be achieved. AG Advisory successfully secured one of the first permitted development approvals for change of use of a redundant farm building to non-farming use for a client in Sussex.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

WHEN IS A HOME NOT A HOME?

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STAND F220

SOLAR POWER FOR YOU BELECTRIC is the world market leader in the development, construction, and operation of the highest efficiency and most reliable solar farms and solar photovoltaic rooftop installations. Our UK team is based in Buckinghamshire with the capability to deliver a full turnkey solar development and construction process. Our objective is to offer a single point of contact with whom you can build a strong and lasting relationship. We hope to have the opportunity to meet with you – come and see us on stand F220 – to discuss any ideas you may have for projects, and to explain some of the key elements which we feel differentiate ourselves within the market. We have the ability to construct the solar farm projects in-house without having to rely on third parties, as well as experience of working with the requirements of single farm payments and agricultural stewardship. BELECTRIC is

committed to best practise operational maintenance services throughout the lease period. Our extensive in-house research and development capabilities ensure our design and technology will always remain at the forefront of innovation, while our in-house construction teams can guarantee that our projects are installed to the highest possible quality, and within the necessary timeframes. Our package of biodiversity measures have been designed to bring net gain to sites, including the installation of bee hives and planting of wild flowers and we are committed to undertaking extensive community engagement as part of the project development process.

If you’re interested in learning more about BELECTRIC and the services we offer, please contact our team on 0800 488 0007 or 01895 452 640, info@belectric.co.uk or visit our website at www.belectric.co.uk

When it’s a mobile home! If you’re considering adding a lettings business to your land or farm, mobile homes and static caravans could be the flexible and affordable option you’ve been looking for. At Russell’s Mobile Homes, we are experts in the mobile home industry. As the biggest mobile home and static caravan off site sales in the south, we supply new and used caravans to farmers and land owners to generate income from lettings, with a large range of new and used caravans to suit every budget. We can help you every step of the way, from caravan sales to the infrastructure to site your caravans on. There are any number of ways that you can use mobile homes to generate a lot of income from your land – the only limit is your imagination. One of our

customers is an entrepreneurial Hampshire farmer who bought 10 of our caravans to hire out to equestrian holidaymakers. They visit the farm, where they can spend their leisure break on flat riding, jump courses, or simply enjoying rideouts with their friends. Another of our customers took six twin unit lodges for his land in Lincolnshire, where they now offer holiday lets all year. This has considerably raised his profit levels and provides a revenue stream in the off season, making his life more comfortable throughout the calendar.

If you want to find out more about how you could add revenue from lettings to your portfolio, come and see us on stand F422, give us a call on 01243 602683, or email us at jason@russellsmobilehomes.co.uk You can find us online at www.russellsmobilehomes.co.uk

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

Speak to our experts on stand F510 for further information

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HERDING YOUR FINANCES

much you spend, when you spend it, what you spend it on and who you spend it with.

5) Make Sure You Are Up To-Date With Your Invoices Invoice all your customers promptly and keep track of when they pay. If you are working on a longer contract, agree monthly payments or make sure you receive an up-front deposit to pay for materials.

6) Understand Your Spending Habits And Trends Compare current spending over 12 months to the same period the previous year and the year before that. How much have your costs increased? Why? Have any of your costs gone down? Why? Be clear in your mind why changes have occurred, either in prices or consumption habits.

7) Remind Yourself Of Your Objectives

It’s easy to lose sight of the business basics when you get caught up in the day-to-day running of your farm or rural business. These seven points will help you stay on top of your bottom line. No matter the size of your operations or farming sector, concentrating on business basics in order to preserve margins remains crucial. We’ve been helping UK businesses improve the way they work for over 30 years, not only with our market-leading software, but also with expertise and personalised advice.

THIS SIMPLE CHECKLIST CAN HELP YOU CONTROL YOUR FINANCES: 1) Learn About Your

to plan when your firm should pay suppliers.

2) Get Better Deals From Your Suppliers Many businesses are content to stay with existing suppliers because they don’t want the hassle of exploring alternatives. Ask your existing suppliers if they can give you better prices or better value (e.g. free delivery). Find out what other suppliers can offer. Regularly assess the value you get from your suppliers and go elsewhere if it falls short of your expectations.

Customer’s Habits

3) Look For Savings In Less

Every business has a set date each month that they will pay their invoices; make a note of when these are for your customers. This will allow you

Obvious Places There might be areas where you simply cannot reduce costs, but don’t consider anything to be a

‘fixed cost’. Also try to find ways to make your processes more efficient and consider whether better use of technology could help. Renewable energy is an option many farmers are pursuing and it’s an excellent way of protecting your business from energy price hikes and/or boosting the cash that can be generated from land and buildings.

This will help you to judge whether spending is justified, as well as expose areas where spending isn’t in line with your goals. And to prevent inefficiencies creeping back, carry out regular cost reviews (at least every quarter). Weather related events will always highlight the need for good planning, but remaining alert to your daily outgoing and incomings will help you keep track of your farms’ health. Accounts software can identify potential issues before they affect your productivity, customer satisfaction and cashflow.

4) Assess Your Current Costs Take a close look at all your outgoings - don’t leave anything out. Major costs could include wages, premises, utilities, feed/ stock, equipment and IT. Make analysis easier by detailing your outgoings in accounts software such as Sage One or Sage 50 Accounts instead of using complicated spreadsheets. You’ll be able to find out exactly how

Find out more about Sage products by calling 0800 44 77 77 or visit us at www.sage.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

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PERFECT PARTNER FOR PIG PRODUCTION If you’re looking to diversify your arable or land-based business, have you considered pig production? With BQP, you don’t have to go it alone… BQP is the agricultural division of Dalehead Foods, a fully integrated supply chain, actively growing to meet the demands of our customer, Waitrose. Therefore, we are offering exciting diversification opportunities in pig production, with stable cashflow and a guaranteed market for the end product. Dalehead Foods has been working in partnership with Waitrose for over 30 years. We supply Waitrose with over 400 products, including fresh pork, bacon, sausage, cooked meats, lamb and added value products. BQP works in partnership with over 250 pig producers, dedicated in the supply of high welfare British pigs, to Waitrose. Such is the growth of our premium customer that we are now seeking new pig producers to undertake both breeding and growing management contracts. The basis of these arrangements is that the farmer provides the on-farm facilities such as labour,

For further information on growing pigs with BQP, please contact Mark Jagger on 07802 596702 or mark. jagger@dalehead.co.uk

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

Hear BQP and Charlie Payne’s seminar at 15.00-15.45 on Thursday in the How To Theatre.

buildings, straw and water, while BQP supplies the stock, feed and veterinary requirements. Farmers are then paid a management fee for those pigs. This system shields our producers from the risks associated with volatile feed prices and offers greater security. Approximately seven years ago, BQP took the decision to encourage new people into the industry and designed a ‘new build.’ The aim was to design a building which was not only a high welfare environment for the pigs, but also the stockman working in it. We also wanted to create better efficiencies and improve time management to help make it an ideal additional enterprise to any farming business. Over the last seven years, BQP has assisted new and existing producers to construct 57 new buildings, equating to approximately 40,000 new pig places. One arable farmer who has diversified and put up one of our ‘new builds’ is Charlie Payne from Buckinghamshire (pictured.) With a wellestablished family farming business, Charlie was keen to bring his own enterprise to the arable set up. Like many young people, Charlie wanted to make his own contribution, deciding

Charlie Payne, a Buckinghamshire arable farmer, diversified and put up a BQP ‘new build’ to produce pigs.

that growing pigs with BQP was the most feasible option. Not only were the pigs viable, they also worked well with Charlie’s role in contract farming and spraying business, as they only take a few hours out of his day. Charlie says, “The pigs are now a key part of our mainly arable business and their muck is invaluable as a cheaper alternative to using artificial fertiliser to improve the soil’s organic matter. I have a home for my straw and enjoy having the pigs on the farm.

The set-up was straight forward and the BQP team are always on hand to offer advice and guidance.” The farm now houses around 1,100 pigs and Charlie is already enthusiastic about expansion plans. He knows the BQP team will be on hand to offer all the right advice he needs to make it happen. Charlie is a fine example of how pigs can work with an existing arable business and will be joining us at our seminar slot to discuss it further!

PLANNING FOR DIVERSIFICATION DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO DIVERSIFY? Not every farm development needs planning permission, but how do you know when you need to complete a planning application and when you don’t? You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to build something new or make a major change to your building like adding an extension. Your idea for diversification may require planning permission even if you’re not proposing a building project, simply because of a change in use.

CLASS SYSTEM The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 puts uses of land and buildings into various categories known as ‘Use Classes’. Agricultural buildings under 500 square metres can change to a number of other uses, including shops, storage or housing. You’ll need prior approval for buildings between 150 square metres and 500 square metres, which will look at flooding, highways and transport impacts, and noise. Contact your local Building Control body for further advice.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT Some building projects don’t need planning permission.

This is known as ‘permitted development rights’. Some projects might not need planning permission if they have no impact on your neighbours or the environment.

BEFORE YOU APPLY It costs nothing to talk to your local planning authority (LPA) before you apply for planning permission. This gives you the chance to discuss your plans without incurring the expense of making an application, so that you are aware of any potential objections. Then you can revise your plans before you apply to give yourself the best chance of success. You might even be pleasantly surprised and find out that you don’t even need planning permission! You can find your LPA online at www.planningportal.gov.uk/

HOW TO APPLY You can make a planning application for full consent to the relevant local authority via the Planning Portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk/ or using the relevant forms. You can download these forms from the portal, or contact your LPA directly if you need hard copies to fill out by hand. You’ll need to include plans of the site, supporting documentation, and the fee. The fee depends on the kind of permission you are applying for, but is usually £80.

If you’re considering diversifying your farm or land based business, then you might have to apply for planning permission. But do you even need it? And if so, what’s involved? Read on for the answers…

WHAT DO THEY LOOK AT? Your local planning authority will decide whether to grant planning permission for your project based on its development plan. The LPA will look at the size and appearance of buildings, infrastructure such as roads and water supply, landscaping, use and how your development would affect the surrounding area. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for rural areas in England. It came into effect in 2012, replacing over 1,000 pages of national policy with around 50 and acts as a guideline for LPAs in making their decision. In the introduction, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Minister for Planning says that, “Planning must not simply be about scrutiny. Planning must be a creative exercise in finding ways to enhance and improve the places in which we live our lives.” The framework states that LPAs should look for solutions rather than problems, and decisiontakers should seek to approve applications for sustainable development where possible. They are supposed to work with you to secure developments that improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

A planning officer will present the decision they recommend to a planning committee of elected councillors who will make the actual decision. They can’t refuse permission based on public opinion and any conditions or refusal must be based on the LPA’s Development Plan. You’ll be informed of the outcome in writing. Planning applications usually take eight weeks, while large or complex applications could take up to 13.

WHAT IF YOUR APPLICATION ISN’T APPROVED? The LPA might impose conditions or obligations that modify your plans to address any objections they may have. This could include things like restricting hours of operation to minimise any impact on neighbours. If your application is refused, you could adjust your plans to accommodate the LPA’s concerns. Alternatively, you may decide to appeal their decision. This has to be done within a time limit, which can be up to six months, depending on the permission applied for and the nature of the appeal. The appeal might take several months to be resolved.

AFTER YOU’VE APPLIED

THE PENALTY FOR PLOUGHING ON WITHOUT PERMISSION

Once they’ve received your application, the LPA will publicise and consult on it. They’ll notify your neighbours or put up a notice on or near the site and may advertise in a local newspaper to give the public a chance to express their views. They’ll also advise your parish, town or community council, and they may notify the county council, the Environment Agency and the relevant Government Office for the region.

Just a word of caution: if your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it – or decide to go ahead after an unsuccessful application you can be served with an ‘enforcement notice.’ This would order you to undo any work that you have done. It’s illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but you can appeal against it. Any appeal must be made before the date on which the notice takes effect.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

HOW TO APPEAL TO FAMILIES

Those outbuildings could be earning you money through diversification right now, but what can you do if they’re full of grain? Have you considered freeing up those valuable assets by using central storage? Establishing another enterprise on a farm can be a daunting and time-consuming experience, with existing enterprises often suffering as time and resources are focussed elsewhere. In the case of arable farms, failure to properly manage grain in store, or market it effectively, can result in price deductions and below average price returns. “The impact of price volatility means that it is often the market that truly determines just how well a farm business performs,” says Openfield Director Of Grain Marketing And Origination, Richard Jenner. “Not having a well-devised marketing plan can be a costly mistake,” he says. Openfield is the UK’s leading grain marketing and farm inputs co-operative, handling more than 20% of the output from Britain’s arable farms each year. It’s a long-term partner of some of the best-known consumer brands, such as Warburtons and Sainsbury’s. In addition, it has earned a reputation as the leading authority on market risk management, offering the most comprehensive suite of marketing strategies available

to growers. “Whatever your attitude to risk, we offer a number of ways to navigate the market and reliably achieve top-quartile prices,” says Richard. The desire to establish another income stream outside the core farming activities is often driven by the belief that the farm’s buildings could be transformed into a revenue stream in their own right. But this leads to the question of where to store the farm’s grain? Richard says, “Central storage is a credible solution and represents a hassle-free way of storing grain off-farm. More than 1.1 million tonnes go through the 17 stores of the Openfield Network every year for growers who either prefer to spend their time or money elsewhere, or who just want peace of mind.”

Tel: 01264 321595 www.openfield.co.uk

With many families choosing to holiday at home, rather than spend time and money they don’t have on overseas travel, what can you do to gain their custom? Darran Hine explains how safe play areas can help. Holidaying in the UK is very appealing to many families who are keen to avoid long journey times and the additional costs often associated with air travel, such as luggage fees and weight restrictions. Darran Hine, father of three and Sales Director at Sovereign Play Equipment, one of the UK’s leading playground providers, explains how to ensure your business offers maximum family appeal in an increasingly competitive marketplace. “We’ve carried out a large number of installations for farm parks and camping sites, whose recreational areas play a key role in family visits and repeat bookings. The inclusion of an imaginative, stimulating and safe play area is a major draw for families. If children can enjoy themselves and remain interested in exciting and challenging play equipment, this enables parents to relax and enjoy their visit too, thus staying on site longer and

spending more money at the park’s cafes, shops and restaurants. “All the materials used in our products come from sustainable sources and meet with the strict guidelines laid down by the relevant organisations and authorities, such as the Forest Stewardship Council. To ensure longevity, we use only the best, high grade materials. All our timber posts are made from sustainable timber and are covered by a 20-year warranty. “A range of seating options are also available, as seating for parents and/or carers of younger children who aren’t old enough to play unsupervised is always advisable. Picnic benches are also a good idea, as is the inclusion of shaded areas in the design, such as covered towers or dens or sail shades.”

If you would like to speak to Sovereign Play Equipment, or receive a free, no obligation design consultation, please call 01702 291129, email info@sovereign.gb.com or visit www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

STAND F312

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TAKE THE RISK OUT OF GRAIN STORAGE AND MARKETING

Edwardson Associates are specialists in planning, farm and estate diversification, tourism, and leisure. A small, committed team of qualified town planners, chartered surveyors and architects offer a multi-disciplinary consultancy operating from The Wash to The Borders and further afield. The practice was founded over 15 years ago by the Managing Director, Roy Edwardson, with a successful track record resolving contentious and complex projects. Hard work, effective communication and diplomacy, linked with professionalism contribute to first class results. In the caravan and park homes sector, Edwardson Associates have been BH+HPA members for 12 years, having represented numerous members, directors and the former National Chairman.

The practice works with both new-build initiatives and extensively in the field of redundant building conversions – on some occasions also blending new additions into older building stock. The work sector involves listed building alterations and conversions, work within conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and other sensitive areas. The practice also works towards the proper development of new buildings in appropriate circumstances. This process can be difficult and the practice has wide experience of working successfully in this challenging and sometimes controversial sector.

If you want to find out more about how Edwardson Associates could help you, visit their website at www.edwardsonassociates.com email them on info@edwardsonassociates.com or give them a call on 01377 249720.

GET YOUR CAMPSITE RIGHT

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Our areas of expertise include the preparation of detailed planning applications; local

plan proposals and land bids; lawfulness applications; detailed planning history research; preparation of objections on behalf of clients in relation to planning applications; discharge of planning pre–conditions; farm and estate diversification initiatives; planning appeals; public inquiries; caravan park site license issues/compliance checks; diverse architectural proposals; design of caravan park and other tourism related layouts/landscaping; green/other innovative tourism initiative; development appraisals – confidential assessment of exploitation, purchase or sale and feasibility studies.

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EDWARDSON ASSOCIATES – PLANNING AND DIVERSIFICATION CONSULTANTS

Campsites in the 21st century have come a long way since Sid James and Barbara Windsor carried on camping in 1969. Orchard consultancy will explain how their campsites have become award-winners – and how they can help your site join them in the ‘best of’ lists. Orchard Consultancy has over 20 years’ experience of developing and operating award-winning camp sites and we are able to offer our expertise to those wishing to commence in the industry, or those who have a campsite but feel they need some assistance. We Meet us are happy to make a site visit and discuss any aspect of your on Stand F230 leisure operation and offer or hear our seminars solutions – from planning in Hall 6, Thursday applications and facility development through to 11.00-11.30 marketing and even operating & Friday aspects of your leisure business 13.15-13.45 on your behalf.

We have a team of professionals ready to help, including those involved in the establishment and operation of The Orchard Campsite - winner of Camping Magazine Best Campsite Award 2010 and one of the original Top 40 Cool Sites (Punk Publishing). We were also selected by Time Out for their UK Top Campsites publication 2010 and the Rough Guide 2010 publication. A key associate organisation with particular relevance to the Farm Innovation Show is MacNeil Haynes Agricultural Consultants. With over 30 years’ experience of advising farmers and land owners across the UK, they can assist you in making the right decision about land use and diversification.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

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SOLAR FARMING THE EASY WAY Lightsource Renewable Energy believes this is a time of great opportunity to develop large scale solar farms in the UK. In short, we provide options for land owners to source an attractive and secure income by renting their land to us for the generation of solar power with no set-up costs. The Agreement: A property owner leases their land space for the development of a solar PV plant. The green electricity generated is then sold back to the national grid or supplied directly to a local high energy user. The lease must run to a term of 25 years to which the property owner will receive guaranteed rental income for the duration. Rental payments begin once the lease is completed and is paid quarterly in advance.

Our Commitment: We will undertake and oversee the entire development process

in-house, from preparing the planning application, right through to power plant design and installation completely free of charge as this cost is covered entirely by our own funding.

construct specialist fencing to protect our equipment and the livestock. The cost of this will be discussed with the property owner as it may impact on the rental income.

Retaining Use

Preserving Your

of Land:

Property:

It is very important to us that property leased is maximised to its fullest potential. We work closely with the property owner to incorporate any additional requests like sheep grazing or chicken housing. In order to accommodate livestock within the solar plant, we have to

The construction of utility scale solar PV plants does not result in an irreversible development of agricultural land. At the end of the operational lifespan, the panels and framework can be dismantled and removed. The land is then returned to its original state (without affecting

For more information, please contact our business development team on 0333 200 0755 or email harvest@lightsource-re.co.uk. For more information on our products and services visit our website www.lightsource-re.co.uk

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

‘greenfield’ status where applicable).

The Choice Is Yours: You could choose to work with third party ‘introducers’ or ‘land agents’. However, these establishments will usually require payment in fees or commission, minimising your rental income potential. We recommend that you should always speak to us first to review our proposals before you make a decision. Lightsource is also different from most developers in that we own and maintain the plant for the duration of the 25 years. Therefore, it is crucial to us to only use high quality materials and this ensures the plant will perform to its optimum output.

Dogs are a natural fit for the diversifying farm owner, but where will your canine venture source its kennels? Find out how The Parasol Group can meet your requirements. As a farmer or country landowner, you probably already deal with animals. Perhaps you have your own working or gundogs? Why not use this experience to expand your business into kennels for boarding, breeding or training dogs?

with kitchen facilities. It’s designed to minimise stress for the dogs and to make kennel management easier for the owners. All Parasol kennels are manufactured in Devon and comply fully with IEHO Guidelines.

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GOING TO THE DOGS – IN A GOOD WAY!

The Parasol Group also manufactures its unique ParaClad® External Insulated Panel with a pre-finished textured surface which is easily fitted to improve walls on park homes and badly insulated buildings. Independent test results have proved excellent energy savings, with an average improvement of 69% in thermal efficiency and 25% savings in energy consumption on heating. ParaClad® is approved by Ofgem under Government carbon reduction schemes. Not only will ParaClad® insulation make your holiday buildings more comfortable in winter and summer, but they will be cheaper to heat and visually attractive.

Come and talk to us at Stand F610

Parasol modular buildings are simply the most beautiful and efficient kennels on the market. They are supplied to UK Border Force and military police dog units throughout Britain, as well as being used by boarding kennels and dog charities. Parasol will design cost-efficient buildings for you that are thermally and acoustically insulated and easily maintained. They are hygienic, speedy to erect and never require decorating.

POWERING PROFITABLE FARMING Whether you want to generate electricity to sell to the national grid, or just reduce your bills, Carl Benfield, Managing Director of Prescient Power explains there’s a technology to suit your needs. Diversification can be a dirty word; it involves taking chances, branching out into the unknown and turning away from your core business. Or does it? For a while now, we’ve been promoting the idea of ‘powering profitable farming,’ using renewable energy to provide an additional income stream to farms, as well as cutting overheads and thereby helping farmers to improve their profitability.

Solar panels, biomass boilers or wind turbines; there will be a technology to suit your farm and your business. And depending on the technology, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Government’s Feed-In Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive and earn regular payments just for generating heat or electricity on site, even if you use that energy. And because you’ll be using less fossil fuel based energy, you’ll save money on your bills too.

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For example, the exclusive circular Parasol® kennel comfortably houses up to 15 dogs

FIND US AT STAND F236 No one expects farmers to be energy experts; it’s not diversification in that sense. It’s much better if you focus on your core business - the stuff you really want to be doing. Find the right partner to deliver you a renewable energy system that delivers the best investment for your particular situation, then get on with the day job, comfortable that rising oil prices or electricity bills matter a little less to you.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

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TOILETS THAT ARE FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS – NOT WATER! Do please come and have a chat with us on Stand F240 about any sanitation issues that concern you.

Nobody thinks about how their toilet processes their waste - until there’s a problem! Andrew Warren, Managing Director of NatSol, explains the art and science of urine separation and how they provide toilets for remote sites.

dry toilets are, from time to time, likely to experience high volumes of liquids, say during a party, and the anaerobic conditions are likely to prevent effective composting and generate severe smells.

Urine separating toilets were developed in Sweden in the 1980s in order to collect urine as a fertiliser. It was stored in large tanks underneath buildings, and later pumped into tankers and driven to farms. Farmers would fertilise fields by injecting urine underneath the soil using specially constructed arrays of robust hollow tubes.

The ‘answer’ is to provide a facility for conducting urine away to separate storage, leaving the standard European mixture of faeces and paper to compost efficiently, often with the help of invertebrate decomposers that might be killed by excessive urine.

The bowl is reasonably effective, but can become fouled with paper, sanitary products, children’s faeces, or the soak materials widely used in dry toilets. An ingenious solution to this problem is the urineseparating plate developed by Natsol Ltd, based at Llanidloes in mid-Wales. This uses the Coanda effect to conduct urine into a diversion pipe without the risk of blockages.

A basic system for diverting urine is to provide a bowl-like receptacle at the front of the toilet that collects urine with reasonable efficiency from both male and female users. It is vital of course that males always sit to use the toilet, whether for

NatSol supplies efficient, odour free composting toilets, mainly for remote sites, nationwide. We will not knowingly sell you a product unless we believe that it is the best solution for your situation based on the available information.

Web: www.natsol.co.uk Email: info@natsol.co.uk Tel: 01686 412653

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

The same principle was occasionally applied in dry toilets and it was noticed that smells were greatly reduced. This might be partly due to the intrinsic smelliness of stored urine, in which the urea rapidly turns into ammonia, a very smelly substance. Some theorists also considered that the presence of urine increases the smelliness of faeces. This was a good reason to try and separate urine and faeces in toilets without a flush sewer connection. Another reason is that in the course of their lives,

‘number ones’ or ‘number twos’, or use the urinal fitted in our cubicles.

Fresh, clean running water is something we all take for granted in 21st century Britain. But what can you do if your remote rural location means that mains water isn’t available? If you’re a farmer, smallholder, land or estate owner, then you will understand what it means to be ‘off grid’, with no access to mains water. We all have a tendency to take things for granted; turn a tap and water flows; flush a toilet and waste is washed away. It’s only when those services are unavailable, or insufficient to meet growing demands, that we appreciate their true worth. Carter Pumps Ltd are specialists in delivering safe, wholesome, potable water to remote and rural locations, helping to maximise the development potential of your land. If you’re looking to increase the herd, diversify into luxury log cabins, develop a caravan park or undertake any expansion that will necessitate increased water use, it’s time to give us a call. Remember; it doesn’t always require a

borehole! A well, spring, river, stream or lake can prove equally viable with the correct treatment and filtration. In addition to delivering private water supplies, we also have the capability to dispose of sewage and wastewater. Utilising pumping stations to transport sewage to mains sewers is often the most practical solution, but we also install sewage treatment plants which allow discharge of treated effluent into a stream, river or soakaway. Carter Pumps Ltd is a capable one-stop-shop that can undertake your project from beginning to end. With NICEIC registration, safecontractor, confined space trained engineers and all the correct insurances, you can trust us to deliver your project safely, efficiently and on time.

Web: www.carterpumps.co.uk Email: sales@carterpumps.co.uk Tel: 01380 734 900

BRING THE OUTSIDE INSIDE

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WATER ON TAP

With space at a premium and planning regulations confusing, why not use an outside structure to gain the benefits of both outdoors and indoors, with none of the drawbacks? Outside Structure Solutions specialise in the supply of outdoor covered areas, including fixed or retractable terrace covers, outside dining areas and walkways. Our range of canopies is designed to suit all needs and budgets. Every application is different and we will discuss your requirements with you to ensure that the canopy suits you.

summer weather. Fitted in just two days, we worked closely with the management to ensure that we minimised our impact on the site. The outside area has proven to be very useful, initially as a relaxing area with sofas and low tables, but it was so popular that we have now returned and installed vertically retractable clear roller walls to turn it into an exclusive dining area.

Earlier in the year, we worked with the Samuel Barlow Canalside Pub to install a Med Unica aluminium framed Outside Structure retractable structure. They have Solutions work closely been looking to capitalise on with you to ensure that their wonderful location we provide the right structure and increase their available for your needs. For more dining space, so the Med information, contact us on Unica was a perfect option. Fitted on top of a new 0844 561 7679 decked area, the Med Unica offers the option to or via the website at cover the area or to retract the roof and make the k structures.co.u most of the wonderful www.outside

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

CONTAIN YOUR EXCITEMENT! If building costs and planning restrictions are putting you off that expansion or diversification project, maybe it’s time to look at the flexible solution that containers can offer.

With the cost of heating spiralling and profit margins being squeezed, find out how you could more than halve your heating bills by taking advantage of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive. Did you know that you can reduce your heating costs by up to 60% by changing from oil or LPG to a heat pump or biomass system? The commercial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) currently pays a tariff quarterly for 20 years index linked, with a return on investment between 15-20%. Whether self-funded or financed, the financial benefits are compelling.

IT’S A WIN–WIN SITUATION! The Renewable Heat Incentive is a government scheme for farms, commercial and multiple domestic properties. You get paid for generating and using renewable heat, which reduces heating costs and provides a revenue stream. RHI can cover the cost of finance and give you an immediate return. Baystar offers unparalleled advice on

Baystar Ltd Beechover Court, Forest Road Colgate, West Sussex, RH12 4SY Web: www.baystar.co.uk Email: info@baystar.co.uk Tel: 01293 851 459 Mob: 07799 117588

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

commercial RHI installations, including financing packages.

A NICE LITTLE EARNER… How would you like a guaranteed revenue for 20 years, along with a fast payback period? Farms can benefit from low-cost heating for agricultural and residential buildings and generate an RHI income. For example, a 200kW biomass boiler will generate revenue of around £22,000 per annum, coupled with lower heating bills. We have installed a number of qualifying schemes for multiple domestic dwellings, rural estates, commercial properties and farms.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU? Baystar can offer you a full range of RHI services, having been involved since the scheme’s inception in 2011 and having delivered a wide range of qualifying projects. We work closely with the administering body and maintain our expertise in every nuance of the scheme to ensure the best system design and advice for our clients.

Parsons Containers is one of the UK’s most enterprising suppliers of shipping containers for secure storage, secure accommodation and many other applications - and we can help your business in several areas. We take the basic unit of a shipping container and add our own creative approach to offer a range of great products and services: Parsons Containers is an independent business and we

supply our products and services nationwide. Our team is packed with expertise about what can be done with shipping containers and we specialise in bespoke designs and projects. We have experience in modifying containers in any way you can imagine and we will work with you to achieve your own specifications and requirements, with a reputation for excellent customer service that is second to none.

•

Secure storage of equipment and stock, combatting the scourge of theft

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Conversion of shipping containers into accommodation such as mess rooms or offices

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Adaption for other applications, such as tack rooms, workshops or food production areas

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Business diversification including self-storage or retail units

Come and find us at stand F311 to discuss your storage and container requirements, visit

www.parsonscontainers.com or call

01740 62999

STAND F311

STAND F320

GET PAID AND CUT YOUR HEATING BILLS

STAND F460

FARMING THE SUN system to supply heating and hot water to the farm house, the estate office and a large recreational barn. The feasibility study undertaken by Ardenham Energy’s designers and installers of the proposed system shows a return on investment after five years. If the farm continues to use oil, the accrued oil bill will be just over £900,000 over a 20-year period. By installing a ground source heat pump, the farm will be £812,000 in credit from savings over oil and receiving the Renewable Heat Incentive offered by DECC.

A love of the land, experience within the construction industry and a keen interest in the environmental benefits of renewable energy prompted Angus MacDonald, the Managing Director of British Solar Renewables, to invest in the relatively new technology of commercial solar arrays. “I have long had a commitment to conservation and recognised the enormous potential of renewable energy, and with property going through a tough time and my background in farming and construction, it seemed like a logical step,” he explained.

Angus MacDonald, farmer and founder of British Solar Renewables, explains why his love of the land led to a renewable energy business and how it could benefit you too.

The initial pilot project saw the establishment of the company in 2010, quickly followed by planning permission to build three solar parks on the family farm in Butleigh, Somerset. The 1,000 acre arable and sheep farm is now also supported by two five megawatt sites and a smaller 0.75mW array. Following the success of these parks and seeing business potential to use his land to generate clean energy whilst earning a stable income for at

least 25 years, Angus decided to build on this vision and expand the company by obtaining new sites. He says, “There has never been a better time in the UK to combine agriculture, land management and renewable energies, generating additional land income, regardless of the weather.”

Renewable energy and farming are a winning combination that can be harvested forever, providing farmers with a longterm, dependable source of income. 30% of farmers across England and Wales are involved in some form of renewable energy production, use or supply and agriculture will make a significant contribution to the UK target of producing 15% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Since then, the company has grown, realising the opportunity to develop large scale groundmounted solar parks, now boasting an integrated platform that enables it to take sites from identification through to construction and onto long-term ownership. Landowners can expect to receive an RPI linked income stream for at least 25 years with rents starting from £800 per acre.

British Solar Renewables builds, owns and operates a new generation of utility-scale renewable energy plants, all of which are constructed to the highest possible standards using locally sourced parts and labour wherever possible. We ensure that all of our assets are integrated wholly into the environment, respecting rural communities and industries retaining renewable plants for the long term.

Following an acquisition of Ardenham Energy in 2013, the company has added to its lists of services, now including heating technologies such as ground source heat pumps and biomass systems.

British Solar Renewables Limited Butleigh Glastonbury Somerset BA6 8TW

Angus is also currently in the process of receiving quotes for a ground source district heating

Call: 01458 224900

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

HOW DO YOU WANT TO DIVERSIFY? Any diversification project will take both time and money to set up, but which one is right for your farm, smallholding, estate or other land? With increasing pressure to provide livestock and crops at cheaper prices and the future of subsidies uncertain, it’s no wonder that more than half of England’s 57,000 farms have already diversified, according to figures published by Defra. There’s almost an infinite number of options to consider, depending on your location, site and preference, but here are the most popular types of diversification that have proven to be profitable across the country.

ALTERNATIVE CROPS AND LIVESTOCK Supplementing your stock in trade with more exotic options could realise a good return, simply by moving into a less competitive market sector. Many farmers have seen success from moving into pharmaceutical crops – as well as neutraceuticals and cosmaceuticals - like borage, sweet quinoa and hemp. Producing flower essences from crops such as Rock Rose, Clematis and Star of Bethlehem for the alternative therapy market is also a growth area. As well as considering rare breeds of the animals you may already stock, why not consider diversifying into deer for venison, ostrich – a healthy red meat alternative to

| FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION NOVEMBER 2013

beef, or llamas that are prized for their wool?

CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN Building relationships with local customers and businesses – particularly Michelin starred restaurants who will pay a premium price for premium produce - will enable you to sell direct, cutting out the middleman and leaving more margin for you. You could set up a farm shop or a market stall and the internet has revolutionised the way farmers can go to market. Selling direct to the consumer allows you to raise your profit on any product from apple juice to clotted cream. You could also add value by offering items like smoked or cured meats, cream or ice cream to a savvy clientele. Catering to increasingly sophisticated tastes means access to customers who are willing to pay a higher price.

STORAGE: MONEY FROM YOUR SPACE If your farm has empty space that just isn’t being used, perhaps you should consider letting someone else use it as

storage space? Whether you want to offer self-storage to private individuals or commercial storage for contracting and haulage, you could make a living from that dead space.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Finding alternatives for fossil fuels is good for the environment - and your bank balance, too. Not only do you save money by not needing to buy energy from a provider, but you can generate revenue by selling excess energy to the national grid. And if you’re a land owner with the space to devote to alternative energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines, it could be a significant revenue stream. Government incentives include Renewable Obligation Certificates, Feed-in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

EQUESTRIAN PURSUITS Horses and farms go together like hops and barley. There are several ways you could diversify into this sector, from renting out stables to riding schools and pony trekking.

BECOMING A TELECOMS NETWORK LANDLORD As mobile network operators look to extend their signal coverage of the UK, they need new sites to place their equipment. And if you have land that isn’t generating revenue, this could be an easy way to make money.

TOURISM Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the rural economy, worth over £29bn a year and accounting for over 12% of rural employment. But it can grow further. The Government is investing £25m to encourage more people to enjoy England’s countryside and to improve the quality of our rural tourism attractions. Of that £25m, Defra is establishing a £10m fund from within the RDPE Rural Economy Grant Scheme specifically to support local tourism initiatives, including projects to develop rural destinations and to strengthen rural tourism businesses. This could be the perfect time to diversify into tourism, whether you want to provide holiday cottages, camping – or even glamping! There are lots of ways you can add value to any farm holiday that will set your farm apart from the competition. Of course, a great view and modern facilities help, but what about offering the chance for holidaymakers to get involved with the farm itself? It may seem odd that someone would enjoy a day out at your place of work, but people are willing to pay to spend a day at a working farm. As well as the obvious options like country walks, animal petting areas, tea shops and cafes, visitors will also pay to take part in activities like milking cows, feeding sheep or coppicing. Encourage them to interact with the animals in a safe environment, find out more about your breeding program or offer learning opportunities about life on the farm and that’s a farm holiday your guests will tell their friends about.

WHAT COULD DIVERSIFICATION MEAN FOR YOUR TAX? More than half of England’s 57,000 farms have already diversified, according to figures published by Defra – and many of the remainder are considering it. If you’re one of them, what impact could diversification have on your taxation? For years, local councils have collected business rates for the government who distributed these funds around the country as they saw fit. That changed earlier in April this year, when the Finance Act 2012 came into effect, with local councils now keeping 50 per cent of their business rate growth. Will this mean that local councils are more motivated to collect business rates from farmers who have diversified their businesses? As the farming community watches to see what effect this new act will have on their livelihoods, we thought it was a good time to take a look at how tax affects the way that you should approach diversification.

NEWSFLASH: TAX ISN’T STRAIGHTFORWARD It isn’t as straightforward as just paying extra tax on the additional revenue generated by your newly diversified farm. You also have to factor in the impact that your new business will have on the existing one, including its eligibility for subsidies and tax breaks. This will be affected by the business structure you choose for your diversification; whether it should be included in your existing business, or established

in its own right. You might want to consider setting up a limited liability company or partnership, which could protect an existing business from the risks of a new venture. Each distinct activity of a taxpayer is taxed separately, which might mean that you need to keep separate accounts for the diversified activity. There are rules governing the offsetting of tax losses from one activity against the profit of another, so don’t presume that a loss in one will reduce the tax payable on the other. One advantage to setting up a separate business for your diversification is that you might not have to register for VAT if the combined income would have taken you over the £79,000 threshold.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX A significant level of diversification could affect your Capital Gains Tax reliefs, including Holdover Relief (where you give someone a business asset) and Rollover Relief (where you sell a qualifying business asset to replace it with another.) In both cases, the relief means that you pay nothing as a farmer, but this could be affected by the level of diversification that you undertake. Another Capital Gains Tax that could be affected is Entrepreneurs’ Relief, where you would pay a preferential 10% rate if you sell all or part of your business, unless your

diversification is at such a level that it becomes payable at a rate of 18% or 28%.

FARMERS’ AVERAGING AND LOSS RELIEF If you use Farmers’ Averaging, then think carefully about how it will be affected by diversifying. Farmers’ Averaging allows you to pay tax on the combined profits from two consecutive years, which is particularly useful if you have one fantastic year and a very disappointing one. It allows you to pay for your average taxable profit during this time – but only if the trade is on farm land. If a significant part of your income is from a revenue stream other than farming, then averaging doesn’t apply. It could cost you Income Tax and National Insurance payments. If you make a loss that you can’t offset by Averaging, then Loss Relief allows you to carry it forward to offset against profits from the same ‘trade’ only – ie: not your diversified venture.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Many farmers are considering renewable energy for diversification, which could change their tax status from a farm trading business to an investment business. This would have implications across income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. In this situation, keeping both businesses together may help to attract business property relief for both. You’ll pay income/corporation tax on renewable energy

where your production is 20 per cent more than the average domestic usage. The good news is that you can claim 100 per cent Capital Allowances on the cost of equipment and installation up to £250,000 both this year and next.

INHERITANCE TAX Don’t forget about the future when planning your new venture, because changing the status of your land’s use from agricultural could prejudice your entitlement to Business or Agricultural Property Relief for Inheritance Tax purposes. After an asset is used for a non-agricultural purpose, it might be subject to capital gains tax upon your death, where it would otherwise transfer free of this tax. If that is the case – and the activity is still trading – you might be able to take advantage of business property relief instead.

SEEK ADVICE As you can see, there are numerous tax implications if you’re considering diversifying your farm business. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to prescribe a best way to proceed, because there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Don’t let that put you off though; Defra figures show that farms that have diversified see an additional £10,400 revenue per year on average. It’s important to get good advice on taxation to make the most out of any opportunity you may be considering. When you have the right information and understand what you need to do to, you’ll feel confident to forge ahead with your diversification.

NOVEMBER 2013 FARM BUSINESS INNOVATION |

STAND F130

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Befree Unit 5, Newhaven Enterprise Centre Denton Island Newhaven East Sussex BN9 9BA Tel: 07973 524333 Email: info@befreepower.com Web: www.befreepower.com

Come and see us on stand F130

For five years, Befree has been developing an integrated approach to renewable energy and water provision that works off-grid and alongside traditional utilities to help reduce consumption of metered utilities and also improve access to - and use of - renewable energy.

depleted, there is also an option for an LPG generator. In off-grid situations, the balance between renewable energy sources and generatorderived power can be determined when the unit is specified.

Being self-contained, the Independence can be placed almost anywhere that power, hot and cold potable and grey water are needed. Used with existing utilities, the control systems in the Independence will ensure that all of the potential renewable energy sources are utilised before drawing from the grid supplies. Effectively, the grid then acts as your back up, with the renewables taking centre-stage. In a grid-tied situation, if there is a grid failure, the Independence keeps going using stored renewable energies and if these become

The Independence produces its own clean and grey water, potentially bringing life to remote buildings. The Independence is a modular concept, so its capabilities and capacities can be changed and enhanced according to your needs. And being self-contained, it can be removed and transferred to a new site. So wherever power, hot and cold water are needed, the Independence can be tailored to meet specific requirements. The Independence is a unique and patented product, manufactured from quality components, designed to power the future for decades to come.

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future

AT 0 S 1 U F2 E D S E AN ST

Harness the sun to power your

“In the current economic climate it is difficult to find an investment with such high returns.”

(A Johnson, Farmer, South East England)

Farmers and landowners can save costs by utilising their roof space to generate electricity

Solar Resources, a Sussex based company who specialise in the supply and installation of solar panel systems, believes that farmers and landowners should consider monetising their unused rooftops by taking advantage of solar power. Farm buildings are well placed to capitalise on this opportunity.

Key benefits of installing a Photovoltaic (PV) system include: 1. Cost savings A farm’s operating costs are often expensive. Running necessary equipment can consume large amounts of energy – whether to provide heat and light to buildings, to cool perishable goods or to operate machinery – by generating and using your own electricity considerable cost savings can be made.

2. Financial returns Farmers can benefit from the Feed in and Export Tariffs. Monies are earned on the amount of energy generated and the amount that is exported back to the grid. Benefits can also be gained if a building is leased. Solar Resources have recently installed a PV system on a tenanted unit; as the landlord the farmer supplies the tenants with their electricity and makes a financial gain from recharging the energy and the monies earned from the applicable tariffs received.

3. Creating a sustainable and green footprint Reducing carbon emissions and having a green footprint is an important factor on a farmer’s agenda, particularly if they are supplying to a retailer who requires a ’green supply chain’. Solar energy is a sustainable, noise and emission free alternative to national grid power.

Solar Resources – the professional solar partner The team at Solar Resources brings together over 40 years of experience to ensure that their clients’ needs are exactly matched to the most suitable, efficient

and cost-effective system available. The Company only supplies high quality PV panels that have a guaranteed product life. Drawing on knowledge gained from their parent company, The French Group, Solar Resources project manage each job with

great care and efficiency right through from advising and assisting clients with obtaining the necessary permission to the installation and maintenance of the panels.

“We have recently completed the installation of numerous photovoltaic systems on farms throughout the South East and have already seen considerable cost savings and gains for each of our clients. With an estimated return on investment of 10-12% per annum over 20 years and protecting oneself against rises in energy costs, it makes sense to consider Solar.” (Tim E French MBE, Director at Solar Resources)

If you would like to understand how you can benefit from solar power please contact Solar Resources on

01444 800 040 or visit www.solarresources.co.uk