Farm & finance · News & views

Farms and rural businesses are finding it increasingly hard to raise finance. But, if it’s of any reassurance, it’s not just restricted to the farming industry. Uncertainty over Brexit, low confidence in global and domestic economies and global banking regulations are making banks cautious of lending. What can you do to overcome it?

The April 2018 changes to permitted development rights for agricultural buildings have led to an increased number of clients looking for finance to convert agricultural buildings to residential and commercial uses. But what factors need to be considered to achieve finance and a completed project?

Tourism and leisure activities are some of the most important sectors in the rural economy. What are the prospects and what should farm and rural businesses do to invest and prepare for a profitable future?

Some of the effects of Brexit on farming businesses could be negated by investment. Current low interest rates make now a perfect time to consider borrowing options. But what are banks and lenders doing as Brexit gets closer, and what should farmers looking for mortgages do now?

We’re delighted to have won the Best Rural Professional Services Business in the North in the 2019/20 Rural Business Awards.  Congratulations to our team of consultants who play an important role in the prosperity of their clients and in local rural communities.

A survey of farming estate owners has shown increased confidence and commitment to invest, despite rising political and economic uncertainty. But, none of the respondents plan to diversify within farming. Instead, investment is being diverted to alternative rural enterprises. 73% plan to use bank funding to support the investment. 

We’ve been shortlisted in the Best Rural Professional Services Business in the 2019/20 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

Free downloadable cashflow forecast templates for different businesses;  farming equestrian kennels and catteries holiday lettings, camping or glamping rural business smallholding

It’s been 15 years since R&BS was founded. Several significant changes over that time have made it an interesting period for us and our clients. Find out what they are and the strategies farm and rural businesses can adopt to capitalise on these changes. 

We are seeing many lenders move towards using more computer-based technology to make automated decisions on lending cases. If ‘the computer says no’ and if there’s no relationship or bank manager to influence any lending decision, how do you get finance?

The long-awaited details of the new Agriculture Bill have been announced. All farm businesses must begin to plan ahead to ensure they are in a strong position and can cope with the loss of subsidy income. Professional guidance – including business finance advice -will be crucial in the years ahead.

More banks are restructuring their businesses to cut costs. As a result many farms are losing their bank manager or being moved to telephone banking staff with no understanding of farming. We give our tips for those who aren’t happy with these changes.