Farm & finance · News & views

It went down to the wire but the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU). What does it mean for banking, interest rates and farming? 

Farm incomes are being hit and profits squeezed by the drop in farm gate prices. It’s leading to cash-flow problems for many farmers. While quick, short-term alternatives for finance sometimes look the easiest option to help struggling farmers out of cash shortages, we caution that these are often expensive and can be damaging. The farm

Have the farming industry questions on how an EU exit would affect farmers been answered? We look at the outstanding points and what happens next.

Three years of downward pressure on commodity prices is paying its toll on many producers. A regular review of farm finances and their costs is always important and even more so in times when cashflow is under pressure.

The date is set. Prime Minister David Cameron is to hold a referendum on the future of Britain’s EU membership on 23 June 2016. The influence of the EU on British farming is enormous. Opinions whether Britain should stay in or get out of the EU are divided amongst farmers and even the Government’s farming

It takes time to find the right lender and then to negotiate a suitable deal. You can go direct to banks, but the support of an expert can lead to better outcomes. What should you look for when choosing mortgage advice for your farm or rural business? 

For farming and rural businesses experiencing a slump in commodity prices, continuing low interest rates and a low cost of borrowing will bring considerable relief. But when will rates rise and what should farm and rural business do to prepare?

Investment in the services of consultants with specific skills appropriate for the job should be regarded as an investment in future farm profitability. We whos you how farm businesses can benefit from the support of professional advisers. 

Are you a professional adviser working in or with the land-based industries? At R&BS we work closely with professional advisers to source mortgage finance for their clients. We explain how you and your clients can benefit from our support.

The economy looks as thought it could be on the road to recovery. But what are the indications of a move in interest rates, and what are the implications and farms and rural business?

Get your business plan right and you earn the trust of lenders, suppliers and staff. Get it wrong and you may not even get your business ideas off the ground. We give you some tips on how to prepare an effective business plan.

Despite the Bank of England base rate remaining at 0.5% for 6 years – and the forecast to stay low for a considerable time to come – you’d think there was little to talk about. But, on the contrary, there have been some interesting talking points recently.