Berrys Secures Government Funding for Second Round of Free One-to-One Business Advice

Farmers and landowners can receive free one-to-one business advice from Berrys as part of Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). More than £32m has been awarded to 17 organisations to support farmers and land managers during the Agricultural Transition Period, as the UK leaves the EU.

The support will be available, free of charge, from October 2022 through to March 2025. Any farmer or land manager currently in receipt of BPS that farm within England are eligible (farms across borders with Wales or Scotland can apply if a portion of land is in England). Those who benefited from advice under the interim phase (available late 2021/early 2022) or have applied for the Exit Scheme can also apply.

The bespoke advice will start with an on-site meeting to discuss the business and its current performance. A report will be then sent providing an overview of the business and analysing its financial performance and its cash position, including the impact of the reduction in BPS payments. The report will include bespoke recommendations for improvements to the business, including how to take advantage of changing government support. An action plan will also be included which will highlight any necessary changes with approximate timescales. A total of three follow-up meetings are also available free of charge which are an opportunity for us to provide further support by focussing on a particular area of the business.  

It is vital during this transition period, at the end of which, BPS payments will cease to exist, that farmers and landowners take stock of their businesses and understand the implications that not having these support payments will have. Our tailored support will help businesses become more resilient and competitive, make the most of their assets and ensure they will continue to operate profitably well into the future. 

Free advice will be available from business consultants operating out of the Shrewsbury, Kettering, Hereford, Towcester and Oxford offices. To register interest and find out more about the FFRF, please contact Caroline Banks on 01536 213159 email caroline.banks@berrys.uk.com or complete the registration form here.