rural diversification

Jimmy Doherty collaborates with NFU Mutual to produce a five-part video series investigating the different ways farmers can plan diversification activities. One of the UK’s best-known farmers has prepared a series of videos providing tips and advice on planning and running a diversification...

The Business Barn is bursting with free, business start-up guides written by industry experts on areas such as: Farm shops Campsites Boarding kennels Holiday cottages Livery yards Tree surgeons Microbreweries Bookkeepers Fencing contractors All business guides are free to view and use. Click...

Since its introduction in January 2016, the LEADER programme has provided grants in England worth over £56 million. Analysed by Countryside Marketing, these findings highlight the significant role government and EU support has played in supporting agricultural and rural businesses over the past...

Business manager, Rosie Hopkins, will be one of the judges of this year’s British Farming Awards. Now in its sixth year, the British Farming Awards are a true celebration of the creative thinking, innovation and dedication of British Farmers. There is a total of 14 awards categories...

Industrial and distribution space is in demand across many areas of the country providing a diversification opportunity for farmers with surplus agricultural buildings. The key is to identify locations where there is ‘pent-up demand’ for industry or workshop space says Tim Davies from...

Within the UK we are fortunate enough to have an abundance of open countryside that appeals to so many. Whether it’s city goers seeking a secluded country retreat, families searching for an adventure-filled getaway or couples wanting a romantic escape, each of these market segments is a captive...

The desire to start an organic business drove Jan Billington to move her young family from London to South West England in 2002. But needless to say, what they were going to do when they got there and how they were going to make it work were unknown factors at the time. However, their flexible...

An idyllic spot on the English Welsh border now plays home to the glamping, camping and event business, Barnutopia after Steve and Katrina Boydon took on the full-time project in 2015. Having worked abroad for 20 years, and most recently lived in the USA working and raising their family of...

Young farmers in Wales hoping to benefit from a scheme offering a start-up grant of up-to £40,000 have until the 12 June to express their interest. The Young People into Agriculture scheme will support 150 young farmers looking to establish a new business off their own back or develop an...

Soaring timber and firewood prices should act as an incentive for more farmers to consider planting trees or better manage areas of existing woodland on their farms, according to forestry body Confor. Figures from the Forestry Commission show timber prices have risen by almost 30% in a year and...

Kelly Chandler, business owner and experienced wedding consultant, advises that engaged couples are turning away from perceived traditional wedding formula and instead are looking for something unique and fitting with their personalities... If you're looking for inspiration to start a new...

Buoyant mood among producers at Pig & Poultry Fair Pig and poultry producers are ready to embrace change, with a bright outlook ahead despite the uncertainty of Brexit, was the feeling among visitors to the British Pig & Poultry Fair last week. Producers flocked to hear industry experts offer...

Hi! I'm working on a postgraduate project at Central St. Martins looking to get young, inner city people into livestock farming and I need some help! Would anyone be willing to offer some work to 18-24 year olds from from Hackney in East London for a couple of weeks? There's massive...

The purchase of 28 acres by Jules and Sandra Sayer in 2002 now sees over 16,000 campers visit Petruth Paddocks each year. Located at the foot of the Mendip Hills in north Somerset the ‘free-range,’ family-run campsite Jules and his team has created provides the perfect opportunity to get away...

The Business Barn is a free, online resource providing expertly written advice and guidance for diversifying farmers, rural business owners and landowners. If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration for a new business venture, guidance on how to start a business or support with developing your...

If you'd like to start-up your own rural business, The Business Barn can help! Click here to get over 101 rural business ideas at your fingertips. Have you considered becoming a Virtual Assistant? Having worked in several industries in various roles, the exposure and knowledge gained during...

Introducing... The Business Barn QuickQuote Tool If you're searching for suppliers of specific products or services, look no further. The Business Barn QuickQuote tool allows you to submit individual requests directly to relevant and suitable suppliers listed on our MarketPlace in one simple...

Dear All Some of you may have seen a similar posting of mine a few months back but here goes again and thanks for your patience . We are a newly formed archery club (Briar Rose) based in the west midlands who are searching for suitable woodland to house a field archery club and hoping someone...