Business Rates – are you paying too much?

Stables are subject to business rates

It is often assumed that business rates are only chargeable against property which is run as part of a business, however this is not necessarily the case. Any non-domestic property that falls outside of your residential curtilage may be subject to Non-Domestic rates. As from the 1st April 2017, the new rates released by the […]

Posted on March 13th, 2017 by

Uncertain times ahead – de-risk your farm business

We are currently in one of the most uncertain times for British agriculture that has been seen for well over 20 years. Every sector has had its difficulties in the past but the entire economy will be significantly affected with the global changes taking place. In 2017 alone Trump has become president, Article 50 will […]

Posted on February 27th, 2017 by

A Flexible Facility – A safer alternative to an overdraft extension .

With ongoing pressure on working capital there is a strong temptation to increase your overdraft facility but this is often the wrong decision, Andrew Troughton explores an alternative more flexible option. A lot of lending is actually longer term than the typical 12 month overdraft term but not long or permanent enough to need a […]

Posted on February 7th, 2017 by

**Now Sold** Barns at Brookfields Farm

Carver Knowles are delighted to offer for sale a range of modern and traditional barns at Brookfields Farm, Ab Lench. Modern and traditional barns With planning consent to create 3 homes Peaceful, rural setting in The Lenches Planning consents from Wychavon District Council 16/02054/CU and 16/02125/GPDQ The barns offer an exciting opportunity for developers to […]

Posted on February 5th, 2017 by

New Year New Grant Funding Opportunities

Countryside Stewardship

With a portfolio of grant schemes opening for 2017 Alyssia Thomas takes a look at those that are available and how to get hold of the funding. Brexit may mean a permanent or temporary end to this type of funding so if you are considering entering a scheme or investing in farm improvements its important […]

Posted on January 30th, 2017 by

Pershore and Upton upon Severn NFU Conference 2017

Brand power

Pershore and Upton branch of the NFU have once again held a very successful conference, this year titled ‘The Power of Branding’. The panellists were: Helen Browning OBE founder of Helen Browning’s Organic, Martin Thatcher of Thatcher’s Cider and Vice Chairman of the Assured Food Standards, Andrew Blenkiron.   The evening started with an opening […]

Posted on January 20th, 2017 by

Community Infrastructure Levy – what is it and how does it apply?

The Community Infrastructure Levy, otherwise known as CIL, was introduced by the Planning Act 2008 as a charge on development. The levy provides financial assistance to Local Planning Authorities in England and Wales when delivering infrastructure and development within their areas. The CIL subsequently came into force in 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations […]

Posted on January 6th, 2017 by

How to…. Start a farm succession plan

Farm succession

Land Agent’s, solicitors and accountants are all guilty of highlighting the importance of succession planning by regaling horror stories and anecdotes of what can happen if it all goes wrong. Less frequently do we outline the starting points for a successful succession plan and the documents that are useful and the key areas that need […]

Posted on January 6th, 2017 by

Why am I paying Business Rates on my stables?

Business rates as they are commonly referred to are actually called Non-Domestic Rates and can therefore apply to property classed as non-domestic whether it is used privately or as part of a business. Non-domestic rates are assessed on the properties annual rental value (rateable value) multiplied by the nationally set multiplier (unless the small business […]

Posted on December 22nd, 2016 by

Finance for Farm Diversification – and how to get it!

How to get finance for a diversification project. The main issue with financing a farm diversification project is that it often falls outside what traditional lenders are comfortable with.   This is typically because it’s a new venture and the lender is worried about it not working out.  Statistically only half of business start-ups make it […]

Posted on December 14th, 2016 by