Advisers ready to help support rural business

May 20 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

THREE business advisers have been appointed to help rural entrepreneurs reach their full potential. The Business Link advisers will work closely with farming businesses, those on rural estates and in market towns.

They already have a strong connection with rural business: Steve Irwin of Matfen, Northumberland, a malt barley farmer who runs a micro-brewery; John Atkinson, a Business Link adviser for 15 years who previously worked for the Agricultural Training Board and at Leeds University’s dairy unit; and Northumberland farmer and former Business Link farm business advice co-ordinator Chris France.

Business Link director of operations Nicki Clark said: “We are committed to supporting success for all of the region’s businesses and this commitment is highlighted by our continuing drive to invest in the local economy and offer ever more specialist advice.

“The team is already developing an impressive track record and I am certain that Steve, John and Chris will help sow the right seed to help rural businesses reap impressive rewards.”

Frances Rowe, rural policy manager at One NorthEast which funded the advisers, added: “Rural areas have an important role to play in the growth of North East England’s economy and competitiveness and we want to make sure that all rural-based businesses, including those in the land-based sector, know where to go for business support and advice.

“These account managers will be out in rural communities building relationships with businesses to do this, but also helping to broker more specialist approaches where needed.

“Their guidance for businesses on the new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) will be very important.

“But in turn, these account managers will also help improve the understanding of the distinct needs of rural enterprises within business support and Business Link.”

The North East has just been awarded more than £1m in funding under RDPE, which the new rural account managers will be able to access, as well as supplying guidance on a range of topics.