Webinars: Future Farm Finance series

UK Agriculture is in the midst of change at a pace not seen in over a generation.

Rising input costs, the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the shape of the market post-Brexit and the phasing out of BPS are just a few of the significant factors that UK farmers are having to deal with.

Uncertain times also represent an opportunity for farm businesses to reassess the way they do things with the aim of achieving net zero and ensuring food security.

As farms emerge into the “new normal”, it is vital that they can access fast and flexible finance to invest in the critical machinery and technology they need to drive future productivity and growth.

Join the panel of experts for a series of three webinars looking at the future of farm funding and finance.

Pt 1: Innovating Farm Finance

In the first webinar the panel will discuss issues such as:

• What are the key financial challenges, opportunities and priorities facing farmers in the short and long term?
• What are the key financial decisions farmers need to make today to futureproof their business?
• How should farmers look to invest to survive and thrive?

Hosted by Adam White, head of agriculture Barclays UK, with speakers Liz Jones, partner, Azets, Oliver McEntyre, national strategy director, Barclays Agriculture and Jon Maycock, commercial director, Propel.

Pt 2: The big agricultural energy tech debate

Defra’s price index for agricultural inputs in the 12 months to June increased by 33.1%. This increase is most likely driven by the rising costs of fertiliser, feed and energy, with further increases forecast for next year.

It’s true, agricultural outputs also rose during the same time period, according to the price index, but at a slower rate meaning that farm margins are pressured.

As ag inflation soars on energy cost rises there has never been a better time to take stock of how you could help your business’s cash flow by looking into ways of managing your inputs and making changes to your farm business that could bring your bills down.

In this second Future Farm Finance webinar, the panel of experts debate hot topics including:

• How to reduce the impact of a volatile market on your farm business?
• Should you start with an energy audit and what are the affordable options for one?
• Does it make financial sense for your farm business to invest in own use renewables?
• Can replacing legacy tech be worth the investment now more than ever?
• How could the energy price cap indirectly affect farm businesses?

Hosted by Adam White, head of agriculture Barclays UK, with speakers Matthew Gard, partner, Azets, Dominic O’Brien, managing director, Experienced Energy Solutions and Julie Warren, marketing and partnerships director, Propel.

Pt 3: Growth strategies in turbulent times

There is no denying that farm businesses are facing increasing market volatility and uncertainty in today’s turbulent economic and political climate.

The risks for your farm business are always going to be high, from price, cost and yield fluctuations to financial risk due to debt funds used to finance the business, there is a lot to take into account.

There are ways for farmers to capture the income growth potential of uncertainty but it often requires changing mindsets and taking an honest look at your business.

In this session we focus on ways to:

• Look for “outside the box” diversification ideas
• Increase market strength through partnerships with other producers and suppliers
• Adopt sustainable low input farming practices
• Apply for grants and private funding for on-farm green initiatives
• Become early adopters of new cost efficient technologies.

Hosted by Adam White, head of agriculture, at Barclays UK with speakers Callum Murray, head of agriculture and food at Innovate UK, Ian Craig, partner at Azets, and Julie Warren, marketing and partnerships director, Propel.

About Azets

Get the agricultural accountancy and business advice you need to succeed at Azets.

Supporting over 4,500 farming clients across the UK from our 84 offices, our agricultural team has the proven experience and skills essential to help farmers and owners of land and related rural enterprises to deal with the complex challenges in the sector for their businesses to survive and thrive, protecting their value for future generations.

Our team is proud to act for a diverse range of agricultural businesses, from farming to viticulture, energy generation to equestrian establishments.

We regularly advise on matters such as strategic diversification and appropriate succession planning, and we focus on providing practical advice and guidance so that you can spend your time working in the best interest of your business.

Whether you’re a farmer or estate owner, horticulturist or agricultural retailer, we recognise that you want to deal with people who understand the rural economy.

Azets are delighted to be co-hosts of the Future of Farm Funding webinar series, alongside Propel Finance and Barclays UK.

This series explores the finance and funding opportunities available to farmers and business owners, providing them with valuable insight and the tools needed to not only grow their business, but to help it thrive.

To meet our team local to you and for more information on our services and how we can help agricultural and rural businesses, please visit our website – www.azets.co.uk.

About Barclays

Barclays have been supporting the agricultural sector since 1744, helping farmers to thrive and grow their businesses. As well as the livestock and growing sectors, they also support the Landed Estates, energy and agri-tech sectors.

Industry expertise and local knowledge are crucial, which is why Barclays have a team of Agriculture Managers across the UK, all supporting businesses within their local communities. So whether you’re established or just starting out, see how their range of products, services and sector expertise could help your business thrive.

Barclays are thrilled to be a part of the Future of Farm Finance Series with Propel and Azets to support the farming community better understand finance and funding. Our shared ambition to upskill and educate the community whilst providing opportunities to grow, makes this webinar truly worthwhile and useful to those looking to protect their farming business and help it flourish.

Please get in touch via our website if you would like to find out more about how Barclays can help you.

About Propel

Propel was established in 1996 to provide flexible & accessible finance to UK based SMEs; and have since helped more than 45,000 businesses across the country access finance towards business critical equipment & vehicles. Supporting the finance needs of the farming community has always been an integral part of Propel.

This is led by their dedicated specialist agricultural finance team, who understand first-hand the particular nature of agricultural businesses and have a finger on the pulse of the rapid change the sector is undergoing technologically, structurally and economically. 

We have strategic Partnerships with both Barclays and Azets, sharing a common goal to help UK Businesses get the right help, advice and funding to grow their companies. 

We are delighted to support Farmers Weekly with the Future of Farm Finance webinar series.
For more information, visit www.propelfinance.co.uk or call 01633 982 922.