News

Recent Developments | Grants / Funding | Legislation & Regulations | Our Key Achievements

If you have any news or information please contact Carrie at info@ruralhub.org.uk.

Recent Developments

Job Vacancy: British Alpaca Society - Full Time Breed Secretary
Self-motivated, enthusiastic, ambitious, energetic person required for full-time position in a rapidly expanding national breed society with huge potential.

The successful candidate will be expected to work from their own office and develop a range of initiatives over a number of committees to include: membership support, Defra and Animal Health liaison, Lantra-approved education and training programmes, shows, sales, web site and alpaca promotion.

Salary: £20,000–30,000 commensurate with experience. For an information pack please contact info@BAS-uk.com

Contact: British Alpaca Society
Email: info@BAS-uk.com

Entrants Sought For £10,000 Young Entrepreneur Award
The annual competition seeks to recognise and reward an outstanding young entrepreneur who has started a new business which has been operating for more than 3 months but less than 18 months.

A cash prize of £10,000 plus PR support from Blue Rubicon is on offer to the winner. The award presentation will take place at the Shell LiveWIRE LIVE! in London on 13th October.

The deadline for applications is 6th September 2010

For more information please see website details below.
Contact: Business Link
Website: www.shell-livewire.org/awards/

Filing your returns online with HMRC - Changes that effect you
The way you file returns and make payments to HMRC is changing.

VAT businesses, Corporation Tax customers and employers all need to be aware of new online filing and electronic payment requirements.

It’s important that those affected understand and comply with these new requirements, as failure to do so could lead to an unwelcome penalty.

To find out more about it please see contact details below.

Contact: Businness Link
Contact number: 08454 113 1234
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/online-deadlines

Would your village be interested in creating your own community-owned and run sustainable tourism project?
Hidden Britain are seeking interest from communities in the Rugby Borough and Warwick District areas, to make this happen in Central Warwickshire. This project has been very successful in other areas of the UK and has made an enormous difference to rural communities.

To find out how Hidden Britain could support you and your village please see contact details below.
Contact: David Long
Contact number: 02476 853067
Email: davidl@rase.org.uk

About Food and Drink Insights
Food and Drink Insights is a FREE information service for food and drink producers and small retailers within the West Midlands region. The service aims to give smaller food and drink companies in the region greater access to valuable information relating to consumer trends, food technology research and start-up advice. This information can be used to develop business and marketing plans as well as supporting funding applications. Farm shops, delis and small independent retailers can also use the service to keep abreast of trends in regional food and drink and research shopper demand for new products.

For more information please see details below
Contact: HEFF
Website: www.heff.co.uk/foodinsights

Free Opportunity to Promote Your Business to Over 8000 Readers
Products to feature on the Mail Order Christmas page of the next Regional Food Guide.

If you have products available for sale by mail order, make the most of this FREE opportunity to promote them in the run up to Christmas.

How to apply:
Send a high resolution photo of your product with a RRP to jon.may@heff.co.uk by Wednesday 25 August.

Please note : sending photos will not guarantee entry, the editor's decision in regard to products used is final.

Contact: HEFF
Email: jon.may@heff

Concerns over the NEW Grain Passport!!
The new grain passport has been out since March 2010 and there are concerns that they are not being used by farmers. A farm consultant has reported to us that he has heard of at least 20 loads of grain that have been rejected because of the incorrect passport.

A copy of the new passport can be found at http://www.openfield.co.uk/downloads/OpenfieldGrPassport9361%20P2.pdf

Environmental Stewardship - Natural England
Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme that provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England to deliver effective environmental management on your land.

For information and how to apply call 0300 060 0011, or contact your regional office.

Contact: Natural England
Contact number: 0300 060 0011
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/es/default.aspx

National sector events: Environmental Stewardship
Visit the Natural England stand for advice and information on all aspects of Environmental Stewardship. Natural England advisers will be on hand to answer any questions on ELS, OELS, HLS and Uplands ELS. We will be running ELS Online demonstrations, and have a farm scale model on display to talk through the options available to farmers and their agents. Farmers who are already in Environmental Stewardship will be available on the stand to discuss how it works for them, or we will be presenting the scheme at an event seminar.

7-8 September, Dairy Event and Livestock Show - NEC, Birmingham

2-3 December, Agri LIVE Smithfield - Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Contact: Natural England

Volunteers required for the Festival of the Harvest – 30th September 2010
The Hub is looking for volunteers to help out at this year’s Festival of the Harvest event which is being held at Stoneleigh Park on 30th September during school time. We have 500 primary school children attending the free educational day which has received funding from Central Warwickshire LEADER project, to learn about food origins, farming, conservation and the environment.

We would really appreciate any help or support you can give with various aspects of the day; we are looking for farmers to talk to the children about aspects of farming, people to help guide the children around the event, people to support the teachers looking after the children, help with the build up the day before the event and during the event and after the event.

We are planning a barbeque the evening before, 29th September, to which we will invite all volunteers so that they can have a pre-event briefing

If you would like to volunteer please contact Jenny at the Hub office:
Contact: Jenny Gunnell
Contact number: 02476 858244
Email: jennyg@rase.org.uk

9th August Drop In Clinic - Cancelled
Due to the good weather and busy time of year for you all, we have decided to cancel the August Drop In Clinic.
Contact: Hub Office
Contact number: 02476 858244
Email: jennyg@rase.org.uk

Drop-in Clinics – NEW LOCATION!!
Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park
Every Month from 9.30am – 3.00pm

The Hub holds monthly drop-in clinics for Farmers and Rural Businesses where you can come along and get one to one advice on funding and business issues. Help and advice will be on hand from a variety of organisations including:

Business Link West Midlands
Rural Enterprise Grant Scheme
Lantra Landskills
Warwickshire Rural Hub
Also attending the July clinic will be:

Adam West from Natural England

The clinics, which are being held on the second Monday of each month, will now take place in the Arthur Rank Centre, 6th Street (opposite the old Grand Ring), Stoneleigh Park.

12th July 2010
9th August 2010
13th September 2010
11th October 2010
8th November 2010
13th December 2010

No appointment needed – just drop in!

Contact: Rural Hub Office
Contact number: 02476 858244

Tried & Tested launches New Website
The team behind the Tried & Tested nutrient management plan has just launched a new website for anyone looking for information about nutrient management. The project coordinator Bolette Neve explains: “In response to demand from Tried & Tested stakeholders and the industry in general we have created a new Tried & Tested website. The site is a one-stop-shop for advice on nutrient management - a place where news, events, publications and links to other planning tools and services on nutrient management can be easily accessed.” Visit the new website on www.nutrientmanagement.org

The Tried & Tested nutrient management plan was launched last year and has been in high demand ever since with more than 14,000 plans going out to farmers and advisers. The plan is an aid to making nutrient planning and recording simple and practical and 2010 has also seen the introduction of a record sheet pad to accompany the plan.

All Tried & Tested tools can be requested by contacting the details below.
Contact number: 02476 858896
Email: nutrientmanagement@nfu.org.uk
Website: www.nutrientmanagement.org

Improve your Customer's Experience - Farm Stay
Book a FREE on farm advice session for your farm accommo-dation businesses. Visitors love to be in the countryside, but very often they would love to know more about the environ-ment they are in. Why not help your visitors take advantage of the unique venues that Farm accommodation has to offer and help them Wake Up to the Countryside?

Brian Hainsworth from FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) will make a personal visit to your farm and highlight ways in which you can improve the farm experience for your visitors.
Many farmers take for granted what they see daily on the farm. For visitors there is a wealth of new sights, sounds, smells. But what are they all?

NB: you do not have to be a member of Farm Stay to benefit. However, you must be quality graded either by Enjoy England or the AA to participate and you may be asked to provide confirmation of current grading.

For more information please contact the details below.
Contact: Brian Hainsworth
Contact number: 02476 696909
Email: admin@farmstay.co.uk

NEW LOCATION for Warwickshire Rural Hub Drop In-Clinic
The monthly Drop In -Clinic has moved to the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC), Stoneleigh. Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm

The monthly drop-in clinics are being held by the Hub to give Farmers and Rural Businesses the chance to come along and get one to one advice on funding and business issues. Help and advice will be on hand from a variety of organisations including:

Business Link West Midlands – Terry Draycott
Rural Enterprise Grant Scheme
Strategic Investment Grant Scheme
Lantra Landskills
Warwickshire Rural Hub


The clinics, which are being held on the second Monday of each month, will take place in the Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park.

12th July 2010
9th August 2010
13th September 2010
11th October 2010
8th November 2010
13th December 2010

No appointment needed – just drop in!
Contact: Hub Office
Contact number: 02476 858244
Email: jennyg@rase.org.uk

Cross Compliance 2010 Requirements Update
1)How to use the new Soil Protection Review Template

2)Water Abstraction (GAEC 18) - New to Cross Compliance:
Be aware that abstraction licensing was introduced in the cross compliance regulations from 1 Jan 2010. GAEC 18 applies to single payment claimants that abstract more than 20 m3 of water each day from inland water (such as a river or stream) or an underground source (such as a well or borehole) for irrigation.

3) Electronic Identification of sheep - Now in place:
Individual recording for these animals is required in holding registers from 31 December 2009 and on movement documents from 1 January 2011. Records can still be kept manually – so you can decide whether you wish to purchase reading equipment.
(For more information please call the EID Helpline on 0845 933 5577 or visit the DEFRA's sheep movement page on their website)

4) Cattle Identification Q & A:
The procedures for cattle identification give rise to large numbers of errors. Last year, some 50% of the farms that RPA inspected had made at least one breach of the rules, of these the greatest proportion occurred on livestock farms. To address this and help farmers secure their full single payment, the Cross Compliance Advice Programme along with BCMS has held a series of farmer discussion meetings to help farmers make sure they are compliant with the rules.
(For more information visit the Rural Payments Agency)

For more information on any of the areas which have been mentioned please contact the helpline or visit the website


Contact: Cross Compliance
Contact number: 0845 345 1302
Website: www.crosscompliance.org.uk

The Warwick District Fresh Food Co-ops
They are based around Children's Centres and aim to pack a bag of affordable fresh vegetables and fruit for 50 weeks of the year, using seasonal and local vegetables. There are several reasons for this choice: seasonal vegetables are usually a better buy, local vegetables support local growers, and less fuel is involved in getting the food to the customer. They have three co-ops at the moment and pack about 90 bags a week. They don't put a mark-up on the vegetables; however just add 20p per bag to help with room hire charges. Being able to do this because the packers and co-ordinators are all volunteers.

The bags are collected from the centres, with one operating on a Wednesday and the rest on a Thursday. They are looking for a range of vegetables, but each week carrots, potatoes and onions (or spring onions or leeks) are included.
They would probably need the produce to be delivered to the centres if that is possible, but might be able to arrange a pick-up if that is not possible.

They are very flexible and this idea is at an early stage, so they are open to any suggestions that people may have.

For more information please contact Judy
Contact: Judy Steele
Contact number: 07786 137770 / 01926 887119
Email: judy@dmac.co.uk

Strong views on using technology to access information?.
If so, we'd like to hear from you. The Agricolan project captures workshops, demonstrations and online seminars for agricultural producers across the West Midlands. We make these available as interactive presentations and videos online, through mobile devices and on DVD. But we need your help to tell us how to shape the service so that producers like yourself value the knowledge and are comfortable with the technology.

We are looking for two or three producers to join us for a short workshop at Stoneleigh Park from 11:00 to 13:00 on Wednesday 24 February, including lunch, to talk through the design of the service from a producer's perspective. If you feel you have a contribution to make and would like to join us for the workshop then we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact: Michael Thompson
Contact number: 07885 466100
Email: michaelt@localsourcing.co.uk

WARWICKSHIRE LANDOWNERS READY TO HIT IMPORTANT MILESTONE – OVER 70 PER CENT OF LAND NOW REGISTERED
Landowners across Warwickshire have hit a key target in the registration of their land, with more than 70 per cent now registered.

Now other landowners are being encouraged to follow suit to take advantage of a voluntary land registration scheme that will offer them more security and certainty about what they own.
The Warwickshire initiative is part of a drive by Land Registry – the Government department responsible for registering land ownership in England and Wales – to help landowners identify and register what they own.

Almost 30 per cent of England and Wales remains unregistered, while in the whole of Warwickshire, out of 197,750 hectares, 28 per cent remains unregistered. Each hectare is the equivalent size of an average football pitch. Rugby is the best performing district in the county, where 85% of land has been registered. But in north Warwickshire, just 18,074Ha out of a possible 28,470Ha are registered, just 63.5%.

The more rural areas tend to have less land registered, with Stratford on Avon having registered 71%, leaving almost 30,000Ha. Nuneaton and Bedworth and Warwick districts both have recorded registration rates of 78%.This means that there is still 54,750Ha to register in Warwickshire – 28% of the total amount of land in the county, with much of it belonging to farmers.
Martin Kirkby, Register Development Manager for Warwickshire, said:
“Farmers should think about the benefits of registration, and they will see why it is so important. As well as giving them clarity over what they actually own, it means records are kept securely.
“It is good news that so many Warwickshire landowners have already registered, but there are still plenty more who have not, and I would urge them to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“We have a straightforward and cost effective system for checking and registering who owns what and we are currently offering a discount of up to 25 per cent on our fees for those who voluntarily register their land.”

State-backed registration gives landowners greater security of title, providing them with better protection against claims of adverse possession. Landowners also know the administration of their land holding is in good order with key information in one place and easy to access.

To find out more about voluntary registration please see contact details below:
Contact number: 0899 432 0432
Email: registerland@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.landregistry.gov.uk

Discussion Groups
Following the success of the Hub Soils Group we are trying to gauge the level of interest in reviving and expanding the Warwickshire Grassland Society. As part of this group we would welcome sheep, equine, goat, cattle, camelids and dairy farmers.

We are also investigating the development of a Cereals Group. At this stage we would just like you to register your expressions of interest. If you would be interested in either/both of the Grassland Group or Cereals Group then please contact me at:


Contact: Hub Office
Contact number: 02476 858244
Email: jennyg@rase.org.uk

Going for Growth Programme (G4G)
The Going For Growth Programme is to be branded, provided and managed by West Midlands Brokerage Services Limited (trading as Business Link West Midlands) through a number of specialist business suppliers on a contracted basis over a 2 year period.
Specifically, the service will:

• Provide support to land based businesses to create a Business Development Plan for potential capital projects. The Business Development Plan will incorporate a terms of reference for the feasibility work.

• Undertake reviews of Feasibility Studies produced to ascertain the viability of potential projects and advise on eligibility for Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) Capital Grant funding through Rural Enterprise Grants (REG), Strategic Investment (SIG) Capital Grants or other suitable vehicles. This feasibility support will ensure capital project investments that are submitted for Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) funds are well directed, appropriate and meet the objectives of the respective RDPE Delivery Plans.

• Provide financial assessments to determine the accuracy and relevance of the financial information to be submitted as part of applications for financial support.

• Provide mentoring support of up to 5 days to those land based businesses in receipt of grant funding through Rural Enterprise Grants or Strategic Investment Grants to ensure those businesses have a clear focus on their future direction, the benefits of investment in capital projects and a definitive understanding of the impact on their business and of the business benefits resulting from that investment. The over-riding aim of this element of the service is to ensure the project implementation phase is successful.


The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) has been created to respond to the need for land based businesses to add more value to their product, develop their capacity and skills and innovate to meet market demand and secure a viable future for their business, whilst also improving the economic well being of the rural area.

Business Link West Midlands recognises that many rural businesses lack experience of business planning, do not have the required formal training or the time available to make applications for RDPE support grants and find it difficult to identify suitably qualified and experienced professional advisers / specialists to assist them in the development of their plans. Support will be packaged to meet the specific needs of individual customers, or small groups of customers if appropriate.

Interested suppliers are requested to compile and submit the PQQ which is available to download at:

http://online.businesslink.gov.uk/WestMidlands_files/Going_for_Growth__PQQ_V1.0_1.doc

Contact: Business Link
Contact number: 08451 131234
Website: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk

Supportive Networking for Rural Business Women
The South Warwickshire branch of Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) continues to provide a professional, friendly and supportive business network for rural business women.
The group usually meet every third Wednesday of the month at the Charlecote Pheasant Hotel and have extended their networking with a sub group looking at small projects to promote their businesses. Meetings begin with news and introductions, followed by member or guest speakers, with topics specific to group needs. Every meeting is planned based on the group's feedback, aiming to create meetings that are focused on moving their businesses forward and using skills from the members. The discussion of business issues and best practice can really assist small enterprises in moving forward and this is encouraged within the network.
For more information about future meetings contact Mary Harman.
Contact: Mary Harman
Contact number: 07949638599
Email: enquiries@photograph-your-world.co.uk
Website: www.wireuk.org/south-warwickshire-network.

Introducing Business Link West Midlands
Research indicates that the take up of business IT systems and IT skills generally are lower in the West Midlands when compared to the rest of England. Technology at Work will:
Provide free, expert and impartial business IT advice from appropriate high quality IT advisers either face-to-face or over the telephone. Improve the awareness amongst SMEs of the business benefits which are achievable through the deployment of information and communication technologies. Help improve business performance, productivity and profitability through effective deployment of IT systems and skills. Details of the service
The Technology at Work service is delivered by specialist IT advisors trained to help find the best solution for individual business needs, great or small whether it s using IT for the first
time, specifying a web site, improving sales on-line or more complex problems such as systems integration or process management. The service offers:
1. A specialist telephone advice service
providing information and encouraging
businesses to identify their critical processes and explore improvement opportunities.
2. A business focused IT advisory service typically 1 or 2 days support from a specialist IT adviser who will visit the business to help them use IT to increase performance.
3. Further assistance for more complex cases including multiple areas of improvement where IT has the potential to transform a businesses performance.
4. On care to support businesses implementing IT change programmes.
5. A programme of events across the region to raise awareness of the key issues. Eligibility SME businesses located in the West Midlands region All market sectors (excluding retail and land-based industries) Available from now until December 2013
(*Lines are open weekdays from 8am 6pm)
Contact: Business Link West Midlands
Contact number: 08451131234
Email: info@businesslinkwm.co.uk

LandSkills West Midlands Providers Meeting
Introductory meeting for Providers wishing to deliver programmes on the RDPE West Midlands Programme to attend a guidance session on the Application Process
The half day event will be in the form of a guidance session detailing the application requirements followed by the opportunity to discuss any particular issues / questions with members of the LandSkills team.
Email: LandSkillsWM@lantra.co.uk

Enterprise Finance Guarantee
In the current climate, businesses are finding it increasingly hard to access the finance they need, particularly working capital. Under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, the Government will guarantee lending to viable businesses to ensure that they can get the working capital and investment that they need.

This scheme will support bank lending to small and medium sized UK businesses who are currently not easily able to access the finance they need. It will enable them to secure loans of up to £1 million and is available up to 31 March 2010.

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee is available now through 26 lenders.
Email: enquiries@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.berr.gov.uk/

Rural Development Programme for England
The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) is a capital grants programme funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is available to farmers adn specific rural micro-businesses in the West Midlands region. The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) can fund small scale diversification adn business development projects for the benefit of rural businesses. Funds are available for eligible applicants for investments in Environmental Technologies, Food and Drink, Tourism and Livestock related activities (coming shortly). Applications can be for 40% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £62,500. The remaining 60% must be from the private sector. The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) is being administered by Herefordshire Council who has now dealt with 451 enquiries from potential applicants since the scheme started in October 2008.
£2.084m has been requested in grants from eligible ‘Stage One’ enquiries that have been sent full application papers. Of this figure £367,183 has been approved.
Enquiry breakdown:-
- 54% Food and Drink
- 35% Tourism
- 11% Environmental Technologies
Rural Development Programme Update
Strategic Investment Grants (SIG)
The Strategic Investments Grants which are funded through the Rural Development Programme for England have been extended and relaunched. Grants of £62,500 and above are available to land based businesses and can fund large scale and collaborative projects to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector, and improve the quality of life in rural areas, and diversification of the rural economy. The new areas are:
Agriculture and Horticulture
To improve the economic performance of agricultural and horticultural businesses through investments in technologies intended to improve the utilisation of power, heat, manures and water.
Organic Farm Wastes
Can provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of plant, fixed equipment and infrastructure necessary for the processing of organic farm wastes. Assistance is intended to support technologies (such as biogas and anaerobic digestion).
Farm Diversification
To directly support farm businesses seeking increased income from enterprises other than traditional agricultural enterprises and to generate benefits to the wider rural economy through on-farm investment.
Forestry
To improve the economic value of forests and support the production, processing and marketing of primary forestry products through investment in improved efficiency, renewable energy, new technologies and new market opportunities.
Relaunched:
Livestock
To improve the processing and marketing of livestock products.
Fruit & Vegetable Packing & Processing
To improve the processing and marketing of fruit and vegetable products.
Centralised Storage and Processing Facilities for Combinable Crops.
To help the combinable crops sector to become more competitive.
Contact: Carrie Robbins
Contact number: 02476 858242
Email: carrie@rase.org.uk
Website: www.advantagewm.co.uk/working-withus/

RDPE Livestock Programme
The West Midlands Livestock Initiative is gathering pace and we are awaiting the announcement regarding small scale grants
for farmers wishing to invest in equipment to improve animal health and welfare. At this stage it appears as though the
funding will be accessed by the completion of herd or flock health plans in conjunction with your vet. As soon as the details
are confirmed by Advantage West Midlands we will ensure that they are circulate
Contact: Carrie Robbins
Contact number: 02476 858242
Email: carrie@rase.org.uk

Farm Crisis Network in Warwickshire
The Farm Crisis Network recently launched a group in Warwickshire. Until recently anyone in need of help had been able to talk to a FCN volunteer from a neighbouring county. There are now seven locally based people who are trained and ready to provide a service across Warwickshire.
The Farm Crisis Network provides practical and pastoral support to farming people during periods of anxiety and stress resulting from problems which relate to either the farm household or the farm business. It runs a national confidential helpline from 7am until 11pm every day of the year.
Contact: Farm Crisis Network
Contact number: 0845 367 9990
Email: mail.fcn.org.uk
Website: www.fcn.org.uk

Grants / Funding

Wake up to the Heart of the Country project
A range of practical, professional and pro-active support will be on offer to all farms with tourist accommodation thanks to Farm Stay UK which has secured £200,000 of funding from AWM through the Rural Development Plan for England for the Wake up to the Heart of the Country Project.

The project will start in the next few weeks and run over three years offering:
• On-farm, one-to-one, advice on how you could help your customers to learn about farming and the countryside and so make your business be more profitable by standing out from the rest.
• Targeted IT training
• Visits to examples of best practice
• Local food hamper scheme and links to other rural attractions
• Attracting new markets with marketing campaigns and press familiarisation visits
• Providing much needed research on business performance in this sector.

Events will be publicised through the Rural Hub so please watch this space.

Andy Woodward, Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK comments: “We are thrilled to have been successful in securing this funding from Advantage West Midlands. Our application focussed on the importance of farm tourism to the Heart of England region. Over £10 million is contributed to the West Midlands economy every year by Farm Stay UK members who offer quality accommodation and an opportunity for visitors to wake up to the countryside. The funding will be a massive boost to this tourism sector at a time when domestic tourism is high on the agenda for many travellers.”

Lastly, do you have meeting room facilities? We are looking for convenient rural venues for seminars so do let us know.

For more information please contact Farm Stay UK
Contact: Farm Stay UK
Contact number: 02476 696909
Email: admin@farmstay.co.uk
Website: www.farmstay.co.uk

Energy Crops Scheme - Grants Increased to 50%
The European Union have now confirmed that the rate of grant offered to farmers to grow biomass crops (Miscanthus and Short Rotation Coppice) under the Energy Crop Scheme has been increased to 50% (from 40%), for all costs incurred after the 1st January 2010.

The scheme pays grants to land owners for the establishment of biomass crops such as Miscanthus (a woody grass) and short rotation coppice, primarily willow. Growers can claim the costs of establishing the crop, providing the crop is retained for at least five years and is used to produce power and/or heat.

Among the costs covered by the scheme are cultivation and ground preparation, plants and planting. The minimum area that can be planted under any scheme is 3 hectares. Any applications made in 2009 but where costs have not yet been incurred will be eligible for the higher rate of grant.

All applications are assessed to ensure that the crop will not damage important archaeological or wildlife features and will not interfere with power lines or public rights of way. Growers are encouraged to submit applications early in the year prior to planting to allow adequate time for consideration.

The objective of the ECS is to increase the amount of energy crops grown in England, in appropriate locations. Energy crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels in power stations, combined heat and power units and biomass heat boilers.

Full details of the scheme, including the Handbook and Application form are available on the Natural England website which is given below.

Contact: Natural England Technical Enquiries
Contact number: 0300 060 2045
Email: ecsqueries@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/ecs/default.aspx

Enterprise Finance Guarantee
In the current climate, businesses are finding it increasingly hard to access the finance they need, particularly working capital. Under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, the Government will guarantee lending to viable businesses to ensure that they can get the working capital and investment that they need.
This scheme will support bank lending to small and medium sized UK businesses who are currently not easily able to access the finance they need. It will enable them to secure loans of up to £1 million and is available up to 31 march 2010.
The Enterprise Finance Guarantee is available now through 26 lenders.
Email: enquiries@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.ber.gov.uk

Launch of the Woodland Enterprise Grant
The Woodland Enterprise Grant (WEG) is a capital grants programme, funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007 – 2013. The grant aims to improve the economic value of forests and improve the overall performance of forestry enterprise by supporting the production and processing of primary forestry products.
The grant funding is managed by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Heartwoods, which is managed by the Small Woods Association. Funding is targeted at Forestry Micro-businesses. i.e. new or existing businesses based in the West Midlands region, of less than 10 full time equivalent employees whose turnover is equivalent to less than €2m but does not cover arboriculture.
Contact: Advantage West Midlands RDPE Manager
Contact number: 0121 380 3500
Email: RDPEEnquires@advantagewm.co.uk

Women and Work Programme - Raising Skills and Unlocking Potential
The Women and Work programme aims to raise recruitment levels in sectors where women are underrepresented; increasing earning potential and aiding career progression. This initiative is in response to recommendations by the Women and Work Commission’s report ‘Shaping a Fairer Future’ and receives government funding, matched by employer contributions. Skills Coaches will encourage and support 900 eligible women to take advantage of funding towards training costs, ultimately leading to career development and progression.
Contact: Tony or Chris Walmsley
Contact number: 01432 880690
Email: enquiries@wyverntrainingservices.co.uk
Website: www.wyverntrainingservices.co.uk/Lantra%20Women%20%20in%20Work%20Brochure.pdf

Rural Enterprise Grant (REG)
Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) for rural businesses currently focuses on business diversification and could include woodfuel boilers, fuel storage etc - capital only
Website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/business_support/36147.asp

Strategic Investment Grant (SIG)
Strategic Investment Grant (SIG) for strategic forestry projects - mainly capital eg wood processing and supply and recreation.
Website: www.advantagewm.co.uk/working-with-us/rdpe/how-do-i-apply/sig-bidding-rounds-and-grants.aspx

Access To Nature Grant Scheme
An exciting new project in Shropshire which aims to reconnect people to nature, is one of the latest recipients of an Access to Nature grant. Natural England`s Access to Nature grant scheme is funded by £25m from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces Programme, and aims to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to have greater access to our natural environment. To date it has offered 23 grants with a value of over £7 million and a total project value of over £10.5 million, to achieve this aim.
Contact: Peter Loat
Contact number: 01902 693173 // 07769 641550
Email: accesstonature@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/west_midlands/press_releases/2009/150509.aspx

Rural Development Programme for England
The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) is a capital grants programme funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is available to farmers adn specific rural micro-businesses in the West Midlands region. The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) can fund small scale diversification adn business development projects for the benefit of rural businesses. Funds are available for eligible applicants for investments in Environmental Technologies, Food and Drink, Tourism and Livestock related activities (coming shortly). Applications can be for 40% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £62,500. The remaining 60% must be from the private sector. The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) is being administered by Herefordshire Council who has now dealt with 451 enquiries from potential applicants since the scheme started in October 2008.
£2.084m has been requested in grants from eligible ‘Stage One’ enquiries that have been sent full application papers. Of this figure £367,183 has been approved.
Enquiry breakdown:-
- 54% Food and Drink
- 35% Tourism
- 11% Environmental Technologies
Rural Development Programme Update
Strategic Investment Grants (SIG)
The Strategic Investments Grants which are funded through the Rural Development Programme for England have been extended and relaunched. Grants of £62,500 and above are available to land based businesses and can fund large scale and collaborative projects to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector, and improve the quality of life in rural areas, and diversification of the rural economy. The new areas are:
Agriculture and Horticulture
To improve the economic performance of agricultural and horticultural businesses through investments in technologies intended to improve the utilisation of power, heat, manures and water.
Organic Farm Wastes
Can provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of plant, fixed equipment and infrastructure necessary for the processing of organic farm wastes. Assistance is intended to support technologies (such as biogas and anaerobic digestion).
Farm Diversification
To directly support farm businesses seeking increased income from enterprises other than traditional agricultural enterprises and to generate benefits to the wider rural economy through on-farm investment.
Forestry
To improve the economic value of forests and support the production, processing and marketing of primary forestry products through investment in improved efficiency, renewable energy, new technologies and new market opportunities.
Relaunched:
Livestock
To improve the processing and marketing of livestock products.
Fruit & Vegetable Packing & Processing
To improve the processing and marketing of fruit and vegetable products.
Centralised Storage and Processing Facilities for Combinable Crops.
To help the combinable crops sector to become more competitive.
Contact: Carrie Robbins
Contact number: 02476 858242
Email: carrie@rase.org.uk
Website: www.advantagewm.co.uk

Legislation & Regulations

'Good progress' on Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship is a Government-funded scheme open to all farmers, which funds the delivery of environmental benefits through agriculture. The scheme aims to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance our landscape quality and character, protect our natural resources, and promote public access to the countryside.
Contact: Natural England
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/about_us/news/2008/080508.aspx

Recent changes in waste legislation
The Landfill Directive is improving the way we manage waste by diverting it away from landfill. Recent changes in legislation mean it's illegal for a landfill operator to accept untreated or liquid waste. Hazardous waste with a total organic carbon (TOC) content of more than 6% is also unacceptable to landfill. This is an opportunity for businesses to get better at reducing, sorting and recycling their waste
Contact: Agency Waste Hotline
Contact number: 0845 603 3113
Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/regulation/38839.aspx

Money Laundering Regulations
The new Money laundering regulations have extended the regulations to all accountancy services. This extends the regulations to all bookkeepers, administrators and payroll providers and indeed anyone who is offering any level of accountancy services to other businesses. If this applies to you then you must be registered by 1 October 2008. IAgSA members can benefit from registering with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) for the additional cost of from £60. If you are not a member then you must register with HM Revenue & Customs at a cost of £95.
We would encourage all bookkeepers working in the agricultural field who are not already members to consider becoming a member of IAgSA at a cost of £50 per annum and to take advantage of the reduced rate of registration with the ICB. The total cost of £110 is just £15 more than the cost of registration with H M Revenue & Customs and you will receive all the benefits of membership for this small extra cost.
Contact: IAgSA
Contact number: 02476 696592
Email: iagsa@iagsa.co.uk
Website: www.iagsa.co.uk

Our Key Achievements

The work of the Warwickshire Rural Hub and the Rural Forum is putting Warwickshire firmly on the map not only regionally by nationally. The achievements in the last year include:-

• The Hub has had a further increase in membership and has recently signed it’s 1000th Member.
• Launch of Hearty Breakfast – an initiative by B & Bs and restaurants whose owners provide a truly local breakfast from Warwickshire’s farms and small producers.
• Securing of funding for the Resource Efficiency Club – the first such Club in the country which is run for the sole benefit of farm & rural businesses.
  To join or request further information email info@ruralhub.org.uk
• The formation of the Midlands Sports Horse Breeding Group whose objective is “to work together to breed, produce, market and sell top-class sports horses for the global market and establish a commercially viable UK sports horse industry”.
  To join or request further information email info@ruralhub.org.uk
• The establishment of closer links with the other Hubs in the West Midlands and the formation of the regional collaborative group “Rural Hubs – West Midlands”.
• We delivered 31 topical, relevant workshops offering understandable, practical presentations by experts and case study speakers last year that attracted over 900 delegates.

For information about recent and upcoming events see our Events page.