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

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

42 under 42 Nominations
Insider is seeking nominations for its 2010 42 under 42 programme. This long-standing and much anticipated programme aims to highlight the region’s blooming business talent by selecting 42 young entrepreneurs under the age of 42.

As ever, we are seeking recommendations from their peers. If you know someone who runs their own successful business or has turned around an existing company we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider self-nominations.

The 42 under 42 feature isn’t open to those working in professional services or commercial property – as their talents are promoted throughout the year in other features and at key Insider events including Dealmakers and the Midlands Property Awards – but we expect a broad cross-selection of entrepreneurs and managers from a wide range of sectors.

The 42s feature doesn’t rank those who are selected but a young entrepreneur of the year is chosen at a gala dinner. Here’s hoping this year’s 42ers prove as inspirational as their forebears.

By the end of February, please send details of the person you are nominating, who should be under 42 years of age on 1st May 2010, to the email below.
Contact: Andy Coyne
Email: andy.coyne@newsco.com

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

Please support the Arthur Rank Centre BBC Radio 4 Appeal...
As many of you know, the Arthur Rank Centre at Stoneleigh Park has always been very supportive of the Hub and has held many events and meetings in their centre. The Arthur Rank Centre is the nominated charity for the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on Sunday 7th March. Please see details below.

SUNDAY 7th MARCH at 7.55am or 9.26pm, or on THURSDAY 11th MARCH at 3.27pm, or online all week


Contact: ARC, Stoneleigh
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

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.

Three days in July will captivate the equestrian world
Fetsival of the Horse, a thrilling first for equine eventss, will make its debut at Stonleigh Park next July. The event will feature three individually themed days, showcasing the very best of British equine sports stars a series of competitions and entertainment. The festivval will be staged at Stoneleigh Park from July 9th to July 11th.
Each day, a different discipline will be headline in the main stadium. There will be dressage and international show jumping, plus Express Eventing. Festival of the Horse will also host the prestigious Royal Show showing classes, including HOYS qualifiers adn RASE silverware. Jointly organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) and Express Equine Events (E3).
Contact: Alice Bell
Contact number: 02476858276
Email: aliceb@rase.org.uk

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

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

£2500 Grants Available for Farmers wanting to Employ an Apprentice
We have recently been made aware that The National Apprenticeship Scheme have announced 5000 grants available for employers to help part-fund an Apprentice's wages.

It is mainly for small and medium sized employers (there are some exceptions for large organisations) who want to take on an Apprentice who is 16-17 years old. There is a £2500.00 grant available to assist with paying the Apprentice's wages (£1500 paid on sign up and £1000 after 12 weeks). If you have someone in mind or would like to apply please contact Laura Stewart.

Eligibility:
* 16-17 year olds only who are not in employment or already on an Apprenticeship are eligible
* to be in employment prior to March 2010
* you agree to support the Apprentice through the entire Apprenticeship programme (1-2 years)

If this is something that you think could be suitable for your business please see this link for further information

www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/AGE16and17.aspx

If you have any questions, you can either contact Laura using the details below or the Apprenticeship helpline (08000 150600).

You need to hurry if you are interested as there are only 5,000 of these grants available nationally!

Contact: Laura Stewart
Contact number: 01926 318261 / 07799 843724

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

Natural Assets – Unlocking the economic potential of natural assets in the West Midlands
£2 million grant scheme funded by Advantage West Midlands and delivered by Natural England for delivery and benefit with the West Midlands. An opportunity to improve and maintain neglected natural space for the benefit of biodiversity, people, new business, job availability and property value. Natural Assets opened on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and is aimed at realising economic benefits from new environmental initiatives over a four year period with a positive legacy that will outlive the life of the scheme. Applications for the first round will need to be submitted by Friday 6th November. Projects funded by Natural Assets must take place on or link to the Region’s natural assets. The potential benefits include:
• Attracting visitors to the area;
• Creating and safeguarding jobs;
• Enhancing urban and rural publically accessible natural spaces;
• Creating sustainable business opportunities linked to the natural environment;
• Making better places to live and work by reducing air and noise pollution;
• Tackling climate change;
• Reducing flood risk;
• Increasing productivity by enhancing workers’ surroundings;
• Improving wellbeing and health through high quality recreational spaces;
• Engaging young people in nature-based opportunities for learning, enjoyment and employment.

Applications will be accepted from:
• voluntary organisations
• registered not-for-profit charities
• local authorities
• statutory bodies
• SME and other private bodies where projects benefit the region’s natural assets and people and where State Aid De Minimis regulation can be met.

Natural England cannot apply.
Natural England expects to award a minimum of 15 grants, worth up to £2 million, over four years. Grant awards will range between £35,000 and £250,000, depending on how closely the project meets the aims of the scheme. Grants can only represent a maximum of 90 per cent of the total project costs. The scheme is competitive and not all applications will be successful.
Contact: Ruth Metcalfe
Contact number: 0300 060 3951
Email: naturalassets@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk/grantsfunding/findagrant

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.