Partner Article

More support for rural businesses

North East rural businesses will get access to more specialist business support after Business Link appointed three new account managers, each with an agricultural background.

John Atkinson, Steve Urwin and Chris France will work closely with businesses in the land-based sector, on rural estates and in market towns, providing advice and guidance on a wide range of topics including marketing, accounting and tax responsibilities.

The move follows the announcement of more than £1m Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) funding for the region, which will be made available through the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC), accessed via the rural account managers.

Steve Urwin, of Matfen, who diversified his malt barley farming business by adding a micro brewery, said: “Rural businesses have always had access to Business Link’s many services, but having a dedicated rural account manager means they will benefit from specialist knowledge.

“I am passionate about rural communities and the important role of the businesses within these communities. It was a natural next step for me to want to share my experiences of successful diversification with other rural businesses and help them achieve great things through receiving as much support as possible from Business Link.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .