South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

More than 23 per cent of all businesses in the region are based in rural areas; small rural towns, villages and the countryside. Less than half of these businesses are engaged in farming.

The region has six Business Link outlets. They also run a Farm Business Advisory Service. These experienced advisers can bring in-depth knowledge and up-to-date information.

Rural redundant Building Grant

Grant funding for the conversion of redundant buildings into economic business use. Available in the rural regeneration areas of:

• Isle of Wight
• East Sussex
• New Forest
• Kent - Dover, Swale, Shepway, Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet

Rural Redundant Building Fund, (Adobe PDF 1Mb, PDF help)

More information can be found under the Funding and Advice - Rural Redundant Building Fund section.

Farm Diversification Grant

Grant funding available to farmers for the conversion of redundant agricultural buildings into other economic business use. Available region-wide.

Farm Diversification Grant, (Adobe PDF 4Mb, PDF help)

More information can be found under the Funding and Advice - Farm Diversification Grant section.

Relevant websites set out below:

Information on advice to rural businesses

• www.businesslink.gov.uk/berkshire for businesses in Berkshire
• www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk for businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• www.businesslinkkent.co.uk for businesses in Kent and Medway
• www.businesslinksolutions.co.uk for businesses on Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
• www.businesslink.gov.uk/surrey for businesses in Surrey
• wwwbusinesslinksussex.co.uk for businesses in East and West Sussex
• www.nesffs.com/Farm_Business_Advice_Service.114.0.html for FBAS advice

• The National Farmers Union - organisation representing farmers and growers
  www.nfu.org.uk
• Federation of Small Businesses -Federation's national website
  www.fsb.org.uk
• British Chambers of Commerce
  www.britishchambers.org.uk

Advice and counselling for farmers

Many farmers are facing problems due to the changes affecting the farming industry.

There are several organisations that can offer help, advice and counselling.

• The Arthur Rank Centre
  Practical support for farmers
  www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk
• Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute
  Financial assistance
  www.rabi.org.uk
• Rural Stress Information Network (RSIN)
  General advice and guidance
  www.rsin.org.uk