As you would expect, there are a lot of resources for small businesses that are UK based, some from central government, local authority and even the private sector. There are also organisations, such as the Rural Policy Group, who invite local businesses to come together every month and discuss any issues they might be facing. The group has specific aims, which are as follows.
- Essential Business Communication – Many small farms enter into supply contracts with national supermarket chains, and the group will help the farmer to fully understand the legal jargon contained within the terms and conditions of the contract. It is never a good idea to enter into a legally binding contract with anyone if you do not fully understand the terms and conditions, which is just one service the Rural Policy Group will provide.
- Financial Assistance – The group can often provide essential funding in time of need, which might be due to bad weather that seriously affects a farmer’s crop, or an issue regarding Covid-19, which is currently affecting many small rural businesses. One of the main people connected with the Rural Policy Group is Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, who has a very successful record within business finance.
- Assessing Information – The Internet is a great resource for free information, yet many rural business owners are not able to use the World Wide Web to its fullest potential, and one aim of the Rural Policy Group is to teach small business owners how to search for information online.
- Facilitating the Creation of Networks – The rural business owner might not fully understand how networking can help them and their business, and with special hands-on workshops, the small business owner can learn how to make and develop critical networks with similar businesses and that can bring dividends to all stakeholders.
- Resolving Local Community Issues – It is very important that the local community integrates well with the local businesses in a rural community, and when they meet every month, all community members are encouraged to attend and participate. Whenever a rural business has a problem, perhaps the community can help in some way, and with regular meetings a strong bond is established between the businesses and the community they service.
If you own a rural business, search online to see if there is a local rural business support group, and if there is, you should attend a meeting and introduce your business to the community.