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Supporting the farming community has always been an integral part of Enterprise Answers business model and the creation of the Young Farmer loan scheme to run alongside the business support programme, “Farming ambition – Business Support for Young People” is testament to their commitment.

“When we heard The Princes Trust were withdrawing their existing loan facility, which was in place until the summer of 2019 to run alongside the Farming Ambition program, we felt the urge to respond with a replacement scheme” said Enterprise Answers Chief Executive, Grahame Latus.

“We recognise that many agricultural businesses are family businesses and the next generation will  require support and assistance to continue running”.

Through engaging with Kate Gascoyne of The Farmer Network based at Newton Rigg College in  Penrith, Enterprise Answers were able to set up a collaboration that would  drive the initiative forwards and ensure the support scheme to young farmers could remain in place with capital for the loan fund provided by Carlisle based H&H Group.

H&H Group Chief Executive, Richard Rankin said, “What we are looking to do is to connect with the next generation and entrepreneurship and to encourage young farmers to remain in farming, look at the wider picture, identify opportunities and diversify if necessary”.

Kate Gascoyne of The Farmer Network commented, “We are excited to be working with Enterprise Answers and H&H Group. It’s always extremely rewarding to see a young person with an initial idea seeking this support and seeing their plans come to fruition”.

Applying for the fund has been kept as simple as possible. The applicant should be from a rural or agricultural background and the project or enterprise they are planning should be farming-related and benefit or service the rural community.

“These are challenging times for farming and rural communities” concluded Grahame. “If we can do our bit to support and assist in rural areas, especially with the young or next generation, enabling them to realise their creativity and unleash their potential, it will go some way to enhancing the economic viability of our countryside”.

For more information, including case studies of previous applicants, please visit the Farmer Network website https://www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/

For further details of the range of loan finance available from Enterprise Answers, please visit their website https://www.enterpriseanswers.co.uk/

Details of the range of services provided by H&H Group for agricultural and rural businesses can be found on their website https://hhgroupplc.co.uk/

Simon Haley, Managing Director of SRH Agribusiness Limited, will help support growing businesses in the county after joining the board of Enterprise Answers.

Jamie Allison, partner and head of the Cumbrian team at Napthens solicitors, will help support growing businesses in the county after joining the board of Enterprise Answers.

Jason Hill is now looking to the future with a renewed sense of purpose after taking his company to the next level with the help of not-for-profit lender, Enterprise Answers.

Join former SAS Officer Major Ken Hames MBE, local farmer/former soldier Brian Capstick, and Cumbria and Yorkshire Dales Shepherdess Alison O’Neill at the launch event of the 80-mile Dales Way Ladies Yomp 2019

The boss of a family-run coach firm which is cruising towards its 30th year in business has spoken of the company’s never-ending quest to evolve and invest.

An award-winning entrepreneur  has joined the board of an organisation which helps businesses across Cumbria and Lancashire to realise their dreams.

What a night of celebration this years Cumbria Family Business Awards turned out to be. For those who thought the inaugural event last year was magical, this year it was spectacular. Held at the Garden at Eden, Carlisle, the event lent itself admirably to the occasion as 35 family businesses eagerly awaited the announcement of the category winners after being served a hearty Sunday roast – well it was a family event!

Penrith based Enterprise Answers has been asked to act as part of the national support package for companies affected by the collapse of construction giant Carillion.

Secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy Greg Clark MP has confirmed that the government is making £100m available to help ease the situation and has appointed the British Business Bank to work alongside Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) providers to support supply chain companies who may be struggling to pay bills and keep staff.

As an EFG accredited lender, Enterprise Answers will help those businesses affected to unlock cash from the £100m fund as a temporary measure.

Grahame Latus, Chief Executive of Enterprise Answers said: “Working closely with the British Business Bank, we aim to help many of those companies facing an uncertain future following the collapse of Carillion.

“We are already prepared to assist with flexible financing options and welcome this endorsement by the government of our capability to assist in the fallout from the liquidation of Carillion. It’s encouraging to know that Enterprise Answers is seen as a local solution to the potential financial issues which may arise for some of the supply chain businesses affected.”