A Berkshire-based farm has committed to a greener future with the purchase of an energy efficient boiler, aided by £500,000 investment.
The financial package has enabled South Fawley farm to purchase the new 500kw biomass boiler system which will dry grain, whilst also heating the farm’s workshop, as well as nine residential properties within the village.
Helping to reduce the reliance of the farm and the village on fossil fuels by replacing 40,000 litres of oil with biomass, the purchase of the boiler is also set to improve cost efficiency, as well as modernising the business without impacting on the natural beauty of the site.
Set on land owned by the Wroughton family since the 1600s, the farm business was established in 1980, and currently manages more than 2,000 acres of arable, with an annual turnover of more than £1million. The farm employs three people, with another set to be added following the installation of the new boiler.
Kirsten Loyd, Owner of South Fawley Farm, said: “This is an important investment for us in helping our business to be cost-effective, whilst also delivering important gains when it comes to sustainability and improving our carbon footprint.
“The Lloyds Bank investment has been fundamental in allowing us to complete this acquisition, with the Funding for Lending Scheme helping us to achieve savings across the life of our loan, allowing us to strive for growth without impacting on our cashflow.”
John Unsworth, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The farming industry clearly has an important role to play as the economic recovery continues, so we are pleased to work with South Fawley Farm to provide this important investment.
“We’re committed to providing access to funding for businesses with clear plans for growth, and we look forward to our continued work with the farm’s management as it looks to realise its ambitions in the months and years to come.”
