Business Link urges farmers to prepare for the worst

With Government vets confirming bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK and is now classed as an outbreak, Business Link strategy and planning expert Penny Heath, who has first hand experience in the agricultural sector, urges farmers to seek advice and prepare. Penny says:

"The greatest difficulty facing farming and related industries is the uncertainty of when the current crisis will end which makes it very difficult for the sector to plan with any confidence at the moment."

With the crisis having the potential to be far more serious than in 2001, Business Links advises all farmers to seek advice, regardless of location. Penny continues:

"This crisis will have major ramifications on every farmer, regardless of whether they have been directly affected by disease because the lifeblood of the industry is hampered."

1 of 2

Penny also encourages all businesses associated with the agriculture industry to seek advice and make use of the free, support and resources available to them through Business Link.

"The farming industry supports the whole of the rural business-community and consequently the knock-on affect will stretch beyond agriculture to direct suppliers and those reliant upon local 'home-grown' produce."

Business Link is on hand to provide practical guidance and help farmers identify the best specialist advice available for their specific needs during this worrying time. Farmers can access services by visiting the national Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk, via their local Business Link advisor or by calling 0845 600 9 066.