Two businesses join forces to help UK farmers and growers “pivot and realign”

ActionCOACH Cotswolds has partnered with Gloucestershire-based Happerley to provide members with strategic support and advice

A business coaching franchise and an organisation that’s driving transparency and honesty through supply chains have joined forces to support UK farmers and growers ahead of more disruption due to the coronavirus crisis.

Gloucestershire-based Happerley has partnered with ActionCOACH Cotswolds to provide its members with strategic business support and advice.

Market changes, demand surges, food security, a lack of workers because of the need to self isolate and cash flow disruption are all potential challenges facing the sector, as the government imposes more restrictions in an effort to contain the virus.

Billy Smith, managing director of ActionCOACH Cotswolds (pictured), says: “It’s more important than ever to support these businesses to pivot and realign.

“Our food and drink providers are the unsung heroes, those at the first rung of the supply chain ensuring we have food on our tables.

“It’s time to ask how they have been affected. What are their coping strategies? What business support do they need to thrive, to change their business model or to grow, while improving their livelihoods and market share?”
 
Matthew Rymer, founder of Happerley, says: “I’m delighted to have joined forces with ActionCOACH Cotswolds and gift these coaching sessions to our members.

“It’s now clearer than ever before that the way we produce, trade, organise our supply chains, work, travel, consume and generally operate must change if we want to minimise the short-term impact and prepare a better future. 

“Coaching is key to helping smaller farmers go beyond surviving this crisis to thrive in the long term and create sustainable businesses.”

According to Billy, coaching is not about telling businesses what they are doing wrong, but about identifying areas in which they need support, all of which can help them become more efficient, boost productivity and increase their incomes.

He adds: “Employment is also a big part of the conversation. We’re able to support businesses, enabling them to employ locally and thus creating new jobs and strengthening the economy.

“We want all farmers, growers and the wider agricultural sector to be successful and resilient, but more importantly sustainable.”