Official launch of new rural business consultancy in Richmond. Taking ideas and...making them happen
Published in regional and national press
Two experienced rural business consultants have joined forces to form a new company, which was officially launched this week (October 2, 2006) in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
WKD Consulting is run by Sue Kelly (Miss) and Nick White, who offer a 'one-stop shop' to help rural businesses develop and expand. Their expertise includes carrying out feasibility studies, writing business plans and assisting with grant applications. The couple have also established a satellite company, Agri-Connect, which has been specifically set up to bring groups of farmers and other food producers together, to broaden their markets.
Sue has been working in business development for the past 17 years, with a particular interest in food and drink production. As well as organising export trade missions, she has helped to set up a number of farm shops, equestrian enterprises and on-farm processing facilities in the region. Sue has also arranged conferences, and training and networking events to promote economic development.
Meanwhile Nick has many years' experience in farm livestock production and was employed as North Yorkshire County Council's agricultural diversification officer before launching WKD and Agri-Connect.
More than half the region's farmers have already diversified into alternative enterprises, but the growing interest in local foodstuffs and the countryside means there is room for further expansion, Sue points out.
"The north-east has some fantastic produce and wonderful scenery, so there are lots of opportunities," she says.
"Our aim is to take business ideas and make them happen. It can be tough trying to develop a new enterprise, especially if you are trying to manage an existing business or going out to work as well. With our experience and contacts, we can guide people through all the processes involved."
Sue Kelly and Nick White can be contacted by telephoning 01748 831 910 or through the website, www.ruralbusinessconsulting.co.uk
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect are two businesses run by Nick White and (Miss) Sue Kelly.
WKD Consulting Ltd offers a comprehensive range of consultancy and regeneration services to both private and public sector clients, ranging from primary agricultural businesses, rural SMEs (small to medium enterprises) through to regional and national agencies.
Services include:
- Feasibility studies
- Evaluating opportunities
- Planning and project management
- Implementation and delivery
- Grant and funding searches
- Writing business plans, grant applications and funding bids
- Experience in delivering publicly funded programmes for Local Authorities
- Government Departments and Regional Development Agencies
Agri-Connect Ltd offers a comprehensive package of support to agriculture and food chain businesses, groups and individuals. Agri-Connect provides the following services:
- Connecting primary producers to new markets and new opportunities
- Providing management and development capacity for collaborative projects
- Helping SMEs achieve entry into supply chains beyond their current capacity
- Overcoming barriers and obstacles within supply chains
- Providing solutions to trading
WKD Consulting is run by Sue Kelly (Miss) and Nick White, who offer a 'one-stop shop' to help rural businesses develop and expand. Their expertise includes carrying out feasibility studies, writing business plans and assisting with grant applications. The couple have also established a satellite company, Agri-Connect, which has been specifically set up to bring groups of farmers and other food producers together, to broaden their markets.
Sue has been working in business development for the past 17 years, with a particular interest in food and drink production. As well as organising export trade missions, she has helped to set up a number of farm shops, equestrian enterprises and on-farm processing facilities in the region. Sue has also arranged conferences, and training and networking events to promote economic development.
Meanwhile Nick has many years' experience in farm livestock production and was employed as North Yorkshire County Council's agricultural diversification officer before launching WKD and Agri-Connect.
More than half the region's farmers have already diversified into alternative enterprises, but the growing interest in local foodstuffs and the countryside means there is room for further expansion, Sue points out.
"The north-east has some fantastic produce and wonderful scenery, so there are lots of opportunities," she says.
"Our aim is to take business ideas and make them happen. It can be tough trying to develop a new enterprise, especially if you are trying to manage an existing business or going out to work as well. With our experience and contacts, we can guide people through all the processes involved."
Sue Kelly and Nick White can be contacted by telephoning 01748 831 910 or through the website, www.ruralbusinessconsulting.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect are two businesses run by Nick White and (Miss) Sue Kelly.
WKD Consulting Ltd offers a comprehensive range of consultancy and regeneration services to both private and public sector clients, ranging from primary agricultural businesses, rural SMEs (small to medium enterprises) through to regional and national agencies.
Services include:
- Feasibility studies
- Evaluating opportunities
- Planning and project management
- Implementation and delivery
- Grant and funding searches
- Writing business plans, grant applications and funding bids
- Experience in delivering publicly funded programmes for Local Authorities
- Government Departments and Regional Development Agencies
Agri-Connect Ltd offers a comprehensive package of support to agriculture and food chain businesses, groups and individuals. Agri-Connect provides the following services:
- Connecting primary producers to new markets and new opportunities
- Providing management and development capacity for collaborative projects
- Helping SMEs achieve entry into supply chains beyond their current capacity
- Overcoming barriers and obstacles within supply chains
- Providing solutions to trading