New Regional Managers
12th November 2007
UK Farm Finance Ltd has recently appointed three new Regional Managers to help deal with demand across the UK.
Paul McUrich has recently joined the UK Group as Regional Manager with responsibilities for Yorkshire down to Suffolk with the M1 acting as his western corridor. Owain Jones has also been allocated the Wales region, along with Andrew Fletcher working in the Northern counties.
All three recruits are very highly experienced in both agriculture and banking. Paul started his agricultural career back in Yorkshire in 1976, and has maintained a close and genuine interest in the industry throughout his working career. Paul has spent part of his life in the automotive industry; however he was enticed back to agricultural machinery in 2002. In May 2004 when he joined Group Roullier and relocated to the West of England to open a new trading area for the company.
Andrew however, started his career working on a mixed livestock arable unit followed by an Agricultural course which spanned three years. Andrew then returned to farming for eight years, gaining experience working on a farm near Newcastle before moving into sales of Lime and Fertiliser. In 2000 he became South Durham NFU Group Secretary and then worked for NatWest as a Senior Agricultural Manager with clients from Yorkshire to the Borders of Scotland.
North and Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire are covered by Owain Jones. Prior to joining the UK group Owain worked for many years in the legal profession and also worked in agricultural sales in North Wales where he gained a valuable insight into the agricultural industry in the region. Being a fluent welsh speaker, Owain has many years experience of providing advice and assistance to those in financial difficulty.
UK Farm Finance aims to provide a professional and speedy response to any enquiry received by visiting anyone experiencing serious financial difficulties or those wishing to remortgage, or expand their business, farm or home.
For further information or to speak to one of the regional representatives directly, please call 0800 345 7201 FREE. Alternatively e-mail enquiries@ukfarmfinance.co.uk to find out how you can arrange a FREE farm or business visit.
Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair is cancelled
24th October 2007
The annual Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair, due to take place on 30th November and 1st December 2007 has been cancelled as a result of the effects and movement restrictions of the foot and mouth disease.
A meeting was held by the Royal Smithfield Club and the Royal Bath and West of England Society on Monday 15th October and following much discussion it was agreed that it would be best that the show did not go ahead. The situation with FMD and the recent outbreak of Blue Tongue has been monitored since the start but the situation is unstable and it is not known what will happen in the coming weeks.
The decision was made even harder as there had been a huge number of livestock entered into the show. All entry fees for trade stands will be refunded in full as soon as possible. The Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair will now be held on 5th and 6th December 2008 and it is predicted that it will be an even bigger success than previous years.
Dairy Show is postponed
1st October 2007
The Royal Bath and West of England Society organisers, of the Dairy Show have decided to postpone this year’s show until 30th January 2008. The show was due to take place on 3rd October 2007 at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet, Somerset which last year attracted over 6,000 people.
The announcement was made following the worsening situation of the foot and mouth disease and the outbreak of bluetongue. It was agreed that adequate time should be left until the show reconvenes so that Farmers can get their businesses can get back to normal.
 Trade stand exhibitors who have paid for stands for the October show do not need to re-apply for the new show as their original booking remains valid. New trade stand exhibitors are encouraged to apply for space now.
It is hoped that the industry will return to normal by early next year and that foot and mouth and bluetongue will be eliminated from the UK very soon. Bluetongue, which affects cattle, goats, sheep and deer is spread through midge bites and cannot be caught by humans.
This is the first time that the Dairy show has been cancelled in its 27 year history. It even continued during the last outbreak of foot and mouth in 2001.
The show will be preceded by the Dairy Industry Dinner.
The Totnes Show
26th July 2007
Bad weather didn’t stop the Totnes Show taking place on 26th July in South Devon. Unfortunately the good luck did not last long when the show was forced to end just after mid day due to the poor weather conditions.
The event is one of the biggest of its kind in Devon and attracts more than 10,000 people every year. This year the event was rumored to be cancelled with the showground being water logged, but fortunately it still went ahead.
There were dog shows, lamb shearing, cattle and sheep classes, vintage cars, young farmers’ competitions, crafts, a food hall and a whole range of trade stands to suit all types of interests. There was also been a free shuttle bus provided to pick up from the town to bring spectators into the showground.
Sales Director Martyn Lane explained “Despite the bad weather it was still a successful event and very well organised. We were able to talk to showgoers about possible lending and how we can help them expand their farms. We also had a free prize draw to win a bottle of Scotch whisky which seemed to go down very well! These events are a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with the public and answer their questions, on a very informal basis. It also gives us a chance to keep in touch with existing clients”.
Kay Maxwell takes on new challenge
20th June 2007
UK Mortgages and Finance Services have appointed Kay Maxwell as Head of the Underwriting team for the England and Welsh offices. Kay has been a member of the underwriting team for four years and as of 10th July her role into the managerial position will be underway.
Kay will be leading a team of three underwriters and will report to Managing Director Karen Phillips. Kay explained “The department has always run very professionally and efficiently over the years. I will encourage constant performance improvements and continue to contribute to the growth of the business”.
UK appoints new Sales Director
2nd June 2007
 UK Mortgages and Financial Services Limited have appointed Martyn Lane as National Sales Director. Martyn has been with the company for almost a year acting as Asset Sales Manager. Prior to that, Martyn has spent recent years within the finance and insurance business at a managerial level, working with key lenders.
Martyn will be responsible for sales and marketing staff within each of the regional offices in England, Scotland and Wales. Kerry Neal, Promotions and PR Manager of UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martyn to his senior sales role. The constant growth of UK Mortgages and Finance Services means that we must maintain the highest standard of service and with Martyns enthusiasm and experience we can”.
Royal Show comes to a close due to bad weather
10th July 2007
The most prestigious agricultural event of the year opened its gates on Sunday July 1st at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, www.royalshow.org.uk. The show was due to come to an end on the 4th July however, following such severe weather conditions show organisers were forced to cancel the final day of the show. The rain had been so bad before the event that cars were even being towed into the car park on the first day.
 Despite the bad weather, more than 100,000 visitors enjoyed shopping, tasting local produce, flowers, crafts, clothing, machinery, country pursuits and equestrian competitions. In addition the main ring was full of spectators watching the regular arena displays. The show also included the latest technological innovations in the farming industry, the best of British livestock and proved to be a great day out for people of all ages.
UK Farm Finance had a stand near the main ring and enjoyed a successful few days. Promotions and PR Manager, Kerry Neal said “In spite of the rain the show was a great opportunity for us to gain exposure to farmers and rural business. It also gave us a chance to meet up with existing clients and give advice to those may be in financial difficulty or are looking for advice on diversifying their farm”.
The Sheep Show!
16th June 2007
Sheep South West took place on Tuesday June 12, at Hornacott Barton, Boyton, Launceston, Cornwall. It is the most significant one day trade event for sheep farmers in the South West, with 140 exhibitors from the sheep trade.
NSA Sheep South West 2007 gives people the opportunity to promote their various sheep breeds, products, business or services to members of the sheep industry.
Sheep of various breeds were on display, along with trade stands selling local produce and gifts, and a demonstration with sheep dogs drew in the crowds.
UK Farm Finance were delighted to be in exhibiting alongside the Country Land Owners Association (CLA) and were able to talk to their members about financial problems with their farms and any agricultural issues they had. UK were able to give information about rural funding and are looking forward to their next show, The Royal Highland in Scotland.
Royal Cornwall Show 2007
11th June 2007
On the 7th - 9th of June 2007 UK were at the Royal Cornwall Show. Tim Ledbury said "we got a good stand position this year, right next to the main arena."
Throughout the day there were many enquires made, a draw was taken and over 100 people entered, hoping to win a bottle of UK Farm Finance 10 year old scotch. But there could only be one lucky winner each day. The winners were..
Christopher Spencer from Bridgwater
Barry Smith from Burrington
And James Whittle from Salisbury
We are planning on attending next years show but in the meantime you can find us at the Royal Show in stoneleigh, Warwickshire between the 1st and 4th of July.
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