A new training initiative aimed at enhancing the business skills of rural young people is being developed by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). The first phase of the project, which is funded by Defra, is launching this December and includes a mini podcast series focused on the skills needed to develop a rural enterprise.
The two podcast episodes feature industry experts Dr Richard Byrne from the Rural Resilience Research Group at Harper Adams University (HAU) and WiRE Director Polly Gibb.
The pair explore sustainable business ideas that can thrive in today’s challenging climate, while also encouraging young people to understand the personality profile that helps determine a successful career.
The podcasts are part of a broader project to provide relevant training in business and skills development for rural young people, which will be available in 2025. The resources aim to support young people in staying up to date with the ongoing agricultural transition, energy and climate concerns so they can make informed career and business decisions.
The podcasts provide valuable insight for young people exploring the opportunities and challenges in developing a rural business. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on whether starting a rural enterprise is the right path for them and learn about the key skills needed to prepare for a successful future in the sector.
Dr Byrne and Ms Gibb also discuss the ongoing transition process and its impact on business prospects, exploring key topics such as supply chains, cash flow, and personality traits.
Ms Gibb has been with WiRE for 20 years, working predominantly with women who are setting up or growing businesses in the rural area. She believes that in periods of great change, businesses need people with skills in innovation and entrepreneurialism.
“If you’re wanting to start a business, you have to embrace risk,” says Ms Gibb during the first podcast episode. “You have to have the attitude and personality that can cope with risk. If you’re a tiny business, you can move quicker than the big businesses. You’re closer to your marketplace and you should understand your customers better. Being successful in business now is about responding to change, it’s not implementing ‘my plans beautifully’.”
Dr Bryne has worked at HAU for 25 years and in the last 10 has focused on food security and the issues around feeding a growing global population.
“It’s a time of real challenge but I also think it’s a time to sit back and understand what’s going on around us and to see opportunity in that,” says Dr Byrne.
In the second podcast episode, Ms Gibb lists the key questions someone should ask themselves before starting a business, which include:
Dr Bryrne reminds listeners that “enthusiasm is great” for starting a business but to be honest with yourself about what you can achieve.
“Starting a business is challenging, it’s long hours. We can all say we can deal with that but perhaps you have other pulls on that time. Understand your level of resilience and risk,” he advises.
More resources will be published in the new year to support YFC members and will also highlight updated information from NFYFC’s Smart Farming Guide, a business development website produced in association with Savills.