Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

In this episode of FarmGate podcast, host ffinlo Costain talks to Graham Harvey, former scriptwriter and farming story editor for the long-running BBC Radio drama, The Archers - And Ben Eagle who runs RuralPod Media and hosts two farming podcasts: Rural Business Focus and Meet The Farmers.

They talk about the public perception of farming, the stories the industry chooses to tell, and how storytelling helps to shape the political, scientific and practical choices of farmers and policymakers.

They also talk about The Archers and the role that it's played in shaping the public and political perception of farming issues.

Graham's book, Underneath the Archers can be found at Waterstones and on Amazon [https://www.waterstones.com/book/underneath-the-archers/graham-harvey/9781800182653]
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underneath-Archers-Undercover-Britains-longest-running/dp/1800182651]

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

You can find out more about Joe's business at craftandscale.com

Image credit: Joe Morrison

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Get a pen and notepad ready to list out some of these events for your 2023 diary. 

1. Let go of past regrets.
2. Set goals.
3. Find a mentor.
4. Choose a form of exercise or a sport to focus on in 2023.
5. Make a morning routine. 

You can find out more about what Ben does by visiting benjamineagle.co.uk

Rural Living Show

Game Bird Feathers

Boo Cottage Botanicals

Incredible Brewing Company

Curworthy Cheese

Virtual Office Gem (Gemma's website)

Gemma promotes at the end:

Jenny Bush ('The Equine Business Assistant')

Hannah ('Apex VA')

Lucy's website - Lucy Williamson Nutrition- Nutritionist based in Greater London (lwnutrition.co.uk)

You can follow Lucy on Instagram here

Or on twitter here.

Or facebook here. 

01:05 Ben starts the episode

02:12 Tony introduces himself

03:17 Tony's approach to understanding how people work

05:19 What are the benefits of getting out into the outdoors?

06:23 Stress - a good or bad thing?

08:10 You've got too much on to do exercise...think again

09:00 Even if you have a physical job - shouldn't you still be exercising?

16:20 How to start?

19:05 Stage it and don't try to do everything at once

23:51 How to find a good PT that works for you?

27:00 Should you have a fitness element in your morning routine?

31:22 Book recommendations from Tony . Ross Edgley 'The World's Fittest Book';  David Goggins 'Can't Hurt Me'.

35:44 Tony sums up

Business Finance Brokers website - Home - Business Finance Brokers Ltd

01:04 Ben starts the show

02:37 Georgina introduces herself and her background

04:36 Georgina talks about Business Finance Brokers

05:46 Commons reasons for sourcing finance

07:52 A look at interest rates historically

10:04 What are the options for taking out finance?

12:35 Georgina explains the process of taking out a finance agreement

Becki Leach is a Senior Consultant at Kite Consulting and in charge of their 'people' team. 

Kite Consulting website - Kite Consulting - The UK’s leading dairy consultancy

01:04 Intro begins

02:54 Becki Leach enters and talks about Kite Consulting, her role in it and her experience when it comes to people management.

04:52 Ben and Becki discuss recruitment

08:14 How important is setting the right salary?

09:45 What are candidates looking for now?

13:29 How regularly should you be checking in with staff?

16:16 How important is listening?

19:25 What are the key mistakes that employers and managers make?

23:25 Working environment

26:11 Becki's book recommendations

28:49 Becki promotes Future Farmers of Yorkshire

Rachel Eunson is the founder of the UK’s first garden wear brand designed exclusively for women. - Feverfew Garden Company. 

We learn many lessons in the episode including the power of community, giving away free products and making your idea reality. 

Image credit: Rachel Eunson

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

You can follow Rebecca on instagram @myoutdoorsadventures ; @vampireoutdoors

Rebecca also gives a plug for the campaign group that she co-founded - EveryBody Outdoors (@everybodyoutdoors)

To find out more about Ben visit benjamineagle.co.uk

Website for the Rural Travel Guide

Megan's LinkedIn page

Megan mentions Hoe Grange Holidays and Hoppickers Rural Retreats as her shout outs. 

Katie Bateman is the founder and Director of the Equine Show 247 as well as Head of Community Engagement, Sales and Operations at Virtual Expo 247.  

Equine Show 247 website

Ben speaks to PR and social media expert Rhea Freeman about her new book. Rhea gives her top tips as to how best to promote your brand without breaking the bank. 

Buy the book here

Rhea's website here

Milly's website

Milly's podcast (on Apple Podcasts)

Milly's blog (No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents)

Peter and Emma's website

Byre's Farm

Joanna at Farm Ness on Instagram 

Long Island Retreats

Macbeths farm

Growbiz Scotland

Ben's website. 

Link to Auction Torque Podcast

Jenny's holiday cottage website

Wim Hof Method

The Power Hour Podcast

https://mission.ag/

The 5 components of making a plan:

1. Vision and Goals

2. Situation Analysis (SWOT)

3. Strategy Development

4. Financial Planning

5. Implementation and Review
 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Ben's website.

@ruralbusinessfocus

@ruralbf_pod

@benjy_eagle

https://www.simplecast.com/

https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/

Matt's LinkedIn Page

The Focussed Farmers website

16personalities.com

Nuffield Farming

Includes a brief introduction to most social media platforms as well as tips on what to do and what not to do. 

Just Farmers (click here)

Emily is on twitter and instagram @emilyempower

Emily's LinkedIn page (click here)

Emily's website (click here)

Jiggle Jiggle (!)

Rhea Freeman's website (click here)

Simon Haley's LinkedIn Page (click here)

Sam Steggles - Fielding Cottages website (click here)

Ben's website (click here)

Cultivate Conference website (click here)

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

You can find out more about Charles at Charles Rose 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

In this episode of Rural Business Focus, Ben interviews James Alcock, CEO of Plunkett UK (formerly the Plunkett Foundation), a national charity that supports rural communities in the UK to set up and run community-owned businesses. They discuss the role of community-owned businesses in empowering rural communities, promoting local supply chains, boosting employment and training opportunities, and creating positive environmental impact. James shares his personal journey and the importance of leadership in the organization. He also provides advice for those looking to start a community-owned venture and discusses the future evolution of Plunkett UK.

Takeaways

• Community-owned businesses play a vital role in empowering rural communities, promoting local supply chains, boosting employment opportunities, and creating positive environmental impact.
• Leadership in community-owned businesses should be relatable, accessible, and uphold the values of the organization.
• Strategy and planning are essential for the growth and sustainability of community-owned businesses.
• To start a community-owned venture, it is important to seek advice from organizations like Plunkett UK and visit existing community-owned businesses for inspiration.
• Plunkett UK aims to continue growing the sector, working with a range of partners, and supporting the development of new communities.
• Individuals can get involved with Plunkett UK by becoming members, volunteering, or supporting the organization's initiatives.
• The personal why for James Alcock is the inspiration and energy he derives from working with communities and witnessing the positive impact of community-owned businesses.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Image credit: Femme Country Magazine

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Lucy Reeves, co-founder of Muddy Matches, shares her journey of starting a niche dating site for people in the countryside. She discusses the challenges of starting a dating site in the early 2000s and the stigma associated with online dating in rural areas. Lucy emphasizes the importance of persistence and the need to manage expectations in a niche market. She also talks about the evolution of Muddy Matches, from being a community platform to focusing solely on dating. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by niche dating sites and the importance of staying true to their niche. Muddy Matches is a unique online dating platform for people who love the outdoors and rural lifestyle. The founders, Lucy Reeves and Emma Royall, started the business in 2006 and have since created thousands of success stories, including long-term relationships, marriages, and even babies. The success of Muddy Matches is attributed to its focus on a specific niche and its commitment to providing a high-quality service. The business has grown organically through word of mouth and has recently launched a mobile app to reach a younger audience. The future plans for Muddy Matches include further development of the app and potential expansion into overseas markets.

Takeaways

• Starting a niche dating site in the early 2000s came with challenges and stigma, especially in rural areas.
• Persistence is key in the early years of a startup, and it remains important even as the business matures.
• Managing expectations is crucial in a niche market, where quality and quantity may be limited.
• The evolution of Muddy Matches involved focusing on dating and letting go of other community features.
• Niche dating sites face unique challenges and must stay true to their niche to differentiate themselves. Focus on a specific niche and provide a high-quality service to stand out in a crowded market.
• Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and happy customers are the best form of advertising.
• Be prepared for unexpected challenges and adapt your strategy accordingly.
• Maintain a strong connection with your target audience and listen to their feedback to continuously improve your business.
• Stick to what you know and do it well, rather than getting distracted by other potential ventures.

Image credit: Lucy Reeves, Muddy Matches. 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by Eric Elgersma and Natasha Foote to discuss the macro and global issues that will shape the world of rural businesses. They explore topics such as transition, connection, and the impact of European and global politics on rural businesses. They also discuss the trends of size and scale, collaboration, and the importance of being fit for purpose in the rural business sector. The conversation touches on the recent EU elections and the potential implications for rural businesses. Overall, the episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing rural businesses in the coming years. The conversation explores trends and themes in rural businesses. Key trends identified include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal. The importance of infrastructure, both digital and physical, is highlighted. The discussion also touches on the role of government in rural areas, with a potential shift towards more regional and national decision-making. The concept of sustainability is discussed, emphasizing the need for both environmental and economic sustainability. The future of the rural workforce is explored, with a focus on automation and improving working conditions. The conversation concludes with a reflection on confidence levels in rural businesses, highlighting the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Takeaways

• Transition is a key factor that will shape rural businesses in the coming years, particularly in terms of food quality, consumer needs, environment, climate, and ownership consolidation.
• Connection is another important theme, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between EU policy and rural areas, as well as fostering connections within the agri-food chain and promoting sustainability.
• The recent EU elections have seen a rise in right-wing and far-right parties, which may have implications for the direction of green policies and the allocation of funds for rural areas.
• The trend of consolidation and the importance of being fit for purpose are key considerations for rural businesses. Being able to meet consumer needs, retain local support, and demonstrate sustainability are crucial for long-term success.
• The EU's focus on food security and the lessons learned from recent crises highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the role of agriculture and self-sufficiency within the EU.
• The de-ruralisation of the political voice in the UK and the growing divergence between political rhetoric and actual support for rural businesses is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Winners in the agri-food sector are those who can meet consumer needs, demonstrate sustainability, and invest in the future, while losers are those who fail to adapt to changing market demands and regulations. Trends in rural businesses include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal.
• Infrastructure, both digital and physical, is crucial for the success of rural businesses.
• Sustainability encompasses both environmental and economic aspects and is essential for the resilience of rural businesses.
• Automation and improving working conditions are key considerations for the future of the rural workforce.
• Confidence levels in rural businesses are influenced by challenges but are also driven by the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk 

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media. 

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here. 

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you  want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk