Phase Two of Farm491 Takes Shape: Five Practical Workshops to Open at Harnhill

Progress accelerates at Farm491 with the announcement that five workshops at the Harnhill technological centre will soon open their doors for business!

Due for completion in April 2017, the exclusive development of five cutting-edge workshops is being built as part of the Farm491 initiative to facilitate growth and flourishment for agribusinesses – and will complement the office space already in occupancy at Trent Lodge. Members who sign up to use the workshop space at Harnhill will also have use of office space, meeting rooms and access to the adjacent Cotswold farmland owned by the Royal Agricultural University.

The Farm491 project is part financed by the GFirst LEP Gloucestershire Growth Deal 2015 to 2021 and is being matched funded by University investment, private donations and philanthropic funds from the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust. All Farm491 members will be given support and benefit from collaboratively working with other members, plus have access to a network that includes farmers, business guidance from expert advisers, investors, access to farming data if required, and resources so they can research, test, refine and grow their propositions.

Angela Simkins, Farm491 Centre Director, says; “The five new workshops, alongside the campus-based incubator space, will enable us to help and support entrepreneurs to trial new initiatives, to test new technological solutions and share knowledge. Our members at Farm491 in Gloucestershire are at the centre of innovation – from farm machinery trading platforms to digital land management tools to tracking devices; Farm491 is supporting innovations that will be fundamental to the sustainability and progression of British agriculture.” She adds; “The next few months are extremely exciting for us and we’re thoroughly looking forward to seeing our first Farm491 members take advantage, and accelerate business growth, through the fantastic facilities provided by the Harnhill workshop spaces.”

The Farm491 team are on hand to provide further information about the new development and how the facilities might benefit your agribusiness. Contact the team for an initial chat and to organise an introductory tour.