How Farm491 helped young AgriTech start-up achieve growth
James Bolesworth, CEO and Founder of CRM AgriCommodities
Company Size: 6
Year Founded: 2014
Website: https://crmagri.com
Summary
James Bolesworth started CRM AgriCommodities from his dining room in Cambridge in 2014. As the business grew, they needed a central base. They moved offices to Farm491, in Cirencester in 2018.
The team has since grown from two to six people and expanded their network of contacts and partners. Farm491 has continued to provide crucial business support.
CRM AgriCommodities help farmers, food producers, investors and consultants make sound business decisions within agricultural commodity markets. They provide informative market analysis, forecast and strategic risk management consultancy so businesses can be confident in their strategy and decision-making.
The business grew, and James and his team were facing growing business needs.
“From the point of view of a growing business, you come across many challenges.”
Challenge: The growing business needed a central base.
With a base in Cambridge, James and his team joined Farm491 in 2017 as virtual members, with the benefit of receiving strategic business support.
But as the business expanded, they needed a central base. A hub for the team to get together, hold events, and welcome clients.
Solution: One central hub at Farm491 for business and network support
CRM AgriCommodities moved to Farm491 in 2018 and made it their new home.
It was an obvious choice. Farm491 is one of the leading AgriTech hubs in the UK.
They not only offer CRM AgriCommodities the desired professional office-set up. As a Farm491 member, James and his team have access to an agri-focused network of people and resources. Both of which are invaluable for any AgriTech entrepreneur.
“There are plenty of people and resources on which you can lean on, work with and take advice from, in order to fill in the gaps.”
As a resident member, CRM AgriCommodities enjoy their own office in a modern and bright building. The team can work together, surrounded by the stunning rural location in the heart of the Cotswolds.
“There are good facilities and spaces for holding meetings. We’re working as part of a team and also have used the coworking space as well as our office.
Outcome: “Having made the move, it’s certainly added to finding new business, new partners, new contacts, and having that support network as well.”
CRM AgriCommodities grew from a team of two to a team of six, and now also have a team of excellent business advisors.
Through Farm491’s events James was attracting the right people to join his team.
The team now works together more closely which helps with solving problems faster.
As a resident member, James is surrounded by other AgriTech start-ups, making it much easier for him to engage with other entrepreneurs and young businesses.
Being at Farm491 cultivates a sense of community.
“You’re aligned with some very interesting and exciting businesses.”
Are you an AgriTech start-up ready to scale?
Email Sarah Carr, Head of Farm491, via sarah.carr@rau.ac.uk. Find out more about Farm491 membership options and arrange a visit to see their offices for yourself.
Check out Farm491’s office spaces, personalised to different business needs: https://farm491.com/incubation-space/