Boost for farmers at free business seminars

Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager with Ulster Bank pictured with Business Growth Enablers, Lisa McCaul (left) and Cara Taylor who have organised the events in Ballynahinch and Ballymena.

The ‘Boost Your Farm Business’ events take place in Ballynahinch on Tuesday March 3rd and in Ballymena on Thursday March 5th, and are intended to provide support to hardworking farmers and their businesses.

Hosted by Ulster Bank’s Senior Agriculture Manager, Cormac McKervey, the events will feature speakers from a range of organisations including NI Chest Heart and Stroke, Rural Support, HSENI and the PSNI who will each offer practical information and guidelines on how to protect a farm business but also how farmers can look after their physical and mental health.

Speaking ahead of the events, Cormac McKervey said it was important farmers felt they had somewhere to turn to if they were experiencing difficulties.

“We provide financial help and advice to agri-businesses throughout the year but we want to take a more holistic approach to supporting the needs of farmers and their families. By bringing together a range of important stakeholders, such as the HSENI, Rural Support Network, Aware NI and many others, we hope to address the very real concerns and challenges farm businesses may be facing.

“Whether it’s a problem with rural crime, a desire to diversify the business or a struggle with a mental or physical health problem, there will be someone there on the day who can help address this and give farmers the help they need to help boost their business.”

The events are part of a series of free, local business events organised by Ulster Bank Boots across Northern Ireland to provide local businesses with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to grow. To find out more, visit ulsterbank.com/boost or follow #ulsterbankboost on twitter.

The first event takes place in Milbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch on Tuesday March 3rd while the second comes to the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena on Thursday March 5th. Both events begin at 10am and will conclude at 1pm after lunch.

While the events are free to attend, guests are asked to register a place by emailing [email protected]