Making Hay when the Sun Shines

May 17th, 2011

69 per cent of farmers are currently diversifying to boost income

More than 60 per cent of UK farmers involved in property letting

With more than two thirds (69 per cent) of farmers currently working in other industries to help boost their income and a further 26 per cent considering it, a new breed of entrepreneurial farmer is emerging.

A survey of NFU members, carried out on behalf of cottages4you, found that two thirds of respondents had diversified into holiday homes and property letting and 57 per cent of those had two or more properties. 88 per cent of the farmers questioned said it had boosted their annual income with 45 per cent claiming a significant increase.

cottages4you has seen an increase in the number of farm properties within the portfolio and as a result, is launching a competition to find the most successful farmers, currently involved in holiday letting. The five categories will reward the best conversion, most eco-friendly, quirkiest let, best location and best experiential holiday. Nominations from farmers or their family and friends are currently being taken via www.rentmycottage.com and will be judged by a panel including representatives from the holiday letting agency and the NFU.
Robin Bray was a cereal and dairy farmer who decided to focus on holiday letting in 2001. He is now letting out five properties, achieving bookings of approximately 40 weeks a year.

Robin said: "There is a tremendous demand for the properties and I have no credit worries as I am paid in advance for customers booking the following month. This would not have been possible without the support and advice of cottages4you and my local Regional Manager, who has helped in all aspects from advising on decor to marketing the property."
The research revealed that the biggest barrier to holiday letting was the cost of renovating (20 per cent), followed by the legal arrangements (18 per cent).

Simon Law, property director at cottages4you said: "We are launching the competition to find the UK's most successful farmers who holiday let their property, in the hope that their knowledge can bring success to others.
"Getting the right support to enter the market is vital, with financial and legal advice the most sought after services. We pride ourselves on providing the best information from businesses and skilled people who know the business inside out. Also, because we have local teams specialising in rural areas right across the nation, it's allowed us to become farmer's first choice when looking at developing and renting.
"We are constantly looking to develop our portfolio to ensure we have the supply to meet the ever growing demand. Farming holidays are increasingly popular with both farmers and holidaymakers - farmers enjoy sharing their expertise and guests get a truly authentic experience and learn more about modern British farming."

If you want to nominate a farm or farmer which is successful and has diversified into holiday letting, or would like to speak to an expert about getting started, please visit www.rentmycottage.com or call 0845 268 8547.

Ends

Survey carried out with NFU members in 2010.
For more press information or images please contact press@lucre.co.uk or speak to Katie on 0113 243 1117

Competition notes

The winning farmer in each of the five prize categories will receive a Virgin Experience Days Gift Card worth £175 to spend on hundreds of exciting experiences - from Ferrari driving to relaxing spa days - and a winner's plaque to display in their holiday accommodation.  The overall winner will also get to enjoy a magical Virgin Balloon Flight from one of over 100 locations across mainland Britain.