Farms to gain an added revenue stream through diversification

Are you struggling with cash flow during the lockdown and looking for an extra stream of income? Well setting up a farm diversification could be a great opportunity for you to do this. They allow to even up your monthly income and you won’t be relying on seasonal income. This article looks at how people have used diversifications to do this.

Events in recent months have seen Britons fall back in love with our fantastic country, embracing staycations and seeking a change of scenery by visiting rural landscapes.

As such, interest in rural properties has increased and, coupled with a desire for some to escape to the country, perhaps downsize, or just seek a simpler life, there has never been a better time for farmers and landowners to capitalise on the added revenue streams available through diversification.

Serenity Parks, a leading provider of luxury gated community living for the over 45’s, is continuing to form partnerships with landowners which can be mutually beneficial in a number of ways.

Tangible business benefits

Recognising that diversification from a core business principle, whether through necessity or choice can sometimes be a daunting prospect filled with challenges and uncertainty, the business has adopted a very flexible business model that delivers tangible business benefits and reassurance of a continued revenue stream through the partnership.

Added revenue stream through farm diversification

The team’s expertise in land and homes of modular construction can help landowners deliver their desire to diversify, without them having to give up the ownership of the land on which the developments are based. The creation of permanent residences will bring many benefits including the potential for additional revenue to be injected into rural areas and the opportunity to reduce, or even reverse, the decline of rural communities.

Working in conjunction with land owners, architects, local councils and planning teams to ensure the initial application is credible and detailed, the Serenity Parks team appreciates that each landholding is different and, as such, careful consideration of all relevant factors needs to be undertaken to ensure that planning permission is obtained whilst meeting the needs of all the stakeholders.

Community and environment are top priority

The benefits of constructing modular housing is a quick and straightforward build process that has reduced impact on the environment and existing nearby residents, especially when compared with more traditional construction methods. This is especially important when considering the impact your diversification may have on your existing business and the concerns of your neighbours.

Perhaps one of the most beneficial reasons is the shortened construction times of our luxury park homes. Whilst some construction and plant will be required it is generally for a much shorter duration than traditional brick and block construction. The modular homes that we provide are situated on concrete pads, to provide stability, and can be placed in-situ and completed externally in a matter of days. Most pleasingly though is the environmental impact and the reduced disruption to animals, wildlife and existing farm residents ensuring diversification and development can take place without concern. This means that our farming communities can be enhanced by diversification and protected for their future development and prosperity.

Supporting the housing market

Let’s not forget that farm diversification, where permanent residences are being created, will only serve to benefit the independent businesses in the area. Many of our residents have chosen to live in a Serenity Park development in order to downsize and free equity from their properties, thereby giving them the freedom and disposable income to enjoy all that life can offer them. This has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on any community where a Serenity Park development is sited.

This contribution to the sustainability of rural communities cannot be under-estimated and although some reliance on local resources will be required, the potential for additional revenue to be injected into rural areas, combined with the opportunity to reduce or even reverse the decline of  rural communities is entirely positive.

It also provides a highly credible way of addressing the national housing shortage by providing smaller homes in rural locations that are highly desirable. Furthermore, housing stock at the other end of the property spectrum is made available giving families and first time buyers more engaging options when searching for homes near schools and other necessary facilities to aid every day modern family life and capitalise on job prospects.

Diversification into a rural park home development gives a superb option for farmers and landowners to generate additional income for current and future generations and play a significant part in preserving farming communities across the country.

Marie Hanby, Marketing Manager, Serenity Parks commented; “It’s great to be able to offer so many ways to support landowners either sell, or diversify their business portfolio in ways that also bring much needed single storey, luxury park homes to communities. With huge requirements for new homes in the UK, Serenity Parks is looking forward to supporting this with homes that give buyers, downsizers and retirees tangible options as to the type of home they really want.”

If you have land to sell please visit https://serenityparks.co.uk/park-or-land-to-sell/ or if you are looking for diversification and partnership opportunities view https://serenityparks.co.uk/land-development-partnership-opportunities/

Early engagement

Sometimes the best options are not the most obvious and whilst many farmers and landowners have created successful additional business such as farm stays, unusual livestock or manufacturing industries such as wine, cheese and jams now is perhaps the time to explore other ways that farmland can generate additional income for current and future generations.

Working in partnership with Serenity Parks can provide solutions to a number of issues. Over half of the 57,000 farms in the UK have diversified in some way; could you be one of the first to choose this innovative way?

For more information about Agri Marketing check out our website at Flame Marketing

Article taken from Farm diversity magazine