Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 February 2001. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 February 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what an initial consultation visit by the Small Business Service consists of. (Holding answer 13 February 2001).

Answer: Mr. Yeo: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what an initial consultation visit by the Small Business Service consists of. [150332] Mr. Nick Brown: [holding answer 13 February 2001]: An initial consultation visit under the Farm Business Advice Service, which is being delivered for MAFF by the Small Business Service, is conducted by a Farm Business Adviser (FBA) and last approximately half a day. The FBA will look round the farm and discuss with the farmer the way the business is run and managed, financial matters and the aspirations for the business of the farmer and his/her family. Information required to undertake a business health check and to prepare a current farm balance sheet will be collected, which the farmer will normally have been forewarned to have ready, to help the FBA prepare an action plan following the initial visit. The FBA may also collect data to benchmark business performance. During the visit or on a subsequent visit the FBA might use the specially developed Connect CD to illustrate the options open to the farmer. In every case FBAs will tailor the service provided to meet the needs of the individual farmer.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 150332; 363 c141W;363 c142W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Advisory services Farmers Small businesses Small Business Service Farm Business Advice Service
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk