Barclays supports expansion of Welsh pigmeat production
Barclays has provided financial support for a farm on the beautiful Gower peninsula in South Wales to establish the country’s largest herd of Welsh pigs. Ken Austin who owns Burry Farm has recently managed a successful sheep enterprise and turf company, but previously kept a prize-winning herd of Welsh pigs. When he read an article which reported that the Welsh breed of pigs had been classified as a rare breed, his appetite was whetted to re-establish the herd.
When he approached his Barclays Relationship Manager, Angharad Rees, she was pleased to provide finance to enable Ken to expand the herd to two hundred sows. Since the number of Welsh pigs has declined so significantly in recent years he had to travel far and wide to purchase quality breeding stock.
Ken is very excited about the venture and has been delighted with the response from chefs at top-quality hotels and restaurants in the region following a launch of the brand at the Swansea Mayor’s Office last month. He is also at an advanced stage of negotiations to supply Welsh pigmeat to a major national retailer. “I am very grateful to Barclays and to Angharad Rees for their support which I’m confident will enable me to build a strong commercial business whilst also rejuvenating a great pig breed.”
Angharad Rees, who is the senior agricultural manager in South West Wales, said that Barclays wishes Ken well for the future. “Most of my customers are either dairy or livestock farmers, but very few keep pigs in this part of the world nowadays. I was very impressed by Ken’s focus on finding a market for his product. With consumers increasingly looking for locally produced food that is produced to a high welfare standard, I’m sure that there will be strong demand for The Welsh Farmyard’s produce.”
About Barclays Business
Barclays Business is the business banking arm of Barclays. It hasover 700,000 customers with a turnover up to 5m that are a mixture of start ups, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. We supported a record number of business start ups – over 100,000 new businesses in 2010.
Barclays services to SMEs include:
A choice of business accounts that they can tailor to their needs and the provision of up to two years free banking to start-ups, subject to remaining in credit.
Day-to-day business banking support through a team of Business Managers who are available over the telephone for everyday and urgent banking needs.
Free consultations for businesses with a local accountant, marketing expert and solicitor to advise on topics such as the best legal status, how to advertise or draft supply contracts.
A free nationwide business seminar and workshop programme. This is designed to help business owners network and gain practical help on relevant challenges such as marketing, trading online or how to generate more business profits. We expect around 12,000 delegates to attend our business seminars this year.
Business management software that helps business customers complete their account work quickly and efficiently; support their hiring efforts; help back up their business data securely; and avoid late payment and bad debts.