THE RURAL economy in the Staffordshire Moorlands is being given a helping hand with a series of workshops run by a business “hub”.
Staffordshire Rural Hub is a network for businesses to explore alternative business opportunities so they can regenerate the rural economy.
This month the hub is holding a series of one-day workshops for farmers involved in meat retailing.
The first of these courses takes place on January 28, from 10am to 4pm, at Beechcliffe Farm, near Trentham (ST4 8SF), Stoke-on-Trent.
The course, entitled “Meat Retailing for Farmers”, is for anyone thinking about retailing meat direct to the consumer. It will include sections on legislation, criteria for success, adding value, linking into the local food agenda, branding, pricing, labelling, packaging and signs, equipment and facilities and processes.
Also included will be information on different ways of selling and market research.
Participants need to complete the course before undertaking any of the practical workshops which follow later in the year, including a marketing course, sausage making, bacon curing, pie making, lamb cutting and pork cutting.
The course costs £17.50 per person, to include lunch and refreshments.
Staffordshire Rural Hub is funded by Advantage West Midlands as a rural industries go-between with the agency, so that farmers and diversified businesses can better access rural development funding (RDPE).
More information about Staffordshire Rural Hub and more details of dates and courses are available at www.growingruralenterprise.co.uk, or from Julie on 07971 666474.