Category: Farm Loan (page 4 of 5)

Would your farm business benefit from a refrigeration trailer?

Investing in a refrigeration trailer can help farmers to safely transport fresh produce further afield.

Farming is going through a difficult time, facing challenges from all angles including political and economic instability, climate change and increased competition.

Farmers are being forced to diversify their businesses as much as possible and become resourceful with finding new income streams.

One affordable piece of equipment that can provide farmers with greater flexibility and freedom to get their produce in front of a larger audience is the refrigeration trailer.

A refrigeration trailer will provide your business with the practical means with which to transport produce further afield without any negative effect on quality or freshness.

Organic, artisan and speciality produce are popular with consumers, and every year hundreds of farmer’s fairs, markets and other events are held up and down the country for farmers to sell their produce at.

A refrigeration trailer provides the means to safely transport fresh produce further, allowing farmers to attend more of these events to boost their income and improve their brand’s visibility.

Why should farmers consider investing in a refrigeration trailer?

Benefits of investing in a refrigeration trailer for your farm business include:

  • Maintains the quality and freshness of your produce for longer for excellent customer satisfaction.
  • Prevents your produce from becoming contaminated.
  • Provides your business with more opportunities to make money by offering greater flexibility.
  • Environmentally-friendly and energy efficient.
  • Helps farmers to meet the guidelines set out by Environmental Health and Trading Standards.

For help financing the purchase of vehicles or agricultural equipment, speak to our team at Richmond Asset Finance on 0113 288 3277. We provide a variety of asset financevehicle finance and agricultural finance services to help your farm business to grow and develop. 

Signs that it’s time to replace or upgrade your overhead crane

Recognising when it’s time to upgrade your overhead crane can help your business to be more productive, save money, and meet safety standards.

Whilst investing in a new overhead crane may seem like a big expense, continuing to use an excessively worn or outdated model may be costing your business more than you realise.

Here are three common signs that it’s time to replace or upgrade your old overhead crane.

Parts are difficult to get hold of

If you’ve had your crane for some time, you may find that it becomes difficult and costly to source parts and components to repair it. This can happen for several reasons, including the OE manufacturer closing and the parts becoming obsolete because the model is no longer in production. This means it can become inconveniently long-winded, costly and complicated to source replacement parts when they become broken or worn. In this instance, it is often more cost-effective and efficient to simply upgrade your crane to a more modern model.

It frequently requires repairs

If your crane is constantly breaking down or in need of maintenance, regularly paying for new parts, labour and expensive production downtime will soon start adding up. When you take all the expenses, inconvenience and hassle into account, investing in a new crane may be the most sensible and cost-effective option.

Your requirements have changed

If your production requirements change, you may find that your existing crane can no longer keep up with, or is not capable of, your new demands. Whether that means lifting heavier loads, working faster, or with more precision, investing in a modern crane can help you to meet more advanced requirements and work more efficiently.

If you require help or advice with financing a new overhead crane, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

Should you invest in the new Claas Lexion combine harvester?

Farmers investing in the new Lexion combine can gain 10% more capacity whilst also saving time and money.

24 years on from the launch of the original game-changing Claas Lexion combine harvester, Claas have launched their new generation of Lexion Hybrid combine harvesters.

When the original Lexion was introduced it changed the way in which crops were harvested and now accounts for around 75% of all hybrid and rotary combines sold in the UK.

The new, more powerful Lexion 8000-7000 series combines can help farm businesses to streamline harvesting to save time and money.

Blake McOllough, Product Manager of Claas America said: “The redesign brings together significant engineering advancements from Claas that deliver on the superior productivity that today’s ag business demands, offering the best return on investment and allowing the operator to get more done in less time.”

Key benefits of the new hybrid Claas Lexion combine harvester

Improved fuel efficiency – The new Lexion hybrid combines are fitted with a Dynamic Power Intelligent engine management system which automatically adjusts engine power output dependent on load to provide excellent fuel efficiency.

Improved belt life – The Lexion 8000-7000 models feature an improved clutch system to engage and tension the belts, resulting in improved belt life.

Increased harvesting capacity – The new APS threshing system features a threshing drum which is 26% larger than that of the current Lexion 780 and features ten rather than eight rasp bars. The new model threshes out 70% of grain and leaves just 30% for the secondary separation system. This allows the new Lexion models to deliver 10% more capacity than previous models.

Higher grain tank capacity – To cope with the higher output, the new Lexion also features a huge 18,000l grain tank.

Reduced maintenance – The new model’s dynamic cooling and central lubrication system mean maintenance time is cut by more than half.

More precise data – The new Lexion combine harvesters uses a pressure cell to collect data for more precise record keeping and yield mapping.

Soundproofing – Operators can enjoy a larger, soundproofed cab for a more comfortable ride.

If you require help or advice with financing a new combine harvester, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible agricultural finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

How to reduce the cost of your HGV fleet

Use these three ideas to cut the running costs of your business’ HGV fleet whilst also improving productivity and efficiency.

Many businesses that operate vehicles are currently facing challenges that mean they are under pressure to cut their fleet’s running costs.

Some of the key challenges facing transport operators today includes:

  • Rising fleet costs.
  • Driver shortages.
  • An unstable economic climate.
  • Market uncertainty.

In order to successfully cut costs, businesses must be creative and resourceful in how they operate. 

Here are three ideas for effectively reducing the cost of your HGV fleet.

Update your fleet

Spending money on new vehicles may sound a little counterintuitive, but old and inefficient vehicles can be a real drain on resources. Not only do old and tired vehicles need more regular repairs and maintenance, they can also eat up a lot more fuel than modern vehicles.

Modern HGVs are generally safer, more comfortable to drive, and considerably more fuel efficient. The money you safe on maintenance and fuel across your fleet will mean that your investment is likely to soon pay for itself.

Driver training

Your team of HGV drivers are largely responsible for many of the costs associated with running your fleet, their behaviour can have a significant impact on fuel consumption, repairs and maintenance, and insurance costs.

 Ensuring that all drivers receive adequate training, performance monitoring, and regular reviews can help to keep the cost of your fleet down.

Fleet management

Investing in fleet management software can help your fleet to become more organised, efficient, and cost-effective.

Fleet management software uses data and real-time information to monitor traffic and help your drivers to plan the fastest and most efficient routes, saving your business fuel, time and money. It will also track and log information about each of your drivers and their performance to use during training to help improve performance ongoing.

If you require financial help or advice with updating your HGV fleet, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services.

What you need to know about JCB’s first ever fully electric diggers

The first of JCB’s fully electric diggers are rolling off the production line; here’s what you need to know about them.

JCB’s new 19C-1E electric digger can be used either indoors or outdoors but is expected to be particularly popular for indoor and inner-city projects where reducing noise and air pollution is especially important.

JCB Compact Products’ managing director Robert Winter said: “This is a historic moment for JCB and for JCB Compact Products.

“We are delighted to go into full production with the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. The machine has a very promising future ahead of it.”

The first orders have already been delivered to customers across Europe and North America.

Here is the key information and standout stats about JCB’s first fully electric excavator:

  • They are five times quieter than JCB’s diesel diggers.
  • They can be fully charged for a day’s work in under 2 hours.
  • Charging costs are expected to be 50% cheaper than running a diesel model.
  • Servicing costs are expected to be up to 70% cheaper than a diesel model.

As evidence of the severe and rapid effects of climate change mount, businesses are coming under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and reduce their Co2 emissions. 

Switching to electric vehicles can massively reduce your business’ carbon footprint, helping you to meet your corporate social and environmental responsibilities.

If you require help or advice with financing electric diggers, excavators, or commercial vehicles, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

To plough or not to plough?

Humans have been ploughing the earth to grow food since the beginning of time, so why are some farmers now choosing to turn their back on this traditional technique? 

Some farmers are now embracing new ways of working as they believe ploughing to be bad for the environment. 

Ploughing and the environment

It is thought that dragging a plough through the earth several times a year disturbs the soil and the living organisms within it, which then has a negative effect on soil quality.

What’s the alternative to ploughing?

“No till” farming is a method of farming which eliminates ploughing and minimises soil disturbance. Instead, farmers ensure that soil is never left bare. As soon as one crop is removed, “cover crops” are planted to protect the soil and keep pumping nutrients into it.

This method also prevents earthworms and other important organisms from being disturbed, so that their numbers can grow, resulting in more nutrient-rich soil with improved structure and drainage.

Benefits of no-till farming

No-till farming can benefit both the environment and the farmer, here are just some of the benefits:

  • Reduces soil erosion.
  • Improves soil quality.
  • Builds soil organic matter.
  • Saves time on ploughing.
  • Reduces cost of labour and fuel.
  • Improves water absorption.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Natural weed control.
  • Healthier crops due to nutrient-rich soil.

What machinery is required?

Farmers undertaking no-till farming use a piece of machinery called a cross slot drill which drills seeds directly into the unploughed ground. Although the initial cost of the equipment is similar to that of tillage machinery, the operating costs are far less.

For help financing the purchase of agricultural equipment, speak to our team at Richmond Asset Finance on 0113 288 3277. We provide a variety of asset finance and agricultural finance services to help your farm business to grow and develop. 

Financial incentives for switching to electric commercial vehicles

Did you know that there are financial incentives available to help your business make the switch to cost-effective and environmentally friendly electric vehicles?

There is no time like the present to begin doing your part in looking after our planet and helping to tackle climate change.

There are many changes that businesses can make to become more socially and environmentally responsible. But for businesses that operate commercial vehicles, switching from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is a good place to start.

Electric vehicles are virtually silent and emit zero emissions, so making the switch will go a long way in reducing your business’ carbon footprint.

Aside from the environmental benefits, there are also plenty of financial incentives out there to reward businesses that decide to make the switch, so what’s not to like?

Low running and maintenance costs

As well as looking after our environment, operating electric vehicles can help to look after your business’ finances too. Whilst electric vehicles can be more expensive to buy, this cost is offset by their comparatively low running and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective option in the long term.

Tax incentives

Here are a few of the tax benefits that your business may be able to benefit from if it uses electric vehicles.

  • Enhanced capital allowance benefits– Claim the entire cost of the vehicle against taxable profits.
  • Exemptionsfrom the following:
  • fuel duty
  • vehicle excise duty
  • company car tax

Government grants

When purchasing an eligible electric vehicle for your business, you may be able to claim a discount using the government’s plug-in car grant.

Despite the grant’s name, it provides discounts for business’ purchasing electric cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, taxis and trucks, providing they are on the eligible vehicles list.

The grant is worth 35% of the vehicle price for electric cars (up to a maximum of £3,500) and 20% of the vehicle price for electric vans (up to a maximum of £8,000).

Finance

Need further help financing one or more commercial electric vehicles? Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you grow your business. 

For more information about our services, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

What are the benefits of using hire purchase?

Need to purchase an asset, but don’t have the money to buy it upfront? Take out a hire purchase agreement to receive the asset now and pay for it in affordable instalments. 

Hire purchase is a popular type of asset finance popularly used by businesses to buy vehicles, machinery and equipment.

Whilst you are still paying for the asset, the creditor is the legal owner, but once you’ve finished your payment plan it’s all yours.

Here are just a few of the benefits of buying an asset using a hire purchase agreement:

No need to pay a large sum of money upfront– Whilst you may be required to put down a small deposit, the cost will be nothing like paying for the asset upfront. This is particularly useful if it’s a large and unexpected cost, like a vehicle or key piece of machinery breaks down.

Flexible and affordable payments– Hire purchase allows you to spread the cost of the asset over a set period, so you’re paying off a small, affordable sum each month.

Protect your cashflow – Spreading the cost helps you to look after your business’ cashflow. Healthy cashflow is essential for developing and growing your business.

Own the item at the end of the payment plan – At the end of the payment plan, the asset is yours to keep!

Immediate use of the item – You can start using the asset immediately, meaning no expensive downtime whilst you save up the funds.

High quality asset– Many businesses find that they are able to afford vehicles and equipment of a much higher quality and specification through hire purchase than they would have if they were paying upfront. 

Fixed interest rates– Hire purchase interest rates are fixed, meaning no uncertainty on costs, helping you to keep your cashflow stable.

 No VAT on monthly repayments– VAT is paid upfront by you along with any deposit required. You will then re-claim the VAT in your regular payments.

For more information about our hire purchase agreements, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team here at Richmond Asset Finance a call on 0113 288 3277.

More property investors using bridging loans

Recent statistics show that the demand for bridging loans is continuing to grow, particularly in the property investment market.

Whilst property investors may be shunning commercial properties amidst Brexit uncertainty, the market for residential property investment in the UK is still booming.

Recent figures show that investment in UK residential property rose by a huge 150% in 2018.

Tighter mortgage lending criteria has created a higher demand for rental properties. The high demand has caused a shortage of rental properties, allowing landlords to charge higher rent. These factors combined with a slight decrease in property value have made residential buy-to-let properties a valuable investment.

As more property investors seek opportunities to buy properties in the residential sector, the demand for bridging loans has also increased.

In fact, the latest ‘Bridging Trends’ report found that for the second consecutive quarter the commonest use of bridging finance was to buy investment property.

According to the report, 25% of bridging loans were taken out to fund the purchase of investment property, that’s up from 22% in the first quarter. 

Bridging finance is the ideal solution for property investors looking to grow their portfolio as it allows them to move on a purchase quickly whilst the price is low. Without access to a bridging loan it is easy to miss opportunities whilst trying to raise funds.

Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide flexible commercial bridging loanssuitable for property investment, buy-to-let, and land purchase and development.

For more information about our commercial bridging loans, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team of experts a call on 0113 288 3277 and we’ll be happy to help.

Agroecological farming methods and how to finance them

Agroecological farming methods can increase productivity and help farms to become sustainable.

The farming industry is under increasing pressure to become more sustainable to help tackle the UK’s climate crisis.

Environmental issues that farms contribute to include deforestation, wildlife loss, soil degradation and pollution.

An independent RSA report by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission has said that the UK must completely transition to a sustainable food system and agroecological farming methods by 2030 or face further climate breakdown and the continued rise in diet-related ill-health.

Agroecology is the science of sustainable farming. Agroecological farming using farming methods that work with and enhance natural and social systems. 

These natural methods can produce healthier, more nutritious food, increase farm productivity, and make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Examples of agroecological farming methods include:

Organic farming– An environmentally friendly method of farming that uses ecological pest control and biological fertilisers instead of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.

Agroforestry – The planting of trees in and around farmland to look after the environment and improve a farm’s productivity.

Pasture-fed livestock– Livestock that roams freely and eats a primarily foraged diet rather than being fed foods like cereal and soya.

Conservation agriculture– Using farming practices such as crop rotation, cropping system diversity, soil covers, and minimum soil disturbance to manage and protect the soil.

Biological pest control–This agroecological farming practice uses natural enemies including predators and pathogenic nematodes to control pests.

Financing the transition to agroecological farming methods

Within the report, the commission warned that farmers will struggle to completely transition without “stable” policy, regulation, advice and access to finance and innovation.

Here at Richmond Asset Finance we understand the unique financial challenges that farmers face today. We help farmers grow their business by providing flexible agricultural finance and effective farm finance strategies for various sized projects.

To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

Tips for protecting your farm against rural crime

As the cost of rural crime continues to soar, it’s important that farmers take steps to secure their valuables from criminals.

Agricultural crime is a widespread problem faced by farmers up and down the country. Criminals and organised gangs target farms due to their large size and remote location, stealing valuable farm tools, equipment, vehicles and even livestock, with devastating consequences for farmers during what is already a difficult time for the industry.

Take these five basic steps to help prevent your farm from becoming a victim of rural crime.

Lock all valuables away securely– All valuables including tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles should be locked away out of sight when not in use. Large machinery and vehicles should be kept in secure farm buildings, and valuable tools should be kept in a locked toolbox. To ensure that they are secure, farm buildings should be regularly maintained, and doors and windows should be kept closed and locked to prevent easy access and protect from opportunist criminals.

Install security systems to all farm buildings– Farm buildings that contain valuables should be fitted with security lights and systems including CCTV and intruder alarms to deter criminals.

Mark and register all your valuable machinery, equipment and vehicles– Clearly marking all your valuable assets can deter criminals and improve the chances of your items being identified and returned to you if they are ever stolen. There are a variety of different marking solutions available including UV marking pens, engraving, etching, and labels. Once you have marked your property, register it on the Immobilise website. Immobilise is used by police forces up and down the country to return stolen items to their rightful owners.

Immobilise or lock vehicles– Immobilise farm vehicles using wheel clamps, steering locks or ground anchors when they are not in use to make them more difficult to steal.

Secure boundaries– The remote location of many farms leaves them particularly vulnerable to criminals. Securing your boundaries and making access difficult using high fences, earth banks and ditches, or reinforced gates can make your property more private and secure to deter criminals.

Security systems, durable gating and heavy duty padlocks are all relatively small investments when you consider what is at stake without them.

If you require agricultural financeto help replace stolen farm equipment or vehicles, get in touch with our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by calling 0113 288 3277 to discuss your requirements.

What is a bridging loan exit strategy?

When taking out a bridging loan you will be required to provide details of your exit strategy, the method by which you will pay back the loan.

Bridging loans are an extremely valuable form of short-term finance that can help businesses to quickly acquire money to cover an expense before credit becomes available to them.

Just some of the reasons that businesses use bridging loans include funding unexpected expenses, paying urgent debts, and investing in time-sensitive business opportunities.

Before rushing in and requesting a bridging loan though it’s very important that you create a plan for paying back the money. This is called your exit strategy.

The price of a poor exit strategy

When you take out a bridging loan you will agree a date by which the debt will be repaid. If you cannot repay the amount by this time you will need to consult with your loan provider about what happens next. 

In some instances, it may be possible to extend the loan, but beware that this is not always the case. A late repayment could end up costing you a considerable amount in renewal costs or late payment penalties, as well as having a negative effect on your credit rating, so it’s wise to ensure that you have a reliable exit strategy in place before going ahead.

Typical exit strategies

Your exit strategy will depend entirely on your business’ unique circumstances and the reason that you required the bridging loan.

A few examples of typical exit strategies include:

  • Selling a property or land
  • Selling debt to a collection agency
  • Selling shares or assets
  • Inheritance
  • Refinancing

For further information about bridging loans,or help and advice with creating a sound exit strategy, get in touch with our team of experts here at Richmond Asset Finance by calling us on 0113 288 3277.

Using livestock lending to improve the genetics of your animals

Whether you’re a beef or dairy farmer, improving the genetics of your herd has countless benefits to both your animals’ welfare and your profit.

If you’re considering increasing the size of your herd, choosing animals with superior genetics will increase the profitability of your investment.

Here are just a few of the key benefits of investing in livestock with superior genetics.

Improve animal welfare– Genetically superior animals should be healthy and resilient, giving them a better quality of life and making them a more ethical investment. 

Resist diseases– Disease in livestock has a devastating financial impact on farmers. Livestock with superior genetics are better at fighting disease, making them a more reliable investment.

Reproduction rates – Genetically superior livestock are a cost-effective investment as they are bred to have better fertility and survival rates.

Increased production– Farmers are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency and production rate of their livestock to elevate profits. Livestock can be bred with genetics that relate to traits like better marbling of meat, fat depth or muscle score to improve the value and appeal of the product.

Climate-friendly– Improve your farm’s social responsibility by factoring into your buying decision the impact that your livestock has on the environment. Livestock bred with a higher feed conversion efficiency emit less methane into the environment.

Feed efficiency– As well as being more environmentally friendly, livestock with a high NFE (net feed efficiency) rating can reduce animal feed expenses whilst increasing production rates to improve your margins.

Funding the purchase of livestock

Livestock lending services make growing and improving the genetics of your farm’s herds an affordable investment. Depending on your requirements, here at Richmond Asset Finance we offer both short and long-term livestock lending solutions. 

For more information or to discuss your requirements, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

How farmers can overcome cash flow problems

Farmers must brush up on their financial management skills to tackle the industry’s current cash flow crisis.

Falling prices, tight margins and growing debts are all putting farmers at risk of running into serious cash flow problems.

A 2016 study conducted by the Prince’s Countryside Fund found that 49% of surveyed farm businesses were suffering from cash flow problems, and the problem has only intensified since then.

Cash flow is essential to any business’ financial security and ability to invest in new opportunities and grow. Farmers in financial difficulty should act immediately to free up money and resolve cash flow issues.

Review your budgeting– If your farm business is struggling with cash flow then it’s time to sit down and review your budget and financial plan for the year ahead. Cut all non-essential expenditure for the short-term and prioritise expenditure that will generate cash flow.

Chase debtors– If you have outstanding debts owed to you then now is the time to start chasing them. Poor accounts receivable management is one of the biggest causes of cash flow problems. Make sure that you have a process in place to encourage debtors to pay you on time.

Extend repayment periods– If you have loans outstanding then speak with your lenders to see if you can arrange to extend your repayment period to reduce your monthly outgoings.

Liquidate stored crops– Liquidating your stored crops isn’t a decision that should be made lightly, but if you’re in desperate need of an injection of cash it offers a quick way of putting cash in your pocket. This is only a short-term strategy and reserves should be built up again once you are out of immediate financial danger.

Defer large investments– Reign in the spending until you’re confident that your business is out of the danger zone. If you’re having problems with vehicles or machinery, try getting them repaired instead of replacing them until your cash flow is looking healthier.

Explore farm funding options– There are plenty of useful farm funding solutions on the market today that can help struggling farms to safely and affordably gain the cash flow they require to grow their business. Farm asset finance can help farmers to afford the new equipment or vehicles they need to work more efficiently, and farm asset refinancing allows farmers to free up money tied up in unused assets.

To find out more about the farm funding solutions available from Richmond Asset Finance, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

5 tips for farmers facing financial difficulties

Farmers facing financial challenges should act immediately to identify and resolve problems before they become more serious.

Poor cash flow, falling prices, increased competition and Brexit uncertainty are all causing UK farmers a financial headache.

It is a difficult economic climate for the farming industry and farmers must practice careful financial management, keeping a close eye on their debtors and cash flow to avoid running into serious financial difficulties.

If your farming business is already in distress, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the problem from spiralling. Here are five tips for easing financial pressure. 

Check your cash flow– If your farm business is lacking cash flow it puts you in a precarious financial position and can prevent your business from growing. It’s important to keep accurate and up-to-date records of all income and expenditure and ensure that you always know where you stand with your cash flow at any one time. 

Review your budget– If cash flow is a problem for your farm then it’s time to review your budget and financial plan. Make cutbacks where possible to reduce your costs and improve your margin.

Consider diversifying– More than half of England’s farmers are now successfully diversifying their business. Look for alternative sources of revenue by thinking about ways you can leverage your existing assets. 

Farm asset finance– If your business is struggling or stagnating because you can’t generate the funds to purchase new machinery, vehicles, or other assets, then consider farm asset finance. Asset finance makes the best farming equipment more affordable, helping farmers to boost productivity and reach their full potential.

Farm asset refinance– Unlock the cash that is tied up in unused machinery or vehicles by refinancing them. Refinancing farm equipment can help to free up money to ease cash flow problems or fund the purchase of a new asset to increase your efficiency or production rate.

For more information about farm asset finance, or to discuss other funding solutions available, give our team here at Richmond Asset Finance a call on 0113 288 3277.

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