5.3.1.1.4 Use of farm and forestry advisory services
BUSINESS AUDIT (Tier 2)
Article 20(a)(iv)
Measure Code (114)
Rationale for intervention
Planning is an essential part of successful business management. Unfortunately many land managers are busy dealing with the day to day running of their businesses and they have little time to set aside to step back and take a look at the business as a whole and assess its financial viability, environmental sustainability or potential opportunities for development.
Making financial support available for planning will encourage farmers and other land managers to take some time to carry out an assessment of their business without incurring large costs in consultants fees in drawing up a lengthy plan.
Objectives of the measure
To encourage land managers to proactively plan and develop their business by encouraging them to take the time to undertake an audit or health check of their business. This will provide them with a clear picture of their business and enable them to plan more effectively for the future.
Scope and actions
Support will be available to land managers who undertake an online or paper based audit of their business.
Beneficiaries
Land managers
Description of the operations
Examples of eligible audits are identified in the list below. Applicants will have to provide evidence that the audit has been completed and give details of the audit undertaken.
Examples of eligible audits
LEAF audit
Small Business Advice Service - business planning template
SEPA - 4 point plan
Rate of support (up to 80%)
Standard cost of £25 per audit undertaken based on time taken to complete. (80% of cost of 4 hours at £7.82/hour =£31.28)
Demarcation role with other EU financial instruments ( ESF)
No other funding is available for this measure.
Transition arrangements (including estimated amount)
N/A