Training/Fresh Start

Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd offer training courses in a wide range of business and environmental management subjects. We also provide coordination and training services to the Fresh Start Academies.

All our trainers are experienced business managers and trainers. Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd. training courses are covered by the Rural Business and Training (RBAT) Network Quality Assurance criteria.

Courses offered include:

• Financial Management
• Diversification Project Management
• Carbon Auditing
• Green Business Management
• Benchmarking
• Environmental Management
• Marketing
• Health & Safety

Rural businesses may also be eligible for grants for up to 70% of training costs.

Laurence Gould Partnership Ltd also design, develop and deliver bespoke training course for commercial businesses, NGOs and Government Offices.

For a training needs assessment or for more information contact Douglas Jackson 01444 232822

The Government has long recognised the importance of new entrants to farming to ensure that the industry remains dynamic and innovative. Since 2004, Defra has worked closely with the National Stakeholder Partners, led by Sir Don Curry, Chair of the Implementation Group for Sustainable Farming and Food., to identify mechanisms to help new entrants / support intergenerational succession.

Fresh Start aims to secure a sustainable future for farming in England by:

• promoting an entrepreneurial culture, amongst the next generation of farm business owners
• promoting the use of generic business planning & management techniques
• promotion of farming (and all its associated activities) as an attractive career option for new entrants
• development of a "matching service" that will link potential new entrants to those wishing to reduce their direct involvement or retire
• development of a national mentoring capability for all new / growing farm enterprises
• practical support for a continual professional development culture to be adopted by everybody working in this industry

It is also actively seeking ways to encourage and support family succession, to develop strategies for continuity in which new entrants can develop through joint ventures, share farming, partnerships or contract operations to build and retain equity. The most successful part of the strategy has been the Fresh Start Academies.

The first was established in Sussex in 2005/6 and currently there are 17 Academies operating across the country. The Fresh Start Academy involves three elements - business skills training, mentoring and the possibility of identifying business opportunities via a match making network.

Laurence Gould co-ordinate Fresh Start Academies in a number of Regions. For further information on an academy near you contact: