National Farmers Union Services is to help farmers and other rural business people develop their marketing acumen through a programme of workshops beginning this autumn. Twenty "stratagems for successful entrepreneurship" sessions will focus on helping rural industries recover from the impact of foot and mouth disease. The seminars will address issues such as understanding niche markets, building strong networks for growth and support, and business delivery. Sales skills will also figure in the programme. NFU Services has teamed up with RDI Resource Dynamics International and Pershore College in Worcestershire for the programme which is funded by the Learning Skills Council. RDI's md Andrew Pearson said: "This will provide practical tools and solutions to address some of the most frustrating and perplexing challenges facing rural businesses today. It will help farmers and other rural professionals build a coherent low cost marketing strategy." NFU Services product manager Tina Murphy said the programme provided a unique networking opportunity for businesses to gain some useful insights. Interest in the programme has been high, she added. The workshops take place between October and March 2002 at two locations in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. They are available at a reduced price of £10 to businesses affected by foot and mouth disease. The NFU is also working with the IGD and DEFRA on a series of supply chain workshops for farmers. {{PEOPLE MOVES }}

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