Upcoming RED Talks
Rural Economic Development Talks, better known as RED Talks, began in 2020 to address the issues the rural economy and allied industries were facing from a global pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union. Positive and action-oriented in outlook, the Talks have been attended by over 1000 businesses from 25 countries worldwide for their unique combination of political and macroeconomic overviews, industry insight and sustainable finance and business advice.
RED Talks are held online and last between an hour and 90 minutes. The debates are too interesting to curtail! We bring together the best minds in politics, economics, business, finance, academia, medicine and science to discuss the big issues of the day and support leaders in agriculture, food and farming to find and seize opportunities for sustainable progress and growth. Following a series of short, snappy briefings from a thoughtfully selected panel of experts, the floor is opened to questions and comments from the audience so we can tailor the session to what you need.
Resetting Farm Resilience
At the second RED Talk in our Business Resilience Series, participants will gain practical, actionable insights into how to strengthen business performance and improve returns. The session will walk through how to spot early signs of problems and inefficiencies, manage cash and debt more effectively, and make informed decisions on cost reduction.
We’ll also explore how to approach investment and disinvestment, realign resources for better productivity, and assess whether diversification could open new profit streams. A focused look at supply chains and market analysis will help you consider whether you’re selling to the right customers, and what to do if you’re not.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to shape a resilient, forward-looking business strategy. It’s a valuable opportunity to step back, learn from experts, and take away ideas you can put to work immediately.
Financing Farm Futures
At the third RED Talk in our Business Resilience Series, we’ll take a clear, practical look at how food and farming businesses can access finance, and how best to use it to strengthen long-term performance. The session will start by exploring why borrowing can be a sensible and strategic choice, before walking through the main routes to securing finance, what lenders look for and how to secure preferential rates.
We’ll demystify the process by reviewing an example loan form, outlining the different types of debt available, and unpacking the real cost of borrowing so you can make informed decisions. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of what healthy levels of debt look like, how to spot early signs of financial strain, and how to handle debt that may be becoming unmanageable.
The session will round off with a look at emerging opportunities in green finance, as well as the grants and public funding streams that can support business resilience and investment in sustainability.
You’ll leave with clear, practical insights you can apply straight away – making this a valuable use of time for anyone navigating funding and investment in the food and farming sector.