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Risk management is an essential part of running any farm. However, when you diversify, the added risks that arise from your new venture are likely to be completely new to you.

These risks may include bringing paid visitors onto your farm for the first time, food hygiene risks associated with serving food and drink, and special event risks if you host weddings and parties.

If youre unsure of the best approach to identify and manage the added risks on your farm, now may be a good time to seek expert advice. NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited (RMS) have a team of professional health and safety and risk management consultants who can provide guidance on the latest legislation that you will need to be aware of as you develop your diversification plans.

They can support you as you go through the planning and construction phases and ensure that you are compliant with the law when you are ready to push forward with your plans. RMS have a wealth of experience in working with a wide range of businesses that First steps have diversified, big and small. Whether it be converting and opening a farm shop, a holiday let, caravan storage or a campsite with leisure facilities, the health and safety considerations require professional advice to ensure you get it right from the outset.

Most diversifications involve more people coming onto your farm so RMS can help with spotting the risks associated with more vehicles, more people and different types of businesses to keep you, your employees, contractors and suppliers, and your customers safe.

On top of this, RMS can provide specific guidance and protocols that are unique to your business diversification. From food hygiene requirements and safe working practices for cleaners, to providing insight into developing technologies and how best to use them, RMS are expertly placed to support you and can visit your farm and discuss your plans with you.

They will explain responsibilities under the law and provide a structure and series of recommendations to help improve safety. In short, our health and safety experts will help you assess any significant risks that require you to take action giving you peace of mind that your farm is a safe place to be for you, your family, your workers and the public too.

First steps

If youre not sure where to start, a great first step is speaking to your local agency office about expert health and safety advice, as well as NFU Mutual Risk Management Services. Simply visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/rms