Focus of study:    Project Management 
Sector:    Agriculture
Impact:   National and International
     
Take one farmer; add one TMB accredited adviser and watch sales grow
 
Stuart Loakes, a Cambridgeshire farmer, knew exactly what he wanted to do. But, like a lot of small to medium sized business operators, he wasn't quite sure how to go about it. Fortunately, getting together with Peter Cook, a Technology Means Business accredited adviser, helped him to achieve his objective: getting his business on the net and generating orders from around the world.
 
Stuart and his family have been farming for generations and, like a lot of farmers, had diversified. For Stuart this involved setting up and running Manor Farm granaries, which produces birdseed. A problem facing many farmers is that because they are so busy with essential day-to-day matters, there is little time left for new projects. This is just where Peter Cook, a TMB accredited adviser, was able to help. "Peter came in and geared us up for ICT. He guided us in the right direction and found the right people to do the job for us, for example, setting up the website. It was a very steep learning curve to get started on the web, but by using Peter, he kept us informed of new developments rather than us having to keep track of the technology".  
 
Sales are really taking off
 
Since trading started on the web, sales have really taken off and, says Stuart, there are other spin-offs for the business. "It's great because we get feedback. People answer questions that you can't ask in an ordinary shop. One thing we've learned from Peter is to remember that the website is just another shop window into your business. You need a core business first".
 
Stuart would advise anyone with a similar problem to use the services of a Technology Means Business accredited adviser. "There are a lot of people who say 'we can do it for you', we get them ringing up every day, but with an adviser like Peter you know he's not selling you a product, he's selling knowledge - the right approach, products and people to go for."
Peter believes that running a business can be a lonely job. "Competition is increasing as new technology impacts the business world, and very few businesses have all the knowledge or experience needed. By using a TMB accredited adviser, as and when required, you can overcome today's resource and knowledge gaps". Peter Cook, Wilson & Lee Partners, Cambridge.
 
Getting what you want, even when you're not sure how to achieve it.
 
Stuart Loakes is just one success story. Technology Means Business accredited advisers are helping smaller firms in all industries across the UK. Whatever the business obstacle, is, advisers with this accreditation can help you achieve your business goals by adopting information and communications technology effectively. Get in touch today and see how a TMB accredited adviser can help you.