AN agricultural banker has joined Rural and Business Specialists Ltd (R&BS) to cover the south of England. 

Tom Thatcher has taken on the role at the mortgage consultancy, and will cover Dorset, South Wiltshire, West Hampshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight. He will be working with his colleague Richard Townsend, who covers Devon, Cornwall and South Somerset. 

With more than 33 years of practical farming and banking expertise, Tom will provide clients with strategic funding advice, structure lending applications and negotiate with multiple lenders for any business investments (such as land purchase, new buildings, diversification projects and finance restructuring). 

“Farming isn’t just a business – it’s a whole way of life, for often more than one family generation," Tom said.

"That’s why obtaining the best, flexible loan facilities and terms to enable the business to adapt, grow and achieve both business and lifestyle goals is so important. But that often can’t be achieved by sticking with your one existing bank or lender.

“R&BS have a strong reputation for delivering successful lending outcomes. Their practice of giving their clients the best choice of lending options from many different lenders across the finance marketplace is something I strongly believe in.

“Banks and lenders are open for business but obtaining finance can be challenging and time consuming - and is getting harder as banks tighten their policies and interest rates increase. I am looking forward to helping my clients navigate this mortgage minefield, to grow their businesses and achieve their lifestyle goals.”

To contact Tom call 07771 961219 or email tom@randbs.co.uk.

Tom ran his 400 acre mixed farm in Wiltshire until a family split in 1989, when he decided to change his career and go into farm finance. He was an agricultural manager for Clydesdale Bank for 14 years and with The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) for five years.

Until he took on his new role with R&BS, Tom was running his own business helping farmers with succession planning, changing banks, and claiming compensation for mis-sold finance products.

R&BS are national, independent business consultants who specialise in farm and rural property mortgages.