£120m Funding Boost for British Farmers
)
Rural Asset Finance Secures Groundbreaking Government-Backed Deal
The sponsors of the LAMMA Innovation Awards, Rural Asset Finance, have just announced one of the biggest pieces of agricultural finance news in years, and it could open up huge opportunities for farmers across the UK.
In an important move, the British Business Bank has approved Rural Asset Finance as only the 13th delivery partner for its ENABLE Guarantee Scheme in more than a decade. This makes farming one of the very few sectors to benefit from this government-backed guarantee, a major vote of confidence in UK agriculture.
What does this mean for UK farmers?
The deal will unlock up to £120 million in new loans and equipment finance to help farmers expand, diversify, and future-proof their businesses. Funding is being provided by NatWest Bank and BCI Capital, with the British Business Bank guaranteeing a large portion of NatWest’s share.
This guarantee significantly reduces the cost of risk, allowing Rural Asset Finance to offer more competitive finance agreements to agricultural businesses.
According to Matthew Smart, Managing Director of Rural Asset Finance:
“With the support of the British Business Bank’s ENABLE Guarantees programme, alongside lenders NatWest Bank and BCI Capital, this enhanced facility carries an attractive credit margin, which gives Rural Asset Finance a highly competitive offering to our borrowers. As a result, we are now best placed to support farmers driving efficient high-tech food production, as well as those diversifying into alternative revenue streams. Food production and diversification on UK farms are key to ensuring a healthy, robust future for the industry and the wider rural economy in the current challenging geo-political landscape.”
The funding will support projects such as:
-
Investing in high-tech food production
-
Diversifying into alternative revenue streams
-
Adding renewable energy installations to farms
-
Expanding facilities to improve efficiency and sustainability
Michael Strevens, Managing Director of the British Business Bank, emphasised that this transaction builds on their commitment to increase funding to smaller rural businesses, particularly in sustainable farming initiatives.
By including a pricing incentive linked to sustainability performance, the programme encourages farmers to invest in green solutions, making it easier to fund projects like solar installations, anaerobic digesters, and water efficiency systems.
A strong partnership for the future
The combined expertise of Rural Asset Finance, NatWest, and BCI Capital means farmers can access tailored finance solutions that match the realities of agricultural business cycles.
As Matthew Whittle from NatWest noted, the ENABLE Guarantee “will help unlock capital, reduce costs and ultimately increase access to competitive funding for agricultural and rural businesses across the UK.”
Meet Rural Asset Finance at LAMMA 2026
As proud sponsors of the LAMMA Innovation Awards, Rural Asset Finance will be on hand at the show to share more about this exciting funding opportunity and how it could help your business grow.
Whether you’re looking to invest in the latest equipment, diversify your farm operations, or go green with renewable energy, this new deal could be the financial springboard you’ve been waiting for.
LAMMA 2026 – 14-15 January, NEC Birmingham
