David Selwyn

Name

David Selwyn

Location

Carmarthenshire but works pan Wales

Key Specialism

Agriculture Diversification including assessing different options, developing business plans and financial forecasts for business operations/understanding, planning and identifying/accessing funding sources (including grants)

Sector

Agriculture Diversification including:

 

  • Outbuilding development for various conversions including tourism, value added processing, storage, rental, other business activities e.g. engineering, office space etc)
  • Glamping – including pods, geodomes, bell tents, yurts, tipi’s, safari tents, hobbit holes, tree houses and other unique structures
  • Campsites (incl tent, caravan, tourer, statics etc).
  • Understanding value added options for tourism activities to improve profitability
  • On farm activities, events, festivals etc
  • Wedding venues
  • Equine activities
  • Vertical Farming
  • Value added processing for on farm produce e.g. milk vending, cheese, ice cream, ready meal production, burgers/sausages production, box schemes, pick your own etc. Also links to customer identification e.g. farm gate sales, wholesale, retail, farmers markets, sale to restaurants, hotels, cafes etc.

Why are you an effective Advisor?

  • David, as an agriculture diversification advisor, combines 20 years of knowledge, skills, and practical experience working as a business consultant. 
  • Thorough research is essential for David to provide valuable recommendations. He explores different options like agritourism, value-added product development, and renewable energy projects while considering potential risks and benefits. By analysing individual farm situations, David tailors his advice to meet the specific needs and goals of each farmer.
  • David's problem-solving skills help him overcome challenges and find innovative solutions for farm diversification. He actively engages with industry experts, studies real-life case studies, and remains open to new ideas. Building a strong network within the agricultural community enables him to gain insights and collaborate with other professionals.
  • Communication is key to David's success as an advisor. He communicates complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner, adapting his style to suit different audiences. Actively listening to farmers' concerns, he provides actionable recommendations that align with their objectives.
  • Remaining adaptable and up-to-date is crucial in the evolving agricultural industry. David stays informed about emerging trends, government policies, technological advancements and funding options including grants that impact agriculture diversification. He adjusts his knowledge and strategies accordingly, ensuring his advice remains relevant and effective.
  • David's ongoing support to farmers is a vital aspect of his role. He guides them through the implementation process, helps them navigate challenges, and evaluates progress. By continuously assessing the effectiveness of his advice and learning from both successful and unsuccessful projects, David improves his skills and enhances his ability to assist farmers in diversifying their operations.
  • In conclusion, David's effectiveness as an agriculture diversification advisor stems from his comprehensive knowledge, personalised approach, problem-solving skills, effective communication, adaptability, ongoing support, and commitment to learning. By following these steps, David aims to assist farmers in achieving successful and sustainable agriculture diversification.

Qualifications/Achievements/Experience

  • David Selwyn BA (Hons) is a director of Landsker Business Solutions and has worked as a business consultant with Landsker for nearly 20 years.

  • David has led the business planning and financial forecasting department within Landsker that has over the last 20 years assisted over 2,500 businesses, accessed over £130 million in client funding, helped launch 750+ new businesses and helped create circa 5,000 jobs to date.

  • David has a track record in supporting farms to identify agriculture diversification ideas, develop these ideas into working plans and support funding and planning applications to ensure that the idea can become a financially sustainable reality.
     

Top Tip/Quote

"Remember, agriculture diversification requires careful planning, research, and implementation. It's important to consider your specific farm's and families circumstances and interests, market conditions, and available resources and funding when choosing diversification strategies."