Turning the fortunes of farming through wind power

6th August 2014

An enterprising agricultural business in the Peak District is taking control of its future energy needs after securing fresh support from Yorkshire Bank.

With a history dating back more than 50 years, Gosling Farming Limited has become the first business to erect medium sized wind turbines in a UK National Park. Two 80kw turbines are now operational at Hilltop Farm in Parwich near Ashbourne within the Peak District National Park. The farm spans 530 acres and is primarily set aside for dairy farming, with a herd of 350 cows & a further 550 young stock.

Gosling Farming Limited has received a £650k funding package from Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Stafford. The development was only possible after the company satisfied a three year process to secure planning permission. The deal was made by, Danni Mulligan, Senior Relationship Manager in the Stafford Agricultural team.
Commenting on the deal Robert Gosling, said: “It took longer and cost more than expected but the project has definitely been worth the time, effort, and investment to get the project up and running.

“With rising costs we will now be in charge of our electricity supply for the next 20-25 years and also stand to make money with 40% of our output being available to sell back to the National Grid.

“Our progress in the last 12 months would not have been possible without the support of the Yorkshire Bank which has worked closely with our team to help us realise our ambitions.”

Gosling Farming Limited employs more than 5 full and part-time staff. Its current turnover is approximately £900,000. The latest round of funding will allow the company to develop its farming enterprise & other diverse  businesses operations  which will mean extra staff being taken on, with turnover expected to rise to in excess of £1.1m in the next three years.

Andy James, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Stafford said: “Our support for Gosling Farming reflects the experience, drive and commitment shown by Robert and his team and represents all that is good about the entrepreneurial spirit of businesses in the North West.

“As we begin to see signs of economic recovery, Yorkshire Bank remains focused on investing in the growth ambitions of the local business community.”