Crosswoodhill Farm, Pentland Hills
Securing AMC finance for family to expand their farming and holiday cottage business.
Brief
Farming family, Hew, Geraldine and Angus Hamilton, were looking to finance the purchase of two neighbouring farms to expand both their farming activities and their award-winning Crosswoodhill Farm holiday cottage business. They were looking for a lender who was not only competitive but really understood the rural sector to support plans to use their current farming operation as a springboard for future development. “We felt that AMC was more likely [than other lenders] to understand our situation and what we wanted to do,” said Angus Hamilton.
Process
The Hamiltons met AMC Agent Sarah Tyson for an informal discussion at the 2018 Royal Highland Show at Ingliston just a few weeks after the land came onto the market. Although they did talk to other lenders, they chose AMC because of their sector knowledge, flexibility, competitive rates and expert help. Sarah supported the Hamiltons through all stages of the process, from helping to complete the application form, to collating supporting documents and valuing the property used as security … it’s all part of the AMC service!
Outcome
With Sarah’s expert guidance, AMC finance was arranged with the minimum of fuss, allowing the Hamiltons to start drawing up plans to develop a quadrangle of derelict farm buildings into self-catering accommodation for up to 20 guests. By expanding their acreage and developing a number of diverse enterprises at Crosswoodhill Farm and beyond, the family are creating a business that should thrive in these times of economic uncertainty. “Farming now isn’t just about sheep and cows – it’s managing all the resources at your disposal and looking at them as business assets competitively. AMC finance is key to expansion projects such as this,” says Sarah Tyson (pictured right with the Hamilton family). www.crosswoodhill.co.uk
Article posted on 21/06/2018