First-generation dairy farmers, Deen Taylor and Hannah Williamson, have opened a new 114-acre farm in Twyford with the support of a £130,000 funding package from HSBC UK.

Having secured a 10-year Dorset County Council farm tenancy, the former master thatcher and childcare assistant will use HSBC UK funding to purchase up to 120 dairy heifers. By milking the heifers in a year-round calving pattern, Deen and Hannah will supply produce to Blackmore Vale Dairy, based in Shaftesbury.

As the business grows, the young farmers plan to bring in an apprentice to give a local aspiring farmer the chance to gain work experience. This will see Deen and Hannah work with local secondary schools and offer students the opportunity to use the farm for a hands-on learning approach.

Deen Taylor, Dairy Farmer, commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Hannah and I to be opening a new dairy farm that will contribute to providing fresh produce to the local community at a time when the cost of living is increasing.  Our Relationship Manager at the bank, Gary Horton, has been an absolute pleasure to work with and we are very grateful for all his support.”

Gary Horton, Agricultural Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, said: “HSBC UK is committed to helping small businesses and we’re pleased to be supporting Deen and Hannah as they establish a new dairy farm which will help meet the demand for dairy products, whilst benefitting the local community and creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers.”

This funding has been secured from the £15bn HSBC UK SME Fund, a ring-fenced fund for small and medium sized businesses to support local economies and increase employment opportunities across the UK.