Mellksham accountants Old Mill has appointed an agricultural finance specialist to enhance its offering to farming clients.

Mike Awre, who recently retired from his role as regional agricultural manager for Lloyds Bank Agriculture, has joined the firm as a consultant.

He worked for Lloyds for 45 years and has spent the past 20 years focusing solely on the agricultural community. He will be able to help clients with all the financial aspects of their business.

He said: “I am a great believer in encouraging communication with the banks, and hope that in my new role I will be able to help businesses with this, whether they are looking at cash-flow problems or more positive plans for new projects and enterprises.”

Richard Haines, head of the Old Mill Melksham office said Mr Awre’s wide-ranging experience combined with the fact that he is already well known and respected will be a huge asset.

He said: “We are excited to have Mike joining our team. His quiet and calm style of advice is well respected by the farmers he has dealt with in Wiltshire and North Somerset over the years.”