Archive Article: 2000/03/03

3 March 2000

uA NEW finance company aimed at the agricultural sector and related country industries has been launched by First National Bank, a member of the Abbey National Group. First National Country Capital, due to be launched in March, will finance land, machinery and vehicle purchases. It views agriculture as a key area for expansion, says managing director, Bob Wilson.

uMORE shoppers are buying their meat at supermarkets, according to the latest Meat Demand Trends from the Meat and Livestock Commission. Supermarket share rose from 58% in 1995 to 70% last year, though there are signs that the switch is slowing. The number of butchers shops has fallen by almost a third in the past decade to 9700. &#42