A state of the art office building has been created from a converted cattle shed on a Bretford farm – as one Warwickshire farmer proves that diversification can work.

Newnham Grounds on Kings Newnham Lane in Bretford now has a new two-storey office which was built after the success of two previous conversions and will provide space for around 40 new jobs in the area and vital income for the farming family.

David Reay, owner of the farm, said: “A lot of farms across the country are having to diversify to get more funds and there ARE two main things you can do with old buildings”.

“One is to rent them out as storage space and the other is conversions – we thought that office conversions have more opportunities.”

Pictured: David Reay (right) with Nick Holt

The new offices have ground source heat pumps installed that control the temperature of the room in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Previously the farm converted a barn and a granary into offices which are currently housed with staff from an internet company and a haulage firm.

Newnham Grounds has been in the Reay family for three generations and is quite different from what the 1918 farm offered.

David said: “We have recently bought a cattery and are building up a livery business on another farm so we are looking to expand and diversify further to make sure we maximise our income.

“In this day and age we need to adapt to make the most of our opportunities. We are fortunate with our location in Warwickshire because we have good communications.

“Quite often farms do have opportunities close at hand but it does take finance and a great deal of time and dedication which has certainly been worth it in our case.”

Nick Holt, of D&P Holt who are marketing the property, said that properties on farms suited certain companies.

“Modern technology has meant that companies can be far more adaptable. While some firms have to be in the heart of a city centre or on a business park, others do not have to have that same level of accessibility so the setting – and competitive rents – are very appealing.

“Everyone wins. The farmer has an income, old buildings are put to a good use and companies find very suitable accommodation which will helpfully allow them to thrive and grow.”

Newnham Grounds which is located near the B4455 Fosse Way is also close to the A428 leading to Coventry and Rugby with ample parking space for companies looking to rent.