FARMERS could soon minimise the financial risk of converting farm buildings by finding tenants before building work starts.

Chartered surveyors Fisher German has launched a new agency, Business in the Countryside, to help Worcestershire landowners threatened by rising interest rates and falling stock prices.

At the same time, the service will offer professional advice on obtaining planning permission, tendering, construction and management.

"Business Property in the Countryside will bring together farmers attracted by rents of up to £12 per sq ft with the increasing number of companies looking for better environmental conditions and easier access or storage and distribution space," said Trevor Wells, of Fisher German.

He said the agency would allow landlords to detail their planned or available buildings on to a database of local offices, workshops, storage or distribution units.

Prospective tenants would then be given a list of suitable properties and contact details.

"Once the landlord finds a tenant, a pre-let arrangement can often be agreed," Mr Wells added.

"This can secure a tenant on an agreed rent for a fixed term before the landlord has invested in converting the building.

"This helps the landlord by reducing the investment risk and the tenant who can specify his requirements at the planning stage."