COUNTRYWIDE, the Worcestershire-based business which supplies products and advice to the rural community, has opened its new head office in Evesham.

Providing a home for nearly 200 staff, the new headquarters offers ideal working conditions along with state of the art technology.

Costing £4m, including the freehold, this is a substantial investment for Countrywide and is seen as a key element of the group’s growth strategy. The former HQ at Defford will now be used for warehousing and distribution.

BBC presenter and celebrity farmer Adam Henson, who runs Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, near Cheltenham, opened the offices at Vale Business Park. He said: “I am genuinely thrilled to be here. I have a long term relationship with Countrywide, both through the farm, at home and with my family. It is wonderful to see the success, passion and enthusiasm it brings to its business.

“It is very exciting times within the food and agriculture industry as people reconnect with their roots and as a local farmer where better for Countrywide to relocate than Evesham representing so much that is good within the countryside”

Nigel Hall, chairman of Countrywide, said: “We are delighted with the move to Evesham and feel we have created a facility to match our ambition.”