RABDF launches dairy entrepreneurs club

This article is based on information provided by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), which has announced the launch of a new entrepreneurs' club for the dairy sector.

RABDF has launched a dedicated entrepreneurs club to bring together former participants of its long-running Entrepreneurs in Dairying (EiD) programme.

Building on the success of the EiD programme, it will offer past delegates ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration and peer-to-peer support.

RABDF Chief Executive Hayley Campbell-Gibbons said the club is an exclusive network open to all delegates who have taken part in the EiD programme over the past 14 years.

She explained that many wanted continued support after finishing the course. The new club offers a space to keep learning and developing as they grow their businesses and careers.

The club will also offer opportunities for members to gain board-level experience within the industry. This will help develop governance, leadership and strategic skills for those who want to progress further.

The club forms part of RABDF’s wider strategy to support progression in the dairy industry.

This includes opening channels for sharing knowledge, learning through experience, promoting excellence and supporting the development of future industry leaders.

RABDF Vice-Chair Tim Downes, said:

“The EiD programme has supported almost 500 aspiring dairy producers since its launch in 2012, delivered in conjunction with The Andersons Centre, AHDB Dairy and the NFU.

“So many dairy farmers, myself included, have put members of their team through the programme. It will be fantastic to reconnect this network of farmers to learn more about their journey and career development since they completed the programme.”

Former EiD delegate Andrew Edwards, who completed the programme in 2025, said:

“The networking was unbelievable, and the programme opened so many doors for me.

“Since completing EiD, I've secured a contract farming agreement and continue to benefit from the contacts and opportunities it created.

“The club will be a fantastic way to keep learning, sharing ideas and supporting like-minded people across the industry."