Business support

Situated in the stunning grounds of the Royal Agricultural University, since 2018 The Alliston Centre has been the home of Farm491, the RAU’s business development space focused on land use innovation and the future of farming and food systems, and The Growth Hub Cirencester, part of the wider Growth Hub Gloucestershire network and a business hub focused on launching, growing and scaling businesses in the Cotswolds.

Farm491 proudly supports AgriTech, AgriFood and farming entrepreneurs in the UK and internationally in converting their ideas or technological solutions into viable and successful businesses.

While The Growth Hub Cirencester provides fully funded business support, including green consultancy, and free knowledge exchange events and workshops to pre-startups, startups, sole traders and small to medium size businesses in the Cotswolds, as well as offer co-working, meeting room and office hire.

RAU students and alumni

RAU students receive free membership at Farm491 and The Growth Hub Cirencester to work on their businesses.

RAU alumni receive free membership at Farm491 and receive 25% discount on membership and all other paid services at The Growth Hub Cirencester for 12 months after graduation.