The Barony Business Development Centre (BBDC)

Need help with rural business development and diversification?
Want to find your way to sources of funding?
Confused by the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)
Have a business idea and want start-up advice?
Want assistance with staff training or management development?

Then you’ve come to the right place! - we provide rural business support across Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders and beyond.

The Barony Business Development Centre (BBDC) is a one stop shop, providing training, consultancy and advice for owners, managers and employees of rural  land-based and animal care businesses.

And if you want to start up or enter a land-based or animal care business for the first time, we have much to offer in the way of advice and training.

An initial needs assessment is always undertaken at no cost, and in addition – if your business is in Dumfries and Galloway or the Borders -  we are currently able to offer up to a day’s consultancy FREE OF CHARGE!

How we work

In addition to the wide range of support available through the expertise and skills of Barony College staff, BBDC works in partnership with a range of approved training associates and consultants and has strong links with other rural support agencies, ensuring that we can provide a comprehensive support service for rural industries.

We offer a wide range of services, including:

• Practical skills training and workforce development for land-based and animal care businesses
• Consultancy for rural  land-based and animal care businesses
• Advice about support agencies and funding for rural businesses
• Business and management skills development for rural businesses
• Distance learning for land-based and animal care businesses

Please contact us by e-mail for more information or telephone:

Trevor Jones, BBDC Manager:
Telephone 01387 242914
Email: