COUNTRYWIDE, the rural supplier and retailer, has secured £26 million from HSBC to support a growth strategy, which includes revamping its network of stores and spreading its presence across the UK.

The firm, which has its headquarters at Evesham, is targeting growth across the business, with a focus on the agricultural industry and the arable sector.

Les Collins, finance director, said: “Trading conditions remain tough and rural retailing is not immune from the difficult economic climate.

We have implemented a robust plan for growth that underpins Countrywide’s core business.”