A SECTION FOR ENTREPRENEURS: Worms turn a lost cause into a thriving business

Jessica and Richard Davies owned 950 acres of versatile farmland in Powys but couldn't make conventional husbandry pay. Salvation came with a lowly form of livestock. Michael Wale reports.

Even the best-laid plans of mice and men go oft astray. So said Robbie Burns, and the phrase now makes a regular appearance whenever events don't run to plan. What Burns didn't mention, and what all entrepreneurs should know, is that even the worst catastrophes can be remedied if you have a plan B up your sleeve.

The ideal plan B is one that isn't too far away from the original. It should enable you to use existing resources differently, so that with deft tweaks and a willingness to try something new, a loss-making business can be turned around.