Diversification

DIVERSIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Farmers and landowners are increasingly seeking opportunities to generate income from their land through non-agricultural activities.

These schemes can provide significant additional revenue and, in some cases, become the main source of income. However, they can also be complex and challenging to implement successfully. Through clear, pragmatic advice, our experienced, top-ranked Agriculture team has helped hundreds of rural businesses to thrive.


KEY CONTACTS

Duncan Sigournay

Partner 01225 340 064

Mark Charter

Partner 02380 930 314

 

STARTING DIVERSIFICATION

Starting any new business can be daunting, and specific challenges relate to rural diversification projects. Complex legal matters such as land covenants, long-term tenancy agreements and ownership arrangements often need to be navigated if a rural business is to thrive.

Our team is experienced in helping thousands of UK landowners, farmers and tenants overcome these challenges to generate income from successful businesses, profitably using land for a full range of commercial activities.

Our specialists, part of the largest and most experienced Agriculture team in the UK, build strong relationships with clients and get to know the intricacies of each business to ensure every opportunity reaches its maximum potential.

They also work closely with others in the firm – including our Employment, Corporate and Intellectual Property teams – to deliver expert advice on every aspect of starting up and growing a rural business.

 

Our expertise in this area encompasses:

 

  • Battery storage

  • Conversion of buildings to non-agriculture use · Equestrian – horse-riding schools and livery stables

  • Non-agricultural lettings and licensing · Renewable energy – water, solar and wind power, anaerobic digestors

  • Retail, such farm shops

  • Sports and leisure – shooting, clay pigeon shooting, quad bike riding, dog walking

  • Tourism - camping sites, events, holiday lets

  • Water storage


Take Five Guides

Your guide to biodiversity net gain opportunities in five steps.

Your guide to letting land for allotments in five easy steps

Five quick and easy ways to improve farm sustainability


Acting as National Farmers Union panel solicitors for more counties than any other law firm in the country, we have strong ties to the following:

  • Agricultural Law Association 
  • British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
  • Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
  • Country Land and Business Association
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Tenant Farmers Association

We are also proud to be the sole designated legal contributor to the Farmers Weekly Business Clinic.

NFU

Farmers Weekly

 


CONTACT

A highly experienced agricultural partner, Mark’s clients have included individuals, families, trusts, partnerships, companies and government departments on a range of agricultural matters. He is particularly experienced in dealing with the sale and purchase of farms, estates and agri-businesses, and in cases involving high-value secured lending for farms and estates. Mark also advises on development and diversification projects, including renewables, for landowners. LEGAL 500

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