Growing your Food & Drink Business

Thursday 4 May 2017: 9am – 1pm followed by lunch and tour of Montgomery Cheddar

North Cadbury Court, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7DR (just off the A303)

Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-member £50; Students & YFC members £5
Non-members who join on the day will have their event fee refunded

Supported by: Browne Jacobson

The agri-food sector, from farm to consumer, plays a significant part in the UK economy, contributing £109bn in 2014 and supporting over  four million jobs  - 13.5% of the total number of people employed nationally, many of which are based in rural locations.

This event will provide practical and professional advice about starting up a project, adding value and growing it into a successful enterprise within the industry. Speakers will examine the issues pertinent to those wishing to start up including funding, negotiating complex legal regulations and marketing products effectively.

We will also be hearing from CLA members at the forefront of the industry who have developed their products, and encouraged substantial business growth through challenging times often through exporting. This will tie in with the CLA’s position on Brexit and the Governments future policy for the industry.

Following the seminar our host Jamie Montgomery will take a group on a tour of Montgomery Cheddar.

Speakers will include:

•         Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Rural Business and Economics Adviser
•         John Sheaves, Chief Executive, Taste of the West
•         Francesca Johnson, Redevelop
•         Browne Jacobson
•         Andy Fussel, Fussel’s Fine Foods
•         Simon Bryon-Edmond,  MD Chunk of Devon
•         Catherine Mead, Lynher Dairies and Cornish Yarg
•         Duncan Sinclair, Agriculture Manager, Waitrose

This seminar will examine:

•         Legalities
•         Marketing
•         Funding
•         Business Growth
•         Exporting
•         Brexit – What it means for the Food and Drink industry
•         Case Studies

Artisan Provender www.artisanprovender.com will be exhibiting

Click here to book

Planning, Development & Housing

Tuesday 21 March 2017: 10am – 3pm

Muddifords Court, Willand, Cullompton EX15 2QG

Price: £40 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-member s £60; Students & YFC members £5

Non-members who join on the day will have their event fee refunded

Supported by: Charles Russell Speechleys, Bruton Knowles and Albert Goodman

Owners of land with development potential know only too well that getting land developed for housing is a complex business. There are many stages in what can be a very long term process requiring input from professionals on planning, design, legal, financial and other aspects.

Getting planners and the local community onside is key. Good design and communications strategy are important but there are also other issues such as the legalities of option agreements and getting the right balance of affordable units in the development without compromising its viability.

The CLA successfully lobbies on rural planning and housing policy.  As well as influencing the current NPPF, the CLA also published in 2013 ‘Tackling the Housing Crisis in England’ which set out the CLA’s vision for securing and increasing housing supply in England.  This report identified the lack of ability to bring land forward for development as a key factor behind long-term housing undersupply in rural areas. However, there is an increasing need to create developments where the needs of people and the community are incorporated into the design. These principles are central to the recent Prince’s Foundation for Building Community “Landowner’s Guide to Good Development”.

As well as covering the various stages in bringing forward development schemes, this seminar will cover good community design and consultation principles, explore ways of financing affordable housing and provide an opportunity to hear from CLA members who are ‘bucking the trend’ with their own housing projects. Context will be provided through an update on existing housing policy, forthcoming legislation and an overview of what lobbying CLA is doing to help landowners bring rural land forward for much needed housing development.

Speakers will include:

•             The Princes Trust Foundation for Building Community

•             Vic O’Brien, Halo Housing

•             Simon Conibear, Estate Director, Duchy of Cornwall, Poundbury

•             Matthew O’Connell, CLA National Housing Adviser

•             Helen Hutton & Geoffrey Jordan, Charles Russell Speechleys

•             Dominic Crilly, Partner, Albert Goodman

•             Scott Winnard, Bruton Knowles

•             Sir Henry Elwes KCVO JP

•             Mark Heywood FRICS MRIN

•             Charles Hignett, CLA Somerset past Chairman

The seminar will cover:

•             Housing Policy context and update

•             Relevant Planning Issues

•             The Mechanics of Development

•             Option & promotion agreements

•             Tax considerations

•             Financing rented affordable rural housing

•             Good design and community consultation

•             Setting up structures for public realm management

•             Case studies

Click here to book

Camping, Glamping, Caravan Sites & Tourism

Tuesday 14 March 2017: 9.30am – 1pm

Lackham Agricultural College, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2NY

Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £50; Students & YFC members £5

Non-members who join on the day will have their event fee refunded

Supported by:  Carter Jonas and Clarke Willmott

Tourism is an important industry for creating economic growth in rural areas.  Being home to two UNESCO World heritage sites and many other tourism sites of national importance, Wiltshire has grown in recent years as a popular tourist destination.  However, supply has not kept up with demand and there is a significant shortage of rural tourism accommodation.  This event will provide practical and professional advice about creating and managing camping, Glamping and caravan sites as well as providing bed and breakfast accommodation.  Whether you are thinking of starting a business or looking to expand, our speakers can offer expert advice and experience of doing just that.   

Speakers will include:

·         Alistair Handyside; CLA member, CLA Devon Committee & CLA tourism advocate for the South West

·         Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service Rural Safety Team

·         Damien Field, The Caravan & Camping Club

·         Visit Wiltshire

·         Clarke Willmott

·         Carter Jonas

The seminar will cover:

• ·         How to pitch your offer – marketing and social media
• ·         Planning consents and camping and caravan licenses
• ·         Adding value to the experience – money making trends
• ·         Pricing, pets and public liability
• ·         Rating, responsibilities, rules and regulations
• ·         Capital Grants and growth money available

Yurts for Life and The Classic Pod Company will be exhibiting.

Click here to book

Rural Tax: Know the ABC

Tuesday 7 March 2017: 4pm – 7pm

The Alverton Hotel, Tregolls Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1ZQ

Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5

Non-members who join on the day will have their event fee refunded

Supported by: Clarke Willmott & Francis Clark

Although taxation is a necessary evil there are things you can do to minimise your tax bill. We have an excellent line up of speakers who are experts in their field and will do their best to sweeten the taxation pill for you. How is agriculture viewed by HMRC? What are the tax pros and cons of different business structures? What are capital allowances and how can they help my business? What are the key considerations and reliefs available when passing assets on to the next generation? How do you minimise capital gains tax on development land and VAT on construction work? What is the general tax outlook and how does CLA influence it? If you want to make the right tax decisions and avoid expensive mistakes, this is the seminar for you.

Agenda:
4.00 Registration & Coffee
4.30 Tax Policy Outlook, Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
General comments on Tax Policy ‘direction of travel’ looking forward; CLA’s role in influencing policy and advising members on tax issues
4.50   A is for ‘Agriculture’ Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
Explanation of the definition of agriculture for tax purposes and the general tax treatment of agricultural businesses by HMRC
5.00 B is for ‘Business’, Francis Clark
A review of the tax considerations of different Business structures (Sole Trader, Partnership, Ltd Company, Contract Farming, Share Farming)
5.30 Q & A
5.40 Comfort break
5.50 C is for ‘Continuity’, Stuart Thorne, Partner Clarke Willmott Solicitors
Inheritance Tax Planning, Agricultural & Business Property Reliefs, HMRC treatment of ‘Farmhouses’ and of ‘trading’ vs. ‘investment’ activities, relevance of key cases such as the ‘Balfour’ case. Wills, Trusts and Power of Attorney
6.30  D is for ‘Diversification & Development’ Francis Clark
Use of Capital Allowances; Capital Gains Tax & Development land  including options over land
Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser – Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms – the future of the ‘mixed use’ category. VAT & construction work – the impact of certain planning conditions.
7.00   Q & A - Tea & Depart

Click here to book

Rural Tax: Know the ABC

Thursday 23 February 2017: 4pm – 7pm

Junction 24 Ltd, Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset TA6 6DF
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5

Non-members who join on the day will have their event fee refunded

Supported by: Porter Dodson & Francis Clark

Although taxation is a necessary evil there are things you can do to minimise your tax bill. We have an excellent line up of speakers who are experts in their field and will do their best to sweeten the taxation pill for you. How is agriculture viewed by HMRC? What are the tax pros and cons of different business structures? What are capital allowances and how can they help my business? What are the key considerations and reliefs available when passing assets on to the next generation? How do you minimise capital gains tax on development land and VAT on construction work? What is the general tax outlook and how does CLA influence it? If you want to make the right tax decisions and avoid expensive mistakes, this is the seminar for you.

Agenda:
4.00 Registration & Coffee
4.30 Tax Policy Outlook, Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
General comments on Tax Policy ‘direction of travel’ looking forward; CLA’s role in influencing policy and advising members on tax issues
4.50   A is for ‘Agriculture,’ Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
Explanation of the definition of agriculture for tax purposes and the general tax treatment of agricultural businesses by HMRC
5.00 B is for ‘Business’, Francis Clark
A review of the tax considerations of different Business structures (Sole Trader, Partnership, Ltd Company, Contract Farming, Share Farming)
5.30 Q & A
5.40 Comfort Break
5.50 C is for ‘Continuity’, Kate James, Partner, Cathryn Smith, Associate, Porter Dodson Solicitors
Inheritance Tax Planning, Agricultural & Business Property Reliefs, HMRC treatment of ‘Farmhouses’ and of ‘trading’ vs. ‘investment’ activities, relevance of key cases such as the ‘Balfour’ case. Wills, Trusts and Power of Attorney
Tax Planning for Succession; Overcoming Family Breakdown
6.30 D is for ‘Diversification & Development’ Francis Clark
Use of Capital Allowances; Capital Gains Tax & Development land  including options over land
Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser – Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms – the future of the ‘mixed use’ category. VAT & construction work – the impact of certain planning conditions.
7.00   Q & A - Tea & Depart

Click here to book

UNDERSTANDING BREXIT - What it means for you and your business

This series of  meetings is being organised by the CLA in the South West to offer members an exclusive opportunity to hear from CLA experts about how Government is set up to manage the UK’s exit from the European Union.

We will also be exploring the Government’s priorities and the implications for those that own land and run businesses in the countryside.

Key issues include the immediate issues related to the Common Agricultural Policy and what will replace it; the UK’s approach to trade negotiations with the EU and the rest of the world; the opportunities and risks of changes to regulations; and the future of labour supply.   

You will hear what the CLA is doing for you at this critical time; have a chance to hear from peers and share your views on the risks and opportunities ahead. It is also a chance to discuss with members the CLA’s objectives and the best ways of achieving them – the whole debate will help inform our decision making.

The meetings will take place on 7 and 9 September at the following venues:

7 September

8.30am                 Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PY

12.30pm               White Horse Enterprise Centre, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0XA

4.30pm                 Ingleside House, Cirencester, Glos GL7 1BN

9 September

8.30am                 Kingsley Village Centre, A30, Fraddon, Truro, Cornwall TR9 6NA

12.30pm               Exeter Court Hotel, Exeter, Devon  EX6 7UX

4.30pm                 Junction 24, Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6DF

The cost is £10 and each meeting will last approximately two hours and the morning meetings will include tea, coffee bacon rolls and Danish pastries, the lunchtime ones sandwiches and the evening ones tea and cake.

To reserve your place got to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents

Managing Rented Properties
Wednesday 16 November: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9PT
Price: £30 CLA members; £40 Non-members inc VAT

Supported by: Savills

In recent years there has been significant new legislation and numerous revisions to previous Housing Acts which affect residential lettings. Letting a property is fraught with compliance issues and there is an ever increasing need for an efficient, clear and consistent approach to managing let property as well as having the best possible procedures in place to ensure best practice and meeting statutory requirements. It has never been more important for Landlords and Letting Agents to fully understand their obligations and are compliant with the current legislation.

The seminar will cover:
• Regulatory and Compliance Update
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
• A Market Update on Residential Lettings
• A Case study on managing a Residential Portfolio

Speakers will include:
• Matthew O’Connell, CLA National Housing Advisor
• Tim Mockridge, Savills, Strategic Projects
• Richard Morris MRICS FAAV, Savills
• Andrew Woollacott MRICS FAAV, Savills
• Simon Derby FRICS FAAV, Savills

Click here to book

Equine Seminar – Putting the Industry Through Its Paces
Thursday 10 November 2016: 9.30am – 2.15pm
Unicorn Trust Equestrian Centre, Netherswell, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1JZ
Price: £30 CLA member; £40 Non-Member inc VAT

Supported by: Butler Sherborn, Lodders, McLoughlin Planning & Hazlewoods

The UK equine industry contributes some £7 billion a year to the UK economy and provides full time employment of about 200,000 people, the majority of which are based in rural areas.   With nearly four million people involved in riding or equestrian sports in this country, many see this as a great business opportunity.

The CLA recognises that within its membership of 33,000, that there will be many who are directly or indirectly involved within the equine industry and with several changes in legislation in recent years, the CLA has produced a new equestrian Handbook titled “Horses and the Law”, which will be launched at this event.

This seminar will examine issues pertinent to those already running – or thinking of running – an equine business. With experts in the field (and the saddle), we will cover a range of subjects including planning, rates, employment law, Health & Safety, tax, livery contracts and liability.

Once the main business is concluded, International event rider Ben Way will be offering a demonstration to members on board one of his top horses.

This seminar will examine:

• Planning
• Business rates
• Employment
• Health & Safety
• Livery
• Transport
• Legislation for jumps/fencing/exercising
• IHT
• Property

Speakers will include:
• Ben Way, Head of Equestrian Propety Butler Sherborn & International event rider
• Richard Greasby, Head of Rural, Butler Sherborn
• CLA National Adviser
• Representatives from Lodders Solicitors
• Nathan McLoughlin, McLoughlin Planning
• Nicholas Smail, Partner, Hazlewoods, Accountants
• Kath Leonard, Joint Support Lead, Cotswold DC & West Oxon DC

Click here to book

Saving the Family Silver
Wednesday 2 November 2016: 6pm – 8pm finishing with drinks & nibbles
Foot Anstey, Salt Quay House, 4 North East Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0BN
Price: £10 CLA members; £15 Non-Members inc VAT

Supported by: Foot Anstey

Dealing with a family estate can be complicated not only in its own terms but in terms of the emotional and familial relationships which arise.

Decisions you make about your business, your wealth and your affairs have the potential to affect not only you but the lives and wellbeing of those closest to you and those that come after you.

This event will focus on a land owning family where:

• An important family member is losing mental capacity and has not yet made a will
• A young family member is about to get married
• There are serious financial problems for the business which are compounded by an aging workforce and the imminent loss of the basic payment
• Land on the edge of the estate has just been allocated in the local plan for residential development

Speakers will include:

• Joel Woolf – Head of Agricultural Foot Anstey
• Lucy Gill – Contentious Probate Foot Anstey
• Stacey Bryant – Mental Capacity Foot Anstey
• Jessica Pitt – Matrimonial Foot Anstey
• James Collings – Employment Foot Anstey
• John Catchpole – Landowner Development Foot Anstey

Click here to book

The ABC of Farm Tax – Cornwall
Wednesday 21 September 2016: 9.30am – 12.45pm
Llanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5AQ
Price: £30 CLA members; £40 Non-members inc VAT

Supported by: Old Mill

Matters relating to the taxation of assets and wealth have become increasingly complex and there is the potential for still further change and complexity. Too often the lack of appropriate action, or inertia, can have far reaching effects on assets both now and in the future. This seminar will explore both current and future farm tax issues, as well as challenges and opportunities facing both owners and their advisers.

Introduction
• Tax Policy; ‘the direction of travel’ looking forward; the CLA’s role
A - Agriculture
• Explanation of favourable tax treatment for agricultural businesses
B- Business
• Tax considerations of different business structures (Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited Companies, Contract Farming, Share Farming)
C – Continuity
• Inheritance tax planning – Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs; the Farmhouse; HMRC treatment of trading vs investment activities; the Balfour case.
• Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney
D – Diversification, development and investment
• Use of Capital Allowances
• Capital Gains Tax & Development land – including options over land
• Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms –  the future of ‘mixed use’
• VAT issues on construction

Speakers will be:
• Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
• Representatives from Old Mill Accountants

Sandwich lunch will be provided. Click here to book

The ABC of Farm Tax - Gloucestershire
Tuesday 11 October 2016: 9.30am – 12.45pm
Toad Hall, Trull Farm, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8SQ
Price: £30 CLA members; £40 Non-members inc VAT

Supported by: Old Mill & Clarke Willmott

Matters relating to the taxation of assets and wealth have become increasingly complex and there is the potential for still further change and complexity. Too often the lack of appropriate action, or inertia, can have far reaching effects on assets both now and in the future. This seminar will explore both current and future farm tax issues, as well as challenges and opportunities facing both owners and their advisers.

Introduction
• Tax Policy; ‘the direction of travel’ looking forward; the CLA’s role
A - Agriculture
• Explanation of favourable tax treatment for agricultural businesses
B- Business
• Tax considerations of different business structures (Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited Companies, Contract Farming, Share Farming)
C – Continuity
• Inheritance tax planning – Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs; the Farmhouse; HMRC treatment of trading vs investment activities; the Balfour case.
• Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney
D – Diversification, development and investment
• Use of Capital Allowances
• Capital Gains Tax & Development land – including options over land
• Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms –  the future of ‘mixed use’
• VAT issues on construction

Speakers will be:
• Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
• Stuart Thorne, Corporate Partner, Clarke Willmott
• Representative from Old Mill Accountants

Sandwich lunch will be provided

Click here to book

The ABC of Farm Tax
Tuesday 20 September 2016: 2.00pm – 5.30pm
Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9PT
Price: £30 CLA members; £40 Non-members inc VAT

Supported by: Old Mill & Porter Dodson

Matters relating to the taxation of assets and wealth have become increasingly complex and there is the potential for still further change and complexity. Too often the lack of appropriate action, or inertia, can have far reaching effects on assets both now and in the future. This seminar will explore both current and future farm tax issues, as well as challenges and opportunities facing both owners and their advisers.

Introduction
• Tax Policy; ‘the direction of travel’ looking forward; the CLA’s role
A - Agriculture
• Explanation of favourable tax treatment for agricultural businesses
B- Business
• Tax considerations of different business structures (Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited Companies, Contract Farming, Share Farming)
C – Continuity
• Inheritance tax planning – Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs; the Farmhouse; HMRC treatment of trading vs investment activities; the Balfour case.
• Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney
D – Diversification, development and investment
• Use of Capital Allowances
• Capital Gains Tax & Development land – including options over land
• Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms –  the future of ‘mixed use’
• VAT issues on construction

Speakers will be:
• Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser
• Kate James, Porter Dodson
• Dan Knight, Old Mill

Click here to book