Monday, December 11, 2017

Meet the Advisers - Rural Policy Update

Thursday 19 April 2018: 6pm hot fork supper & drinks. Policy Update 7pm – 9pm
The Canalside, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6LQ
Price: £FOC

With less than a year to go before the UK leaves the EU, this April event will bring members right up-to-date with where Brexit negotiations stand with regard to agriculture and the rural economy – and will take a glimpse at the likely shape of future domestic UK policy for agriculture, food and the environment.  By then we expect to have seen the publication of the new Agriculture Bill, a White Paper setting out the government’s 25 Year Environmental Plan and the start of discussions on the future of trade with the EU.

Everything may not have changed – but almost certainly, nothing will be the same.  The facts and the policy thinking will have moved on.

Members will hear from two of the CLA’s leading Policy Advisers, Charles Trotman - Senior Rural Business and Economics Adviser, and Susan Twining - Chief Land Use Policy Adviser, and from Bridgwater & West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.  Ian is currently a member of the House of Commons Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Select Committee and a previous member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

Together, they will address the critical issues of:
Trade
Labour
Rural Development
Regulation
Future of Agricultural Policy.

There will be the opportunity for members to raise other issues they feel are of extreme concern to landowners and rural businesses during the Brexit transition.

The meeting will begin with a hot fork supper and drinks with presentations, questions and discussion to follow.


Tax Planning & Asset Preservation

Thursday 12 April 2018: 9.15am – 3.30pm
Bowood House, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ
Prices: £45 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC), non-members £55; students and YFC members £5
Supported by: Quilter Cheviot, Old Mutual Wealth and Hazlewoods

Our annual finance seminar will be held at the magnificent Bowood House, home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.

In this seminar we will examine the threats and opportunities – too often assets are lost through lack of appropriate action or inertia. Our team of experts will look at opportunities to minimise tax liability, at the global investment market, inheritance and succession issues and at foreign exchange risk management. After the seminar we will have a two course lunch followed by a tour of the house and gardens.

This seminar will cover:
The latest ideas on minimising inheritance tax
Planning for succession – what to consider
Agricultural and Property Reliefs – an update
Tax efficient trading structures
Effective management of pensions and investments
Foreign exchange risk management
Investing in fine art

Speakers will be:
Quilter Cheviot
Old Mutual Wealth
Lawyer
Nicholas Smail, Hazlewoods
Will Richards, Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions
Russell Gous & Alistair Hutson, CLA Foreign Exchange (World First)

Bowood House, sits within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and has been home to the Lansdowne family since the 1st Earl of Shelburne purchased it in 1754.

The 9th Marquis, then Lord Shelburne, took over management of Bowood in 1972. He opened the house and grounds to the public in 1975. Today over half of the house is open to visitors, with the family living in the remainder. We will visit the Orangery, chapel, laboratory, library, sculpture gallery and exhibition room where there will be an exhibition with memorabilia commemorating 1918 – 2018. Bowood’s Estate Manager will also be on hand to answer questions about the estate.

Energy Efficiency and EPCs in Let Properties

Wednesday 21 March 2018:  10am – 3pm
Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2PQ

And

Thursday 22 March 2018: 10am – 3pm
Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0AA

Price: £35 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC), non-members £45; students and YFC members £5
Supported by: Mogers Drewett

Are you worried you will not be able to let your older properties from April 2018 when new                energy efficiency regulations take effect?
Do you despair when you hear that let properties must be able to show Energy Performance                Certificate (EPC) ratings of 'E or better' from April 2018, when you know they cannot achieve it          without costly work?
Surely there must be exemptions; or some funding available to help with the cost of the                        improvements needed?
What about Listed properties? - I heard they are exempt; but then I heard it’s not that simple.

If you have been asking yourself these sorts of questions, then you should come along to one of these CLA seminars designed specifically for owners of let property.

Whether you let one property or a hundred, whether they are domestic or non-domestic, whether they are on an existing tenancy or up for renewal, you cannot afford to ignore the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England & Wales) Regulations 2015 which take effect in under 6 months.

From April 2018, it will be potentially illegal to let a domestic or non-domestic building in the worst EPC bands of F or G, and owners may need to make improvements to achieve E rating before letting. There are exemptions and exceptions - but the regulations are complex. Property owners need to be informed so they take the best course of action to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, retain occupancy and undertake improvements which are appropriate to the property. Many of the property improvements which are encouraged are simply not suitable for older properties.

This seminar will cover the key aspects of how these new regulations will affect owners of let property. Come along to hear a range of CLA and other professional advisers cover the key rules, what properties are affected and from when, what exemptions there are, the Green Deal finance which is designed to help owners comply without up-front costs and many other relevant issues.

The seminar will cover:

Basics of the regulations, affected property types, exemptions
CLA’s role over past few years, advice to those affected, CLA Guidance Notes
What property owners should consider doing and when for residential & commercial properties,          tenancy considerations
Energy Performance Certificates and traditional buildings
How to reduce heating costs in buildings through various measures
Green Deal finance, how it works
How the rules relate to Listed buildings
Legal aspects including penalties for non-compliance

There will be a range of advisers and speakers with time for questions and discussion on the day. With so many people affected by these soon to be in force regulations, we expect these seminars to be popular. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

https://www.regonline.com/CalendarNET/EventCalendar.aspx?EventID=83116&view=Month

Be Ahead of the Curve - Ensuring the Farm Business is Fit for the Future

Tuesday 13 March 2018: 4 – 7pm
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9PT
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5 followed by hot fork supper
Supported by: Rural Solutions, Milsted Langdon, Parnalls and HSBC      

It would be foolhardy to think that there will not be challenges ahead for the agricultural sector post Brexit.  In the longer term, there may be reduced levels of government funding and what funding there is may be specifically targeted for environmental work, for helping with productivity or for dealing with volatility.

But there will also be opportunities for progressive farmers and for imaginative thinking around land use and releasing the value of environmental land management. It may also be the right time to exploit those underused building assets on the farm.

Achieving and maintaining a profitable business should be at the top of every farmer’s current agenda and having a good business strategy will be a vital element to the future proofing of many farm businesses. 

This event will look at the management of rural businesses, risk management tools and opportunities to grow and move forward with the intention of safeguarding the farm business for future generations.

This seminar will examine:

  • Methods to evaluate the current business with business intelligence
  • Reviewing your financial viability
  • Taking the right strategy for your business
  • Considering new opportunities
  • Capitalising on your existing assets
  • Making a wise investment
  • A bank’s perspective
  • The approach
  • The business plan
  • Diversifying – top legal tips to succeed
  • What you should be doing to make sure you can secure any required funding to diversify
  • Alternative means of financing projects
  • Engaging with the next generation – family and employees
  • Cloud Accounting & Making Tax Digital 
Speakers will include:


  • James Del Mar, Rural Solutions
  • Ian Lloyd, Partner, Milsted Langdon, Accountants
  • Louis Mathers, Director Parnalls Solicitors
  • Euryn Jones, ‎Regional Agriculture Director, Wales and South West at HSBC Commercial Banking

CLA Making The Big House Pay

Wednesday 7 March 2018: 9.45am – 4.00pm
Great Fulford, Dunsford, Exeter EX6 7AJ
Price: £45 CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £55; Students & YFC members £5
Supported by: Savills and Saffery Champness               

Whether it is art or animals, weddings or weekend guests – the question of how to make money from the Manor House has been testing inventive minds of landowners and their advisers for decades.

It has been two years since we covered this topic and things have again moved on. This seminar will showcase the ideas, expertise, trials and tribulations of those who have secured the financial future of their family homes, complimented by professional advice on all practical aspects from planning to marketing.

Speakers will include:
  • Sammie Coryton, Pentillie Castle
  • Lady Victoria Vyvyan, talking about Trelowarren’s restaurant, spa and eco holiday lettings
  • Caroline Lowsley-Williams from Chavenage, which is currently enjoying fame from the successful Poldark series
  • Simon Foster, who has been responsible for marketing many successful enterprises including Eastnor Castle
  • Fiona Francombe, who runs the Bottleyard Studios in Bristol
  • Professionals from Savills and Saffery Champness
The seminar will cover:
  • Taxation, VAT, IHT & succession
  • How to compete effectively in today’s wedding market
  • Legal issues: contracts, employment
  • Film & photographic locations
  • Events & festivals
  • Spas, restaurants and eco holiday lettings
  • Luxury B&B and overcoming red tape
  • Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards on let property
The event is being held at Great Fulford, the home of CLA member Francis Fulford. Great Fulford featured in the TV programmes The F***ing Fulfords and Life is Toff. Francis is the author of Bearing Up: The Long View; looking at the troubled history of landowning and identifying the characteristics which have enabled many estates to survive while others have foundered. Surveying the scene today, Francis draws on his own experiences to suggest a strategy of survival in the twenty-first century.


The event will include a two course lunch with wine followed by a tour of Great Fulford with Francis. 

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Holiday Lettings
Wednesday 29 November 2017: 2pm – 4pm
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster TA19 9PT
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5
Supported by: Classic Cottages, Ernst and Young and Clarke Willmott

The UK is the 8th largest international tourism destination ranked by visitor numbers and is therefore a vital sector in the UK economy that is underpinned by the availability of accommodation. Much of this can attributed to hotels, but a significant proportion relies on holiday lets being provided by private individuals. Stretching from the sandy beaches in Cornwall, to the dramatic Jurassic coast in Dorset, private self-catering accommodation is required to meet the demands of the tourism industry.

However, there are a number of factors that prospective entrants or even current providers in the industry, may have overlooked, such as rating implications, tax pitfalls and planning considerations. This seminar will inform members on the process of entering the holiday letting market with its opportunities and potential hazards that will inevitably occur.

This seminar will cover:
What makes a successful holiday let
Planning considerations (Conversion/New Build/Listed building)
Tax and Rating Implications
Marketing
Legal Requirements

Key Speakers will be:
Elsa Littlewood – Ernst and Young,  Accountants
Simon Tregoning – Classic Cottages
Tim Hayden and Caroline Waller, Clarke Willmott

Click here to book

One Day All This Will Be.... Well, Whose Exactly?  DEVON
Alternatives to Conventional Succession Planning
Tuesday 21 November 2017: 4pm – 7pm followed by hot fork supper
Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter, Devon EX6 7UX
followed by hot fork supper
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5

Supported by: PKF Francis Clark, Carter Jonas and Foot Anstey

Discussions on the need for family succession planning have been well rehearsed in recent years - it is a move which is essential to the protection of your assets, your business, your family and, more broadly, the future viability of the farming industry – but what if there is no natural successor?

It has been reported in recent years, that many family farms and estates are faced with the prospect that none of the children are interested in physically farming or do not have the skills, knowledge or desire to farm in today’s agricultural sector.  In those circumstances, farming families should start to explore ways to ensure the farm business continues after the current generation officially retires, rather than simply selling off the asset.  This option would keep the farm in ownership as a going concern, either as a secure investment, or in case a future generation wishes to farm.

This event sets out to provide a guide on the options available to develop a future plan that will drive forward both the farm business and the family’s objectives in a positive and profitable way.
The session is aimed at those without any family succession planning who are looking for alternative ways for business continuity or for those that wish to return to the family business, but may not have the experience or desire to do so right now.

We have the cream of the crop of industry professionals at these events who will endeavour to offer a leap of confidence in tackling this core continuity challenge to any family farming business.

This seminar will examine:

Recognising the family and business objectives
The challenges of planning for the future
Options for transition or continuation of the business
Career progression and training for family members
Legal and tax considerations
Our speakers will also talk through case studies of rural businesses and families who have taken a different approach with no conventional family succession

Speakers will include:
David Hebditch - Carter Jonas
Jonathan Hayes and Heather Britton – Francis Clark
Joel Woolf – Foot Anstey
Ian Bell - Addington Fund
Richard Soffe – Duchy Rural Business School
Professor Matt Lobley – University of Exeter
Alison Ricketts – Fresh Start Land Enterprise

Riparian & Fisheries Law and Water Pollution
Thursday 16 November 2017: 9.30am – 1pm
Manor Farm, Frampton Court Estate, Frampton on Severn, Gloucester GL2 7EP
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5
Supported by: Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Are there rivers, lakes or fishing interests on your or your neighbour’s land? Are you familiar with the law surrounding riparian ownership and fishing rights? If you own such assets, what should you do if they are affected by pollution? What if your activities have inadvertently polluted someone else’s river or fishery? What about poaching and trespass issues and what can be done to enhance river habitat for fisheries?

These and other issues will be covered by this seminar. Speakers from a leading law firm with expertise in this area will cover key aspects of the legal issues. We will also hear from Dane Broomfield of the Environment Agency about minimising pollution risk, regulatory enforcement and the various licenses and consents needed when work is carried out in or near rivers. In addition Harriet Alvis from Bristol Avon Rivers Trust will review what steps can be taken to enhance or restore river habitat for the benefit of freshwater fish.

Topics covered will include:

Legalities of ownership of river band and bed
Ownership of fish and the right to fish
Navigation rights
Common causes of pollution and liability
The process of investigation
Representation for the alleged polluter or affected owner
Evidence, defences
EA approach to enforcement
Trespass and poaching and theft
Review of licenses, permits and consents for work in rivers
River habitat management and enhancement for fish species

Speakers include:

Mary Wathen, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Esther Stirling, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Aled Owen, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Dane Broomfield - Land and Water Team Leader, Environment Agency
Harriet Alvis – Project Officer, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Rural Tax – Know the ABC
Monday 6 November 2017: 4pm – 7pm followed by hot fork supper
Wessex Royale Hotel, Dorchester DT1 1UP
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5
Supported by: Humphries Kirk and Saffery Champness

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.

This seminar will cover:

Tax Policy Outlook, Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser

  • Tax Policy ‘direction of travel’ looking forward; CLA’s role in influencing policy and advising members on tax issues

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

B is for ‘Business’, David Chismon, Saffery Champness

  • A review of the tax considerations of different Business structures (Sole Trader,Partnership, Ltd Company, Contract Farming, Share Farming)

C is for ‘Continuity’, Simon Cross, Humphries Kirk

  • Inheritance Tax Planning, Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs, HMRC treatment of ‘Farmhouses’ and of ‘trading’ vs. ‘investment’ activities, relevance of key cases such as the ‘Balfour’. Wills, Trusts and Power of Attorney

D is for ‘Diversification and Development’ David Chismon, Saffery Champness

  • Tax mitigation opportunities for development land 
  • Louise Speke, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser – Stamp Duty Land Tax on buying farms – the future of the ‘mixed use’ category. VAT and construction work – the impact of certain planning conditions.

Click here to book

Is your Farm Business Survival Kit Fit for the Future?
Wednesday 25 October 2017: 4 – 7pm
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9PT
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5 followed by hot fork supper
Supported by: Rural Solutions, Milsted Langdon, Parnalls and HSBC

There is real concern across the industry that too many farmers and land managers do not have a clear financial understanding of their farm business enterprises – and they need to act now to make sure their survival plan is going to work.

Understanding how to create and sustain a business-fit farming regime to ensure a profitable business moving forward should be at the top of every farmer and landowner’s current agenda.
Having an awareness of the potential risk to agricultural payments and knowing what that might do to an individual farm’s profit and loss account, will be a vital element to the future proofing of many farm-based businesses. Writing a meaningful and achievable business plan and the consideration of other investment opportunities will be a critical part of this.

With the unpredictability in the agricultural sector, each rural business needs to evaluate its asset portfolio to ensure that financial viability is maintained and that opportunities are maximised where they are appropriate for the long-term strategy of the business.

Lenders are now frequently asked to “stress test” your financial conditions as well as the agricultural portfolio – the question is, is your survival kit up-to-date and fit for purpose?

This event will look at the management of rural businesses, risk management tools and opportunities to grow and move forward with the intention of safeguarding the farm business for future generations.

This seminar will examine:

Methods to evaluate the current business with business intelligence
Reviewing your financial viability
Taking the right strategy for your business
Making a wise investment
Capitalising on your existing assets
Considering new opportunities
A bank’s perspective
The approach
The business plan
Diversifying – top legal tips to succeed
What you should be doing to make sure you can secure any required funding to diversify
Alternative means of financing projects
Engaging with the next generation – family and employees

Speakers will include:

James Del Mar, Rural Solutions
Ian Lloyd, Partner, Milsted Langdon, Accountants
Louis Mathers, Director Parnalls Solicitors
Euryn Jones, ‎Regional Agriculture Director, Wales and South West at HSBC Commercial Banking



One Day All This Will Be...Well, Whose Actually?  Alternatives to Conventional Succession Planning
Wednesday 18 Oct 2017: 4pm – 7pm followed by hot fork supper
The Barn at Berkeley, Berkeley Heath Farm House, Berkeley Heath, Berkeley GL13 9EW
Price: £30 inc VAT CLA members (additional family members FOC); non-members £40; Students & YFC members £5

Supported by: Clarke Willmott, Smith and Williamson and Carter Jonas

Discussions on the need for family succession planning have been well rehearsed in recent years - it is a move which is essential to the protection of your assets, your business, your family and, more broadly, the future viability of the farming industry – but what if there is no natural successor?

It has been reported in recent years, that many family farms and estates are faced with the prospect that none of the children are interested in physically farming or do not have the skills, knowledge or desire to farm in today’s agricultural sector.  In those circumstances, farming families should start to explore ways to ensure the farm business continues after the current generation officially retires, rather than simply selling off the asset.  This option would keep the farm in ownership as a going concern, either as a secure investment, or in case a future generation wishes to farm.

This event sets out to provide a guide on the options available to develop a future plan that will drive forward both the farm business and the family’s objectives in a positive and profitable way.
The session is aimed at those without any family succession planning who are looking for alternative ways for business continuity or for those that wish to return to the family business, but may not have the experience or desire to do so right now.

We have the cream of the crop of industry professionals at these events who will endeavour to offer a leap of confidence in tackling this core continuity challenge to any family farming business.

This seminar will examine:

Recognising the family and business objectives
The challenges of planning for the future
Options for transition or continuation of the business
Career progression and training for family members
Legal and tax considerations
Our speakers will also talk through case studies of rural businesses and families who have taken a different approach with no conventional family succession

Speakers will include:
David Hebditch - Carter Jonas
Louise Somerset - Smith and Williamson
David Maddock - Clarke Willmott
Ian Bell - Addington Fund
Richard Soffe – Duchy Rural Business School
Professor Matt Lobley – University of Exeter
Alison Ricketts – Fresh Start Land Enterprise

Click here to book