George F White welcomes CAP Reform expert as a new partner

Leading rural land agents, the George F White Group, will be broadening its already extensive rural consultancy offer with the help of new partner Simon Britton.

Simon, who joins the company this month, will play a key role in George F White’s continued diversification by leading the Farm Business Consultancy across the entire firm as well as heading up the Bedale office in North Yorkshire.

With almost 20 years’ experience as a Farm Business Consultant, Simon is bringing invaluable knowledge and expertise to both the team and clients. His key specialisms include strategic business management, rural subsidies and grants, farm management, joint venture structures and CAP Reform.

Simon, 39, studied Business Studies at Wye College, University of London, before starting his career in a small land agency practice in Harrogate in 1996. He then became a partner at one of the leading farm business consultancy firms in the UK and a series of further high level appointments at national land management firms followed before joining George F White as a partner.

Speaking of his new role, Simon said: “Joining George F White as an equity partner is a very exciting step in my career and it’s equally exciting to be heading the Bedale office. It will be a privilege to lead the team who are all good, hardworking people already doing a fantastic job. I hope to continue this by directing the team onwards and upwards into the future and in turn increasing George F White’s presence within the region.


“I’m confident my previous experience will also prove valuable in shaping the Farm Business Consultancy side of the business. It offers an excellent opportunity to develop and deliver a new service to our clients that will further boost the already wide-ranging services available through George F White.”

One of Simon’s key priorities in advancing George F White’s Farm Business Consultancy will include developing a core team with a staff member in each office who will represent that side of the business.

The consultancy aims to provide solutions to occupiers and owners of land to maximize value through a range of services such as farm management, strategic business planning and financial reviews.

Simon, who grew up in North Yorkshire and lives near Masham with wife Sara, also has a wealth of knowledge on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reform and the Basic Payment Scheme, which continues to be an important issue impacting many George F White clients.

He added: “CAP Reform is a complex issue that can often be quite confusing to farmers who will be affected by the changes. As more details emerge over the next six months it is key for us at George F White to give our clients the confidence that we are fully informed and able to guide them through the process.”

Simon will oversee 14 members of staff at George F White’s North Yorkshire office, which is one of five offices in the North East employing more than 100 staff in total. He joins partners Hugh Fell, George White, Robyn Peat, Louis Fell, Richard Garland and Andrew Entwistle.

Robyn Peat, a Partner at George F White said: “We are thrilled to welcome Simon as a partner to the business and to head our North Yorkshire office going forward. His expertise and knowledge as a Farm Business Consultant will strengthen our presence in this area allowing us to offer an even greater breadth of service to current and prospective clients.”