Three Counties law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, has joined forces with the Three Counties and property consultants Bruton Knowles to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and creative thinking which has become a cornerstone of today's agricultural industry.
As the challenges to remain financially viable increase, farming families are finding that diversification goes hand in hand with the more traditional activities of days gone by and the opportunities offered by new methods and technologies.
Mary Wathen, partner in the Agricultural and Rural Affairs team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, and one of the driving forces behind this new award, has only praise for the innovative farmers who are keeping the rural way of life alive and kicking in Britain.
"With a farming background myself, I know only too well how the lifestyle has changed over recent years. Farms have developed into businesses which need a great deal of specialist know-how to maintain. Knowledge of the land and the livestock passed down from one generation to another, now have to be supplemented by business acumen to ensure prosperity and growth.
“At Harrison Clark Rickerbys we are very proud of our links with the local community and our extensive experience with rural issues strengthens that connection.
“We hope that the award will play a part in encouraging entrepreneurs to keep moving forward with their enterprises and to give well deserved recognition to those that work hard.”
On behalf of the award’s co-founders, the Three Counties’ CEO, Ken Nottage echoed Mary’s enthusiasm for the commitment shown by today’s farming communities and said, “As an agricultural society founded in 1797 it maybe goes without saying that the society, along with our flagship event the Royal Three Counties Show in June, has a unique heritage that is inseparable from the development of agriculture in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. But you can’t afford to rest on your laurels in farming.
"What really matters is the future which is what this award is all about - by supporting the next generation tackle the challenges faced in agriculture today, we are helping to ensure the industry remains current and relevant as the agricultural landscape changes.”
Chris Eldridge of property consultants Burton Knowles who complete the awarding body, explained how the application and award process will work. “We’re asking young entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry to tell us about their experience in developing their business. What sort of issues have they had to overcome, what are their plans for the future, and how do they intend bringing those plans to fruition. Along with a prize of £2,000, the winner will also make new contacts who can help them to achieve their goals and, potentially, meet new clients.”
