Land and Environment Advice
Mendip Hills Grazing Review
Somerset Wildlife Trust, 2009
Analysis of SWT’s in-hand farming operation in the Mendip Hills and development of business recommendations and future strategy. The report addressed key site and wider GAP objectives, current management, marketing and outreach opportunities and lessons learnt from similar initiatives. Suggestions for suitable tenancy and contract/share farming agreements were developed.
Environmental Stewardship
Various clients, 2009 ongoing
High profile and successful ELS/OELS and HLS applications for a number of farm holdings including the Salperton Estate and Whittington Lodge Farm. This work includes detailed Farm Environment Plans (FEPs), option development, survey and farmer/contractor liaison.
Natural Resource Report
Whittington Lodge Farm, 2009
A detailed review and action plan for Whittington Lodge Farm looking at the range of natural resource issues in the holding including the management of energy, organic and non organic wastes, soils and water.
Farm Business Plan – Royal Agricultural College and Harnhill Farm
RAC, with GSBS, 2009
This work involved an assessment of options to develop a Cotswolds farm as an educational resource, together with the production of a farm business plan. A number of scenarios with different farm enterprises were developed and forward budgets prepared. Potential educational objectives and facilities were scoped and costed.
Chartered Surveyor Services
Natural England’s Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and West of England Teams, 2008 ongoing
This call-off contract involves the provision of Chartered Surveyor Services to Natural England’s Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and West of England Teams. Our services include acquisitions, valuations, estate management (National Nature Reserves), management agreements and capital project management.
Marketing the Cereals Event 2007-2009
Haymarket Exhibitions, 2006-2009
This project provided marketing management and support services for the Cereals Event 2007 through to 2009. The project involved analysis of key trends in the arable market place, production of marketing strategy and input into key areas of development. Marketing management and support services included: production of advertising, leafleting, e-shot and direct mail campaigns; production of a positive web presence; management of PR, photography, filming and ticket sales companies; working with media partners and maintaining effective working partnerships with relevant organisations; and production and analysis of post-show evaluation research.
Malvern Hills Grazing Project
Malvern Hills Conservators, 2008 ongoing
The initiative involves the development of a positive management payment structure and suitable tenancy agreements for the entire Malvern Hills SSSI with the aim of securing and rewarding environmentally sustainable grazing practice. This work is followed by the development of letting particulars and the recruitment of new farm tenants. Two workshop and farm walk events were also organised for the Conservators and conservation team to help formulate management objectives and future strategy.
Marketing Northern Regeneration Summit and Exhibition
Haymarket Exhibitions, 2008
Development of marketing plans, sourcing advertising, production of marketing materials and communications, website, visitor and exhibitor research, management of registration, PR and press.
South West Regional Growers Show
Haymarket Exhibitions, 2007-2008
This project provided marketing management and support services for South West Regional Growers Show 2007 through to 2008. The project involved analysis of key trends in ornamental horticulture, production of marketing strategy and input into key areas of development. Marketing management and support services included: production of advertising, leafleting, e-shot and direct mail campaigns; production of a positive web presence; management of PR, photography and ticket registration; working with media partners and maintaining effective working partnerships with relevant organisations; and production and analysis of post-show evaluation research.
Fruit Focus 2007-2009
Haymarket Exhibitions, 2007-2009
This project provided marketing management and support services for Fruit Focus 2007 through to 2009. The project involved analysis of key trends in the fresh produce market place, production of marketing strategy and input into key areas of development. Marketing management and support services included: production of advertising, leafleting, e-shot and direct mail campaigns; production of a positive web presence; management of PR, photography and ticket registration; working with media partners and maintaining effective working partnerships with relevant organisations; and production and analysis of post-show evaluation research.
Cannock Chase Grazing Feasibility Study
Staffordshire County Council, with GAP, 2007-2008
This project explored the feasibility of introducing a system of shepherded grazing on to Cannock Chase in the West Midlands. Working alongside experts from the Grazing Animals Project and The Netherlands, we provided expertise on the financial, marketing and diversification elements of the feasibility study.
Environmental Advice
Marston St Lawrence Estate, 2007 ongoing
This work involves the provision of advice on a range of environmental issues to a large, mixed estate in Northamptonshire. A successful application to Environmental Stewardship has been completed. Our service also includes advice on implementing agri-environment and woodland schemes, submitting Single Payment Scheme claims, managing cross compliance and flagging up future environmental obligations and opportunities.
Farm Business Advice
Milton Keynes Parks Trust, 2006
This project provided advice on future possible farming arrangements for land owned by the Parks Trust in Milton Keynes. These included the continuation of the current grazing licence system, the development of an ‘in hand’ farm and entering into a contract farming arrangement. A series of budget projections were provided.
Estate Services and Valuation Consultancy
Environment Agency, 2006 ongoing
Provision of advice to the Environment Agency’s Midlands Region on a range of land agency, surveying and environmental matters. Recent projects include the identification and acquisition of sites for BAP habitat creation along the Rivers Severn and Trent; and agreeing compensation and environmental enhancements on a number of sites in connection with flood defence re-alignment, the creation of temporary flood storage areas and increases in water levels to secure SSSI favourable condition.
Levels’ Best – Native Breed Beef Supply Survey
Somerset Food Links Ltd, 2005
A survey of farmers producing native breed beef who are interested in participating in the ‘Levels Best’ scheme. The Levels Best scheme is being developed as a trade mark of provenance. The survey established stock levels over a period of five years, mapping breeds and supply numbers. It also gathered information on current systems of production, in particular environmental land management and current market outlets. A farmer workshop was subsequently arranged to progress the scheme.
Chartered Surveyor Services
Natural England’s Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire Teams, 2004 ongoing
This call-off contract involves the provision of Chartered Surveyor Services to Natural England’s Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire Teams. Our services include acquisitions, valuations, estate management (National Nature Reserves), management agreements and capital project management.
Land Agency and Valuation Service
Plantlife International, 2004 ongoing
Provision of a range of land agency and valuation services to the wild plant charity, Plantlife International, for sites throughout the UK including: advice on acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, management agreements and grant schemes and valuations of land, property and rights.
Fine Foods National Sales Development Services
Client Confidential, 2004
Consultancy support services for product and sales development to an international company selling to EU markets. Market information and analysis, sales presentation development, technical and marketing support.
Overview of the UK Date Market
Saudi Export Development Centre, 2004
Scoping study of the UK dates market and opportunity for Saudi exports. This project included a review of the UK market including dates for baking/cooking, snacking, children, gifts, organic and manufacturing. Key target consumers, their purchasing behaviour and trends in the market place were identified. Finally an overview of competition and gap analysis identified opportunities available for Saudi date export.
Export Promotion Pavilion
Saudi Export Development Centre, 2004
Co-ordination with the Saudi Embassy, SEDC and Royal Show to organise the Saudi exhibit in the international village at the Show. This project included supervision of the pavilion contractor, promotion of the exhibit to major supermarkets and date industry and support during build up and the show period. Promotion included mail shots, personal contact, invitations, press and a conference.
Bottled Water Enterprise Feasibility Study
Client Confidential, 2004
Research into the bottled water market in the UK including consumer trends, new product developments and market prices. Overview of technical standards and facilities required. Estimated product volumes, costings, break-even calculations and feasibility analysis.
Fine Foods National Sales Development Services
Client Confidential, 2004
Ongoing consultancy support for product and sales development for an International company selling to UK and EU markets. Includes market information and analysis, sales presentation development, technical and marketing support.
Accommodation and Lifestyle Centre Feasibility Study and Marketing Plan
Cometline Consultancy Ltd, 2003
Market research and feasibility assessment of 4 different tourism-related enterprises on the site of a former intensive poultry unit situated within 18 acres of an arable farm, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The final recommended route included guidance on capital requirements and potential sources of funding.
Options for Improving Farmland and Associated Changes to Shooting and Woodland Management
Client Confidential, 2003
A feasibility study to assess options and provide recommendations for the owners of a newly purchased farm who wished to explore ways to manage their farmland, woodlands and shoot in a more sustainable way. This included an assessment of organic, integrated and conventional farming systems for the farm.
Feasibility Study into the Promotion of Beef and Creation of Permanent Pasture Adjacent to the River Mease
English Nature, 2003
This project provided recommendations on the feasibility of a beef marketing scheme and whether it could assist in the re-introduction of permanent pasture adjacent to the River Mease and provide a commercially viable enterprise for farmers within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and candidate Special Area Candidate (cSAC) in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. It included farmers and retailer surveys, financial appraisals of the venture and the potential impact of MTR on scheme development.
UK Milk Market Study
Client Confidential, 2003
This study involved a comprehensive review of the UK milk market including UK consumer trends and segmentation. The study also included an overview of milk drink products available within the international market and both UK and international milk market key player activity.
Development of a Regional Branding Initiative for the Isle of Wight
English Nature, Isle of Wight Partnership, Island 2000 Trust, 2002
This study provided recommendations for the most suitable marketing and branding strategy for meat and dairy products from conservation grazing on the Isle of Wight. The study also involved assistance to set up a producer group and supply chain.
The Market for Products Derived from Outdoor Pig Production
Client Confidential, 2002
This study provided extensive trade and market data on consumer demographics and patterns within the food chain to give a clear understanding of trends and requirements both of the consumer and retailer in future markets. It examined current product availability in added value pig meat products and highlighted potential market opportunities for future product development.
Consumer Attitudes towards Local Products
The Cotswold AONB Partnership, 2002
Research into consumer attitudes to local products incorporating environmental attributes. Included research into consumer buying behaviour, consumer understanding of ‘local’, awareness and distribution aspects of local products, attitudes towards buying local, expectations of the local product offer and awareness of environmental endorsements. The results were based on consumer focus groups and a large survey of local consumers.
Development of Chilterns Local Branding Initiative
Chilterns Shadow Conservation Board, English Nature, Countryside Agency, 2001
The aim of this project was to provide recommendations for the most suitable marketing and branding strategy for meat products from the Chilterns AONB and to assess the existing supply chain in the Chilterns in order to determine the scale and structure of local retailers, caterers, abattoirs and farmers. The project provided recommendations on a meat marketing scheme based on conservation grazing. The scheme is now up and running and known as "Chilterns Choice".
