CERES GROUP & STANFORDS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN ESSEX & SUFFOLK

Ceres Group and Stanfords have announced a strategic agreement that will see Stanfords’ Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams join Ceres Group from 1st October 2026, creating one of the region’s largest advisory teams serving rural businesses, landowners, farmers, developers and investors.

The move brings together Stanfords’ long-established presence across Essex and Suffolk with the breadth of services and technical support available through Ceres Group.

Established in 1879, Stanfords has built a strong reputation for providing trusted advice across rural consultancy, planning and development, property and land, and auctions. Under the agreement, Stanfords’ Estate Agency and Auctions businesses will continue to operate independently under the Stanfords brand.

For clients, the transition means continuity of service from the advisers they know and trust, alongside access to additional consultancy and support in relation to farming, planning, development, land and property through Ceres Group.

The transfer also represents a significant investment in Ceres Group’s presence across Essex and Suffolk, strengthening its existing land consultancy, planning, development and farm agency offering.

Iain Halls, Managing Partner at Ceres Group, said:

Stanfords has earned an excellent reputation over many years and we’re delighted to welcome the Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams to Ceres. This partnership builds on that strong local foundation, creating new opportunities for our people and enhancing the range of services available to clients, whilst maintaining the personal approach that both businesses are known for.

Steven Ellis and Steve Wright, Partners at Stanfords, said:

The agreement allows Stanfords to focus on growing our Estate Agency and Livestock and Chattels Auctions businesses across Essex and Suffolk. The same individuals will continue to operate and support the market, whilst our Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams will continue to provide the high-quality advice and personal service clients have come to expect, but now supported by the additional resources, specialist knowledge and opportunities available through the Ceres Group. Ceres was the natural choice for us because of its shared values, strong reputation and commitment to building long-term client relationships.

This partnership allows both organisations a clear platform for future growth and creates exciting opportunities for our clients, our people and the wider region.

Graham Ellis, Partner at Stanfords, said:

Having advised landowners, farmers and rural businesses across Essex and Suffolk for many years, maintaining the trust of our clients has always been my top priority. This agreement ensures the Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams have the platform, resources and support needed to continue delivering the high standards of service our clients expect, both now and in the future.

Ceres Group shares our commitment to independent advice, strong client relationships and practical solutions. I am confident that our clients and our people will benefit from the opportunities this partnership creates.

The transition will take effect on 1st October 2026, with both businesses working closely together to ensure a seamless handover for clients and staff.

The expanded Land Consultancy, Planning & Development teams at Ceres will continue to serve clients from the Colchester area while further strengthening the firm’s presence across East Anglia.

About Ceres Group

Ceres Group is an independent, specialist consultancy providing expert advice to farmers, landowners, developers, investors, rural businesses and estates. The business offers a range of services across England including:

• Land consultancy;
• Planning consultancy;
• Development services;
• Farm consultancy;
• Farm, property and estate management;
• Crop consultancy; and
• Farm agency

About Stanfords

Established in 1879, Stanfords is a long-established Essex business specialising in estate agency, auctions and professional sales services. The business continues to serve clients across Essex and Suffolk, building on more than 140 years of trusted local knowledge and expertise.

More Information

If you’d like to learn more about the transition, we’ve also prepared answers to some frequently asked questions.

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