LOOKING AHEAD: CERES GROUP’S AMBITIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

As the new financial year begins, Ceres Group enters its next chapter with clarity of purpose, confidence in its direction and, above all, a continued commitment to its clients. 

This year marks five years since Ceres was formed in March 2021 – starting as a small rural consultancy with a clear belief: that advisory businesses working with land and property could be more collaborative, more commercially astute and more impactful. Five years on, that belief has shaped a Group of more than 100 people, operating from nine offices across the UK, working at scale while remaining firmly rooted in local understanding and long‑term relationships. 

As we look ahead, ambition remains central to our plans. 

Investing in People, Places and Capability 

The year ahead will see continued investment across the business, including the opening of two new offices and the expansion into a larger Oxford office. This reflects ongoing growth in headcount and increasing demand for Ceres Group’s services. Recruitment will remain a priority, with the Group continuing to grow multidisciplinary teams across farming, land, planning, development and research. 

This investment is about more than numbers or locations. It is about ensuring Ceres Group has the depth of expertise, regional reach and collaborative capability required to support clients as they navigate complex and evolving challenges. 

“We are seeing increasing demand for joined‑up advice on larger and more complex projects,” says John McLarty, Managing Partner at Ceres Property. “Our focus this year is on building the teams, offices and specialist expertise needed to support major schemes and strategic portfolios, as well as providing independent consultancy for family farms and rural businesses. Crucially, we will continue to retain the hands‑on, practical approach our clients value.” 

Expanding Geographies, Deepening Relationships 

Ceres Group will continue to expand into new regions, while strengthening its footprint in existing locations. This geographical growth supports a growing portfolio of projects, working with landowners, developers, institutions and industry bodies, alongside long‑standing private clients and estates. 

At the same time, the Group remains committed to long‑term partnerships – working with both new and existing clients to unlock opportunity, manage risk and deliver sustainable outcomes. 

“Our clients are operating in an ecosystem that is politically, economically and environmentally complex” says Richard Means, Managing Partner at Ceres Rural. “Our role is to help them navigate that complexity and change – whether that’s policy reform, environmental regulation, land use transition or succession planning – and to help turn uncertainty into opportunity.” 

Navigating Change, Capturing Opportunity 

The coming year will undoubtedly continue to bring change. Shifting government policy, environmental priorities, planning reform and market pressures all present challenges for those managing land, property and rural enterprises. 

Ceres Group’s ambition is to stay ahead of that change – investing in insight, research and capability that allows us to support clients both strategically and practically. By working collaboratively across disciplines, the Group aims to help clients respond with confidence, resilience and agility. 

Alongside this, Ceres Group will continue to capture opportunities for its own growth – expanding services, strengthening regional presence and advancing its role as a trusted advisor at the forefront of rural and property consultancy in the UK. 

Built on Collaboration and Trust 

While the year ahead brings growth and ambition, Ceres Group remains focused on what has underpinned its journey to date: collaboration, trust and strong client relationships. 

The Group’s five‑year anniversary earlier this year was an important moment to reflect on how far it has come – but also to recognise the support, loyalty and partnership of the clients who have been part of that journey. 

As Ceres Group looks forward, the message is clear: growth will always be matched with gratitude, and ambition with responsibility. 

“Our success is inseparable from the support of our clients,” adds John McLarty. “As we grow, we remain absolutely committed to delivering thoughtful, high‑quality, independent advice and to building long‑term relationships that stand the test of change,” concludes Richard Means. 

You can read more about Ceres Group’s journey over the past five years here:
Five Years of Growth, Collaboration and Impact.