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Edward Hutley
Jul, 01 2026With many farming businesses reassessing labour, machinery investment and risk exposure, Contract Farming Agreements (CFAs) continue to evolve. Most farmers will be familiar with the structure, but fewer have first-hand experience of how they operate in practice and where independent oversight can add value. Following the latest quarterly review cycle, we spoke to Edward Hutley, Partner at […]
Richard Means
Jun, 12 2026Strengthening Our Presence Across East Anglia Ceres Group has recently opened a new office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, further strengthening our presence across East Anglia, including Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. This expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting landowners, rural businesses and property clients across the East of England. The region has long been a […]
Richard Means
Nov, 27 2025The 2025 Budget brings a range of changes – some positive, some challenging – across the rural landscape. The full transferability of the £1 million APR and BPR bands between spouses is welcome and provides more flexibility for succession planning. However, increased minimum wages will put additional strain on farm businesses, especially those relying on seasonal or […]
Lydia Dayan
Sep, 10 2025September is the month of Heritage Open Days, and for those of us who enjoy dabbling in the antiquarian, we might be found heading to our local town centre to explore some historic gems as part of this annual festival. But how often do we turn our thoughts to the heritage of the countryside, and […]
Annis Cousins
Sep, 03 2025As we move into the latter half of the year, the agronomy landscape continues to be shaped by unpredictable weather patterns and shifting input markets. With an early harvest behind us and autumn preparations underway, we explore the current state of cultivations, crop establishment, and input planning. From blackgrass control to OSR resilience, we take […]
Beth Ashley
Sep, 03 2025Across the UK, organic flour consumption is on the rise, driven by a growing trend among homemade sourdough enthusiasts and artisan bakeries. Consumers cite health considerations, environmental impact, and a preference for transparent ingredients as key motivators. For flour mills, obtaining organic certification is both a compliance requirement and a strategic business opportunity. Certification Organic […]
Edward Thompson
Aug, 21 2025
As UK farms continue to explore innovative ways to diversify and future-proof their businesses, recreational fisheries are emerging as a compelling option – particularly for farms with suitable topography and water resources.  Why Fishing? Angling is one of the UK’s most popular outdoor activities, with over 2 million regular participants. As interest continues to grow […]
Andrew Atkinson
Aug, 06 2025As rural and agricultural business advisors, we welcome the opportunity to review the government’s recently published draft legislation outlining changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), released as part of the upcoming Finance Bill. These reforms represent a significant shift in the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for landowners, farmers, and business […]
Louise Penn
Jul, 22 2025As advisors working in farming and the food supply chain, we see the challenges our food system faces from the ground up. We understand the pressure on farm businesses, the volatility of markets, and the strain of trying to grow nutritious food under mounting environmental and economic pressures. We’re also in a privileged position, many […]
Richard Means
Mar, 21 2025 Three new offices are being opened by Ceres Group as the leading rural consultancy responds to sky-rocketing demand for its services and expertise. Ceres Group’s geographic reach is being extended to both the north and the south-west as it establishes offices in Northampton, Newbury and Stamford, in a move which will see staff numbers grow […]