Growing demand from rural clients sees Furley Page expand agriculture and rural business team.
With UK farmers facing an unprecedented period of change, and with major challenges including Brexit, climate change and rising fuel costs all having an impact on bottom lines, many rural businesses are reconsidering their business model.
Leading South East law firm Furley Page provides specialist legal advice to agricultural clients and rural businesses looking to diversify from agricultural production and develop new sources of revenue.
Having acted for farmers and rural land owners for generations, the firm has gained extensive insights into the needs of modern agricultural businesses. With experts from a wide range of legal specialisms, the firm provides assistance to help clients meet today’s legal challenges and make the most of any opportunities that present themselves.
Recognised for its expertise by independent legal guides The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, Furley Page’s specialist agriculture and rural business team advises farm businesses diversifying into other areas such as farm retail and food and drink processing, as well as those looking to provide equine or other leisure facilities.
Partner Sarah Webster recently joined Furley Page from another leading Kent law firm and is the new head of the agriculture and rural business team.
She said: “The demands on modern agricultural, food and rural businesses are complex and prone to constant change. Having acted for farmers and rural landowners for generations, Furley Page has gained extensive insight into their special requirements. Whether supporting with business or personal law, the team benefits from being able to draw on a huge variety of different legal specialists with vast experience working for farmers, landowners and rural businesses.”0
Sarah’s appointment means the nine-strong multi-disciplinary team now has a combined experience of more than 140 years’ working for clients in the agriculture and rural business sector. The team comprises five partners, a consultant, a senior associate and two associates.
Team members have a wide range of specialisms, enabling the firm to provide clients with comprehensive solutions and a huge variety of legal services.
The team comprises Sarah Webster, Daniel Bridgland, Christopher Wacher, Tony Chester, Darren Philpot, Aaron Spencer, Rich Risino, Jeremy Ferris and Sarah Woolnough.
Sarah continued: “Drawing on the expertise of lawyers from a wide range of specialisms ensures we can provide comprehensive solutions for our clients, whether they have professional or personal matters to arrange. Team members are drawn from across the firm, including our real estate, corporate law, dispute resolution and private client teams.
“As such, we are able to advise on the full range of legal matters, including the sale, purchase and letting of agricultural land and rural property, as well as the property rights and interests that are incidental to land ownership, and we have considerable experience in planning and land development schemes, including joint venture development projects, and sporting rights over rural property.
“We also advise farm businesses diversifying from pure agricultural production into other areas, provide guidance on employment issues and health and safety legislation and help farmers and landowners with wills, personal tax and estate succession planning to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation.
“In short, we provide solutions to assist our clients in meeting the many complexities and challenges facing the agricultural sector.”
Furley Page’s agriculture and rural business team will be attending the East Kent Ploughing Match on Wednesday 28 September at Stoneheap Farm, Little Mongeham, near Deal. For more information visit www.ekpma.co.uk
For more information about Furley Page’s agriculture and rural business services, visit www.furleypage.co.uk Alternatively, please telephone 01227 763939 or email Sarah Webster at sw@furleypage.co.uk
