Ceres Group has launched Ceres Research, a dedicated consultancy to meet the rural industry’s pressing need for independent, science-based advice.
Joining Ceres Rural and Ceres Property in the group’s umbrella organisation, the new division will support the wider agricultural industry and related organisations by turning expert knowledge and key information into practical and commercial solutions for businesses.
Initially, efforts will be targeted to the needs of Ceres Rural’s clients, but longer term the new venture will also work with the Group’s property arm, providing key market insights and research to complement its work with developers and investors.
Ceres Group’s client base encompasses landowners and farmers, government bodies and large corporate businesses in the food and farming sectors, are expected to be the early beneficiaries, with the new venture helping them to navigate political change and investigate new opportunities.
Among these clients are supermarkets and food manufacturers, who need to develop resilient, sustainable supply chains based on trust and collaboration that deliver commercial value for all.
As a result, two new key appointments have been made. Dr Alex Setchfield has joined as Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager at Ceres Research, while Danielle Roche has been appointed as Research and Knowledge Exchange Assistant.
Both have been recognised for their previous work in the global agri-food and environment sectors, as well as for expertise in sustainability and energy efficiency. Danielle is just completing a doctorate in soil science.
As Will Gemmill, executive partner of Ceres Group explains, setting up Ceres Research was the group’s obvious next step.
“The time is right to take that to the next level. We’re seeing change taking place in almost every area of what our clients do, so it’s vital that our guidance reflects that and keeps them on the front foot.”
That sentiment is echoed by Richard Means, Managing Partner of Ceres Rural, “Ceres Research will conduct projects, analyse and review the data, take on policy reviews, run focus groups, do surveys and market studies,” he says. “The aim is always to keep our clients ahead of the game.
“Strategic consultancy will be another offering – so that long-term vision can be achieved with tailored strategies, expert guidance and innovative thinking.”
“Our reputation for independent, data-driven advice is the source of our success and the foundation of our brand. This move means that we will have greater capacity in providing the services that the industry needs, now more than ever before.”
