Four well-known farm business consultants with many years of experience have joined Ceres Rural, expanding its specialist team.
Bringing their combined expertise to the new consultancy at a time of great change in the farming industry, all four are already engaged in providing practical solutions and independent advice to rural businesses.
Will Gemmill has joined as executive partner, after more than 25 years with a national consultancy, where he was head of farming.
Having worked with some of the most progressive agricultural businesses in England, Will is highly regarded throughout the industry with a professional reputation built on the quality of advice and strategic support he has provided on a range of issues.
He is also a senior recruitment specialist, a qualified agronomist and valuer. Awarded fellowships by the Royal Agricultural Society, the Institute of Agricultural Management and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, Will is also a past director of the Oxford Farming Conference.
Richard Means joins as managing partner of the Saffron Walden office. A specialist in farm management and strategic farm advice, Richard’s experience includes business reviews, recruitment and overseeing complex farm projects.
A qualified valuer and agronomist, Richard is also a member of the Institute of Agricultural Management and sits on the board of Fengrain.
His expertise includes helping farmers maximise the opportunities from both public and private sector funding for biodiversity improvement and carbon sequestration.
Charlie Ireland has become managing partner of Ceres Rural’s Oxford office. Having spent the last 20 years giving farm management and consultancy advice to a variety of businesses, he also has expertise in farm succession and strategic planning.
A registered agricultural valuer and qualified agronomist, Charlie has been working to help clients with practical advice on regenerative farming techniques while ensuring efficient crop production.
Jason Cantrill has joined as partner in charge of the Norwich office. Jason’s previous experience encompasses farm management advice, contract farming and joint venture agreements, compulsory purchase schemes and landlord/tenant matters.
He is a qualified chartered surveyor and valuer, as well as being a supporter of the Young Farmers movement in Norfolk.
“I can speak for all of my colleagues when I say how excited we are to be joining Ceres Rural at such a pivotal time for farming and the rural community,” comments Will Gemmill.
“We are looking forward to making a difference to the future of rural businesses and to providing the independent advice that will be required to prepare for the changes ahead.”
With command of new income streams from the likes of carbon and biodiversity, as well as existing activities such as land sales, farm tenancy advice and development opportunities, the Ceres Rural team’s expertise is already in demand, he reports.
“We are currently recruiting for more team members, both at consultant and graduate level, to deliver highly valued advice to some of the most innovative and forward-looking businesses in the country.
“Our young and talented team is recognised for its impartial advice,” stresses Gemmill. “The next few years are likely to be both challenging and rewarding but will also be full of opportunity for the right people.”
