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NEWS
News round-up
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The CLA has called on the government to demonstrate that it has an ambitious plan for the rural economy in a publication highlighting a number of policies that could address regional inequalities impacting rural communities.
Th e CLA believes that opportunities to create jobs and prosperity in rural areas are being ‘routinely missed’.
Th e publication Levelling up: Unleashing the potential of the rural economy highlights several policies government should implement to address the regional inequalities that impact rural communities – including the need for investment in digital and electrical connectivity.
Th e CLA says that the planning system is ripe for immediate reform. Th e current regime is restrictive, expensive and ineffi cient, harming the potential of the economy in rural areas. Other problems include hidden additional costs and unrealistic demands caused by out-dated perceptions of the rural economy.
Th e publication argues that Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the newlytitled Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, should give greater priority to the rural economy’s potential in the National Planning Policy Framework, and that greater use of ‘permission in principle’ rules for proposals with demonstrable economic benefi t will signifi cantly boost local economies.
If such changes are made, they will encourage rural businesses to consider new investment, encourage farm diversifi cation, improve job opportunities and improve the interconnectedness of rural and urban supply chains.
CLA President Mark Bridgeman says: “What is so frustrating is that so many rural businesses are ready to invest, create more jobs and opportunity for people, but are held back by a lack of ambition from the government.
“For too long, government has considered rural affairs to be solely a matter for Defra, but Defra does not hold the required policy levers to enact many of the policies necessary to level up rural areas. As a result, transformative ideas often fall between organisational cracks, and opportunities to build strong communities, create jobs and prosperity are routinely missed.”
To read the publication, visit cla.org. uk/campaigns/rural-powerhouse.
The Farm Business Innovation Show is nearly upon us, taking place on 10 and 11 November at the NEC Birmingham.
We look forward to welcoming you to the CLA’s stand No 2040, where we will be running a programme of seminars covering topics essential for anyone considering diversifi cation.
You will have the opportunity to hear from our experts on topics such as decarbonising rural buildings, the opportunities within environmental markets, making the most of your assets, and much more.
You will also be able to speak directly to CLA advisers for invaluable adviceand support.
Whether you are looking for inspiration and advice to grow or evolve your rural business, or are thinking of diversifying into the outdoor events and leisure industry, you will fi nd a wide range of ideas on how to create new revenue streams at the Farm Business Innovation Show.
To book your free tickets visit farmbusinessshow.co.uk.
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CLA win: Welsh Government announces extension to Glastir &Farming Connect
Welsh Government has committed £66m to extend Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic contracts until December 2023. A further £7m will extend Farming Connect’s advice service through to March 2023.
This commitment has been an important ask from CLA Cymru as Glastir is a key income stream for many of our members; if it were not extended, there would be a risk that the signifi cant environmental outcomes made since it started in 2012 would have been lost.
Alongside the Glastir and Farming Connect announcements, Welsh Government published its eagerlyawaited response to the Agriculture (Wales) Bill white paper, which CLA Cymru responded to earlier this year. It reiterated that the bill will be laid before the Senedd in Spring 2022.
To read the response, visit cla.org.
uk/news/clarity-over-wales-future-
agriculture-policy.
Make a diff erence with CLA Christmas cards
Spread some cheer this festive season with CLA Christmas cards. You will be supporting the work of your own charity, as £1 from each pack of cards sold will go to the CLA Charitable Trust , which has given more than £2m in grants to projects and organisations since it was created in 1980.
This year, our collection of seasonal images includes ‘Rydal, Lake District, in winter snow’, ‘Snowman’ and ‘Frosty country road’. A pack contains 10 cards of one design and costs £9.99, including P&P and VAT.
To browse the full collection of CLA Christmas cards available, visit: cla.org.uk/news/christmas-cards. To order, call 01978 251 004.
New technical article series
The CLA has launched a technical article series called ‘In Focus’, covering topics from specifi c planning areas to tax and legal issues, wayleaves, farming grants, training and new technology.
The series, which is available to read on our website, aims to provide a detailed overview of each topic, including key considerations, and highlights how members can benefi t from the CLA’s advice.
Articles already published include: family trusts, UK trespassing laws and Class Q permitted development rights. Visit cla.org.uk and search ‘In Focus’ in the search bar to read all articles.
CLA wins national award for member support during Covid-19
Th e CLA has won an Association Excellence Awards 2021 accolade for ‘Best Membership Support during Covid-19 (5,000+ members).
When Covid-19 struck, at least 3,500 of the most vulnerable members received personal phone calls from CLA staff providing them with support. Additionally, hundreds of members reached out for advice each month.
We successfully lobbied for major government changes, such as a 75% cut in VAT for tourism and hospitality businesses, while working with a cross-industry coalition to feed the nation by promoting farm work to the unemployed and furloughed.
CLA Director General Sarah Hendry says: “I am over the moon at the CLA being announced as winner in this category. It is testament to the very real and concerted efforts of my colleagues to support our members in a very challenging time.
“Our members can be doublyassured that the CLA is in their corner supporting their needs in the face of adversity.”
Carbon markets guidance
A new guidance note on carbon markets is now available on the CLA website. It explains how carbon markets work and is essential reading for anyone considering selling carbon. You can fi nd it under the advice tab.
Order your 2022 CLA diary
Stay on top of your week with a CLA diary. Classically produced, these weekto-view diaries are available in two sizes. The A5 desk diary allows you keep track of key appointments, while the pocket diary will is ideal for reminders and details of daily tasks. Order one of each size and save on the total cost.
Made for CLA members, you benefi t from information including CLA o ce contact details, ways to make the most of your membership, details on CLA member services and information on the CLA Charitable Trust. The desk diary costs £16, the pocket diary £9 and a set of both £23. You can also add your initials in handprinted gold blocking for £2.50. Call Lansdowne Publishing on 0161 872 6667 to place your order.
Don’t miss the deadline for the 2022 CLA Business Directory
Th ere is no better way to promote your products and services to the key landowning and rural communities than through the CLA Business Directory. It is distributed annually to the entire CLA membership of rural land and property owners and is freely available to everyone online.
Prices start at £5.41 plus VAT per month for a classifi ed listing in the printed directory, repeated online for no extra cost. A classifi ed listing comprises your company name, postal address, phone and fax numbers, company email and website. Your name will also be included as a point of contact.
Advertising options
Th ese opportunities are only available to CLA landowning, business and professional members. Book a classifi ed listing and place your business details under a relevant business classifi cation. Increase your exposure and repeat your listing under additional business classifi cations. Explain your products and services with a company description. Reinforce your corporate identity by adding a logo to your online listing. Get your business noticed with a display advert (repeated free of charge on the CLA Business Directory website). Sponsor your chosen business classifi cation and benefi t from a full-page company profi le positioned near to the business classifi cation heading (limited availability).
Book a sixth pager (or larger) by Monday 8 November and receive a free online logo worth £60 plus VAT. Th e display advertising deadline is Friday 17 December.
To discuss all options available to you, call 020 7324 2754 or email cla@redactive.co.uk.
CLA BUSINESS DIRECTORY ONLINE
We welcome the following new members: South East
Amh plant and commercial ltd
Maintenance
South West
Baldwin Construction
Construction
North
Carbon Metrics
Agricultural and Rural Consultants
South West
Helpful Holidays Holiday Cottages
Wales
Kate Morel Campsites
Midlands
PCB Solicitors LLP
Solicitors
South West
TG Blanchard Plant Ltd
Construction
North
TheLogCompany.com
Retail
North East
DMC North
Financial Services
South East
Pitchup.com
Campsites
Contact Samantha Gow on 020 7324 2754, email samantha.gow@ redactive.co.uk or visit
clabusinessdirectory.co.uk
to fi nd out how you can publicise your business
