The view from the Chair

The role of Chair involves sharing views to supplement our fantastic newsletters, and as I write my first set of views, I reflected on the 20+ sets of views I have read during my time on the Advisory Group. These have expertly reflected the mood and sense of our sector, balancing technical detail and lighter reflections with thought and care.

I have spoken and written elsewhere about our sector being in a period of reset. Never in my career have farmers been asked to deal with so much, in return for so little. The mood seems to have shifted and I am speaking to more and more clients about whether they and their families want to continue in farming.

It is essential that, at times like this in particular, ICAEW members are equipped to help their clients. Not just with technical expertise but with commercial sense, pragmatism and compassion. Farmers look to their advisors for all sorts of reasons, and the best advisors will have the skills and knowledge to adapt and flex to add value.

During periods like this we must all look for positives and talk about things that are working well. I recently attended the School Farm Country Fair held by the Suffolk Agricultural Association at Trinity Park, at which over 4000 children attended to learn about rural life. Events like this are vital in educating the next generation about rural life and careers in agriculture.

I am also immensely proud of the growth of the Farming and Rural Business group in recent years. The group now has more than 6500 members and boasts an impressive engagement rate with its newsletters, webinars and conferences. This proves to me that members recognise the need to grow their expertise in our sector and encourages me to think that ICAEW members are well placed to help their clients through the challenges they all face.

I hope you find the content of this newsletter useful. If you have any suggestions for future editions please do get in touch

^{*the views expressed are the author’s and not ICAEW’s}