CLA West Midlands

Based at the regional office at Woodseaves in Staffordshire, the West Midlands team provides CLA services and rural representation for members within the counties of Herefordshire Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Advice, support and services

Advisory service – access to a free advisory service (full members only) providing independent, impartial information and advice on a wide range of rural and business issues.

Representation – membership seats on regional government and numerous government agencies to represent members' interests and assist with the rural proofing of policy, with key representation on the West Midlands Business Council (the electing body for seats on the West Midlands Regional Assembly).

Lobbying – local, county and regional lobbying activities targeting MPs, MEPs, authorities, agencies and the general public.

Local news – free copy of a quarterly newsletter, a monthly 'Enews' information email, plus a variety of information leaflets and briefing notes. Also, keep in touch with the latest news affecting rural business through our press releases. If you have a story connected to your business and the CLA that the media might be interested in, contact: tim.barnesclay@cla.org.uk

Events – invitations to a wide range of local events and activities – conferences, tax and legal advisory briefings and clinics, businesses breakfasts, estate/farm visits and social functions.

About the region

Membership – around 5,000 members engaged in all sectors of the rural economy, representing more than 250 types of business.

Agriculture – wide diversity of farming activities, through livestock, arable, roots, non-agricultural cropping to horticulture, fruit and forestry.

Environment – Environmental designations encompass the full international and national range – from world heritage sites in Ironbridge and the mosses & Meres, to the National Forest, the rivers (Severn & Teme) to locally important sites.

Regional development – two substantial and newly designated 'high tech corridors' in Staffordshire and Worcestershire will provide the focus for the next five years, with Birmingham city being at the centre of key regional and national commercial and transport (road, railway and airport) developments.

Public attractions – Three international visitor attractions – Stratford-upon-Avon, Alton Towers, and Warwick castle – together with the Peak National Park and the Welsh Marches 'honey pots'.