Blog: Driving growth

From unpredictable weather patterns to changes in inheritance tax relief and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, 2025 has been a busy and challenging year. It’s clear that those working in farming and land management are facing uncertainty on many levels.

Against this backdrop, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some fantastic individuals who are shaping the future for our rural communities.

My main focus as the CLA Midlands Regional Sales Manager is to drive growth of the membership. This role is both strategic and relationship-based focusing on broadening our footprint, and in turn strengthening the value of our membership.

This year, I have taken the time to attend different events in the hope of meeting people who will benefit from all that the CLA has to offer.

From in-house events such as AGMs and committee meetings, the latter of which I recently presented a paper at, to cattle markets and county shows. All allowing me valuable face-to-face time with potential and existing members in a comfortable environment.

A particular stand out is my visits throughout the year to the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell, Derbyshire. They host a cattle market every Monday which is always popular and well attended, with people travelling from far and wide. This is also a regular venue for our Derbyshire committee meetings (Find out more about CLA Committees here).

I also recently attended Dairy Day UK at the International Centre in Telford, Shropshire. Held in mid-September, the event is now in its 16th year, and attracts people from across the farming sector with trade exhibitors filling both internal and external areas, a cattle show, seminars and practical demonstrations and a sharing knowledge zone.

This visit was with the view of adding this event to the CLA Midlands show calendar in the future, but I also was able to meet some existing CLA members.

I find that I am learning new things about our sector everyday from current and prospective members; in particular about new and innovative technology.

I joined CLA friends and members at the Cholmondeley Estate to see how the use of AI drones can used within agriculture, forestry and horticulture businesses, saving time and money on what can be costly roles. Literally taking the rural sector to new heights, and the perfect example of the business development side of my role, bringing people together.

These interactions are essential for me to understand the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the people I meet. They also give me the chance to show how the CLA can support them, whether that’s through tailored resources, valuable advice or members services offers such as CLA Energy, Healthcare and Insurance.

Ultimately, my role is about more than simply bringing in new members. It’s about building a strong, engaged and forward-thinking community that contributes to policy discussions at a higher level to ensure that rural industries are accounted for.

If you represent a business that could benefit from being part of a trusted network, I’d welcome the opportunity to have a conversation.