Bold ideas, bright futures: inside the 2026 CLA Next Generation Conference

The CLA's fourth annual Next Generation Conference & Dinner sought to create a space for ideas, collaboration and connection, and was described by CLA President Gavin Lane as “exactly what the rural economy needs.”

At the event, he described it as an opportunity for forward-thinking, adding, “it’s nice to have a group of young people to give us some idea of what the future should look like. I hope you will be inspired, educated and informed by what you hear. There is a huge amount of ambition, drive and bravery within the Next Generation and I hope you go away and start making changes at home.”

Gavin added, “many of you will be part of that, and we want to keep on pushing to government about the amazing things that you do.”

This year the event took place at Thorpe Garden within the Thorpe Estate by kind permission of the Lillingston family and Cripps and Co, with the support of headline partner Carter Jonas. Tech entrepreneur Michael Wood, Founder of Translucent and Co-Founder of Dext (formerly Receipt Bank), kicked off proceedings with a rousing keynote speech at the opening dinner, supported by Albert Goodman.

He started by noting that “Britain is a pretty weird place. And we as Brits are pretty weird.” He continued, “what I mean when I say we're weird is we've developed this super weird relationship with technology. And what I would argue is we've stopped believing in the future. Indeed, we've taken pride in having a sceptical attitude around technology. And it costs us all.”

Micheal went on to describe how global markets are in an era of new tech waves such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how attitudes from the past could hurt people, their businesses, the economy and society. He believes that it’s “on all of us that want to take advantage of AI to be curious and to investigate in our businesses where that's possible.”

“It's still going to rip through our economy. The scepticism just means Britain doesn't benefit and your business doesn't benefit. It doesn't slow its adoption – it still is going to happen. I urge everyone to have that curiosity about what's possible.”

The message of being curious about the possible was one that also ran through the conference, chaired by CLA Vice President Eliza Ecclestone. It offered a rich programme of speakers and thought-provoking discussions which focused on building the right mindset and navigating changing times.

In her opening speech, Eliza commented, “what you will hear about is the sum of extraordinary entrepreneurship and many successes. While you're listening, I would be absolutely certain that they will have all experienced huge frustrations, uncertainties and failures, alongside what we all suffer with – a huge dose of imposter syndrome.

“We should be inspired rather than overwhelmed, we should exchange a couple of numbers, and we should know beyond everything that everyone else here is just making a difference as they're going on as well.”

Event speakers included Henry Rossiter from Belmont Estate who shared the estate’s progressive environmental and commercial strategy, Alice Favre who shared how she is exploring how to turn Chettle Estate into a charity and handing it over to a board of trustees. Narratives were also shared on the realities of stepping up in rural enterprise.

Tim Hopkin, Founder and CEO of LandApp, told his story of how his commitment to environmental stewardship led him to develop digital tools that support the future of land management. Simon Egan of CAPCO explored his journey from being a fine art sculptor to leading the team at the leading adventure play designers.

As a 13th generation farmer, Tom McVeigh explained how an interest in innovation and emerging opportunities could help reshape the sector and opened up about his drive to explore more sustainable and profitable approaches to agriculture. Emma Blanford then shone a spotlight on how the family’s ethos of sustainable farming allowed the farm to diversify with all of the new enterprises being co-dependent on one another.

The final speaker was host Tristan Lillingston. Tristen transitioned from a high energy career in the music industry, where he managed bands such as Busted and Bullet For My Valentine, to the strategic management of his family’s historic Thorpe Estate. He shared how he used his experience to bring a new perspective to estate management and insights on balancing tradition with new ideas to help modernise the business.

For the first time, this year’s conference featured a series of interactive workshops where attendees could explore practical solutions for strengthening their businesses. Teaming up with Carter Jonas, KOR Communications and CLA Finance (delivered by Ashbridge Partners) the workshops sought to deliver the latest advice on asset management, building a rural brand and exploring financing options.

Follow the button below to learn more about the CLA Next Generation Network and join our dedicated WhatsApp community for further updates.

The CLA would like to thank headline partner Carter Jonas and supporting partner Albert Goodman as well as KOR Communications, Bronwin & Abbey, CLA Finance, CLA Energy, CLA Healthcare and CLA Insurance.