Identifying and adapting to new trends: the CLA Next Generation Conference
A summary of the fascinating topics that were discussed by future land managers at the 2025 CLA Next Generation Conference – including photo gallery
More than 120 rural business entrepreneurs and members shared stories, discussed challenges and debated new ideas at the third annual CLA Next Generation Conference and Dinner last week (30 March-1 April).
The event took place at Ivy Lodge, a castellated lodge and barn set in the grounds of Cirencester Park by permission of the Bathurst Estate, and supported by headline partner Carter Jonas. The dinner and conference attracted members who have either recently taken over the family business or will do so shortly, to meet other like-minded individuals, share experiences, and add to their personal and professional development.
On day one of the event, delegates enjoyed networking and forming new connections over a two-course meal, followed by an after-dinner address from CLA President Victoria Vyvyan and co-founder of Green & Black’s Chocolate Jo Fairley – who has also appeared as a panellist on the BBC show The Apprentice.
The next morning began with an opening address by CLA Vice President Joe Evans. He highlighted how the conference can showcase the bright future for agricultural businesses before introducing the first session, entitled ‘The art of change; identifying and adopting new trends’ featuring Mark Charter of Carter Jonas. Mark reminded delegates that there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ to how estates and farms can diversify and that they shouldn’t overlook what was available, discussing how every element and asset can be used towards a successful future.
This was followed by a talk from Ed Daniell of Ruralspace who said “There is still demand for traditional tenants – whether storage or office tenants. But we are now seeing more demand for land from the likes of forest schools, pet-based businesses and grow your own vegetables and flowers. You hold the keys to all of these opportunities. By looking at the estate as a whole you can find where these new opportunities are.”
Becky Wilson of Burrough Court Estate followed this up by talking about how, as a third-generation family member, she has been dedicated to preserving the estate’s heritage while driving innovation and sustainable growth. She talked about her passion for creating wellness-focused spaces and environmentally conscious ventures that align with her values of health, community, and sustainability. Becky said that by basing her business plans on these key pillars of success, she aims to make Burrough Court a destination of choice for professionals and like-minded individuals who value quality, the environment, and forward-thinking solutions.
This session ended with Alex Barton, Director of Wadswick Country Store and a partner of the farm estate on which the shop is based. He shared his family’s journey of diversification and how a viable arable farm has developed and now includes a premium retail destination. He highlighted opportunities that had allowed the family business to grow without going to the bank, and how believing in staff ideas had allowed them to recently open a second successful retail location – which helped build brand awareness - in the centre of Bath.
The second panel session of the day focused on stories from the next generation. Opening panellist Peter Craven, a Nuffield scholar, spoke about the significance of having a family charter – which helps build a roadmap to success, provides a set of rules and helps the family communicate clearly. He shared that “you can have the best numbers in the world but if the family cannot get along, it is all for nothing”.
Peter was followed by Oliver Williams of Lanhydrock Estate, who explained how after a century of decline, the estate has once again found its feet back under family management and is now multi-faceted business which includes agricultural, residential, commercial, forestry and sporting arms.
Next up was Hannah Connors, a trustee of the CLA Charitable Trust, dairy farmer’s daughter and a Senior Associate in Browne Jacobson’s private client team. Her presentation delved into how farming families can be represented by ‘The Lion King’, where there is a Mufasa and a Simba – in this case her younger brother Patrick. She posed the question: “What about those of us who aren’t Simba? How can we contribute to our pride’s success and have a positive impact on the family business?”
Finally, the session was bought to a close by James Lowsley-Williams of Chavenage Estate. As a self-proclaimed ‘Simba’, he described how his life had been set out for him by his family but that he took a different route by working in the cycling and media industry, before returning to the estate. James described how alongside his wife he has spent two years adding new revenue streams and is promoting the estate via his successful YouTube channel – ‘Life at the Manor’, which now has more than 100,000 subscribers.
Following lunch, delegates were split into groups and taken on a coach tour of Bathurst Estate to learn more about its diversified enterprises, including Ewe Pen Farm, historical assets and residential developments.
The CLA would like to thank headline partner Carter Jonas and dinner partner James Hambro & Partners for supporting the event. With the success of this year’s conference, we are excited to organise future events for the Next Generation Network.
The CLA has a WhatsApp Community for members wishing to keep up to date with the organisation's focus on the next generation. This group aims to highlight the latest CLA news and interesting events which will be of interest to young entrepreneurs and land managers who have recently taken over the family business or plan to do so shortly.
Members who already use the WhatsApp app can join by clicking here from their phone.
To find out more or join the CLA Next Generation Network, email ann.maidment@cla.org.uk.