Diversified farmer and owner of civil engineering firm becomes new Chairman of CLA Hampshire branch

A diversified farmer and owner of a leading civil engineering firm has become the new Chairman of the Hampshire branch of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Alister Cutts replaced Robert Sutcliffe at a committee meeting today (Tuesday), in one of the most important rural roles in the county.

Mr Cutts was born in the New Forest and has spent his entire life in the area, living and working on the family farm since a young age. He started his own civil engineering and plant company, Earlcoate, in 1997 which has grown to become a leading expert in coastal protection works and civil engineering projects.

The farm has a herd of pedigree Longhorn, a commercial herd of Charolais, water meadows and includes a stretch of the River Avon. It also has fishing, camping, several holiday lets and some tenanted properties, all of which are part of the family’s diversification.

Mr Cutts said: “My background and passion for the farm, and the family legacy that it represents, have given me the desire to help bring solutions and think holistically about what can be done for Hampshire’s rural economy and businesses in these difficult times.

“Robert has been a fantastic role model and a great Chairman for our branch, and I hope I can continue his high standard for Hampshire during my tenure.”

As Hampshire branch Chairman, Mr Cutts will be representing hundreds of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the county.

CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Robert for his tremendous work, ideas and enthusiasm over the course of his chairmanship.

“We are delighted to welcome Alister into the role and look forward to working closely with him over the next few years.”