‘I want Surrey to be one of the leading voices on the rural economy’
New Chairman of CLA county branch. Tim Metson, sets out his vision
The new Chairman of the Surrey branch of the CLA, Tim Metson, has pledged to help the county become ‘one of the leading voices on the rural economy’.
Mr Metson replaced Joosje Hamilton at a recent Country Land and Business Association (CLA) committee meeting, in one of the most important rural roles in the county.
Mr Metson, a third-generation farmer and chartered surveyor, has a broad range of experience in the rural sector. Born and raised in the Surrey Hills, he has developed a multi-enterprise business on the family holding. This includes a pedigree herd of Herefords, catering and butchery enterprises and more recently the development of a hostelling and mountain biking activity centre.
Mr Metson, who has also been involved in the establishment of a community rural fibre business, Broadband for the Surrey Hills, said: “I am looking forward to getting to grips on a variety of matters affecting CLA members. Whether it’s rural crime, inheritance planning challenges or simply helping fellow land-based businesses make the most out of their assets, I want Surrey to be one of the leading voices on the rural economy. This is especially poignant in a county under increasing pressure from urban demands.
'Rapidly changing policies'
“At a time of unprecedented change in the rural sector, outgoing chair Joosje Hamilton has done a superb job over the last three years in helping navigate the rapidly changing policies.
“I would like to thank Joosje for all her hard work in representing Surrey at the highest level, and her support in guiding the Surrey branch of the CLA.”
As Surrey branch Chairman, Mr Metson 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 Joosje for her tremendous work, ideas and enthusiasm over the course of her chairmanship.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim into the role and look forward to working closely with him over the next few years.”
See a full list of the CLA Surrey committee here.
