Communicating the rural economy: a conversation with CLA President Gavin Lane
Sumer is proud to sponsor the CLA Rural Business Conference on 19 November. Ahead of the event, Jack Deal, Partner and Agricultural Lead (South) at Sumer sat down with CLA President Gavin Lane to discuss the pressures on rural businesses, what sets thriving ones apart, and why this year’s theme, communicating the rural economy, matters. Watch the full conversation above or explore the key themes below.
Many challenges at once
Gavin explained that the industry faces no single issue. Many pressures have arrived together: cost inflation linked to the war in Iran, shifts in domestic agricultural policy, and weaker demand in retail and hospitality as the cost of living bites. He highlighted difficulties accessing the Sustainable Farming Incentive, with fewer than half of those hoping to access grants being successful, and the continuing weight of inheritance tax, employers NI and minimum wage increases. Climate change, he added, will be the defining issue of the next decade, following three of the worst harvests in five years.
Making the case for the countryside
The theme responds to a perception problem. Gavin explained how politicians can see the countryside as something to preserve, or somewhere to drive through between cities. The reality is richer: CLA members run around 233 different types of business on their farms and estates, and he wants that diversity celebrated as a positive force for the wider economy.
A long-term view
Many CLA member businesses have been going for over 100 years, some for three or four hundred. They look beyond quarterly results and election cycles, preserving their legacy while seeking new opportunities. Our agricultural teams see the same across the UK, working with families across generations to plan for the coming decades as well as the next six months.
“One of the beauties of being part of Sumer, with agricultural specialists in teams around the country, is that we can share expertise, experiences and resources and help each other solve some of these problems for our clients.” – Jack Deal, Partner and Agricultural Lead (South) at Sumer
Attitude and the next generation
Thriving businesses, Gavin said, face into the challenge with a can-do attitude, focusing on why something is possible. He is optimistic about the next generation, who understand legacy without being shackled by it. Many tell him they don’t want to lose the business “on my watch”. At Sumer we are keen developers of the next generation of advisors, and we are proud to think that many of the people in our 200 strong team in their early 20s will partner our clients on their watch.
What to expect on 19 November
Gavin promised a day to educate, inform and inspire, with examples of resilient, profitable, diverse land management and a chance to share challenges with others facing the same ones. It’s for anyone with a stake in the rural economy, and we look forward to seeing you there.
To find out how Sumer’s agricultural specialists can support your business, get in touch.
Become a part of our community
Join a growing network of forward-thinking firms, advisors, and leaders shaping the future of accountancy and business support. When you connect with Sumer, you’re not just joining a group—you’re joining a movement.
