Leading land management agents Bell Ingram are aiming to help counter growing concerns over future reforms in the agricultural community by appointing two new staff to its expert team.
The Perth-based company believes that rather than basing support on speculation on what might happen, it is adopting a policy of creating a team of experienced land managers who can shape practical solutions for Scotland’s farmers.
The two new appointments – Andy Robertson and Rory Clark Kennedy (left) – will join Bell Ingram’s Ayr office where they will look to guide farmers through the changing position of subsidy payments, entitlements and other common agricultural policy (CAP) issues.
With more than 110 years knowledge in land management and with agriculturalists in its offices in Perth and Inverness, in addition to Ayr, the new appointments will join the highly experienced team to help guide farmers through the upcoming reforms.
Strengthening Services
Head of Land Management, Malcolm Taylor, said: “Rather than trying to advise clients on issues that are still fluid and uncertain, we are focusing on adapting and improving our services to clients on issues that we can influence.
“We see real value in providing direct support to farmers for the here and now, while, of course, continuing to ensure we are fully knowledgeable and able to advise on all aspects of the coming reforms.
“We know that there will be new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) opportunities and we will be building on and expanding our successes for clients in the first round, focusing particularly on environmental programmes.
“In the last round of SDRP projects we secured £500,000 over 5 years for clients in grey squirrel managements plans.
“Additionally, we also applied for a number of major upland moorland management programmes including out of season heather burning and licensing for raven control for Black Grouse protection.
“To build upon these achievements I am delighted announce that we are strengthening our services and personnel by recruiting Andy and Rory who will be joining our Ayr office.”
Andy Robertson joins from RPID in Ayr and will be providing an IACS checking service as well as identifying and securing a variety of grant funding whilst Rory Clark Kennedy, a farmer from Cairsphairn, joins the team as a consultant specialising in Agronomy advice.
Rory said being BASIS and FACTS qualified means he is able to offer expert agronomy advice for both grass and cereal production.
He added: “Nutrition is an area often overlooked so I am looking forward to advising clients at Bell Ingram as to how they can tailor fertilizer plans and crop requirements, to maximize output and efficiency to help drive down costs.
“Clients will also be kept up to date with legislation changes and I’ll also be able to advise on record keeping for sprays etc.”
With the Independence Referendum looming together with the final details of the CAP reform to be announced with all the associated uncertainties, Bell Ingram is well placed to offer independent and practical advice to clients from its network of offices in Scotland and the north of England.
As well as offering highly acclaimed land management services, Bell Ingram can also advise in forestry, valuations and estate agency, helping both individuals and organizations maximise their assets. Moreover, its in house design service and micro generation advice complete the all round package the firm can offer clients.
To find out more about the range of services Bell Ingram offer visit www.bellingram.co.uk.
