A series of FREE support events to help farmers navigate announcements made in the Autumn Budget are being held by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
The events will examine what the options are for farm businesses following the proposed changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), changes that would affect inheritance tax.
They are opportunities for farmers to hear from a range of land and legal experts – all in one place – who will help to unpick the ways forward for farm businesses and what practical action that farmers can take in response to the proposed new rules.
Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society understands that there are significant challenges for farming families following recent government announcements.
A practical way in which we can help is to give farmers access to helpful advice that can inform the next steps they can take to best safeguard their businesses.
We are proud to support, promote and educate the public about farming and we want British farms to thrive, now and long into the future as valued food producers and guardians of the countryside.
“Whether or not you are a member of the Society, all farmers are very welcome at these events.”
Dates and venues
These events will be held as follows, with the bar opening at 6.30pm, hot food served at 7pm and presentations and a Q&A from 7.30-9.30pm.
Monday 28th April at Farmer Copleys, Pontefract
Tuesday 29th April at Driffield Showground
Wednesday 30th April at The Huntsman Inn, Holmfirth
Thursday 1st May at The Golden Lion, Northallerton
What to expect
Estate management and planning
Know your farm business inside and out, so that it is in as good shape as possible to survive and grow for the long-term: Duncan Winspear from Savills will go through key ways to understand your business strengths and weaknesses so you can make better decisions, and also fully review all potential sources of income to maximise profits and reduce business risk.
Finances
Chris Humphreys of BHP Accountants will walk attendees through how to plan your tax affairs in an uncertain economic and political landscape. This will include steps to mitigate the impact of the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief in April 2026 and to Unspent Pension Funds in April 2027.
Legal matters
Orlando Bridgeman and Lucy Hargreaves from Wrigleys Solicitors believe that the proposed changes are likely to see more lifetime gifts taking place to avoid an inheritance tax charge on death. They will talk about the questions that arise from this over who has control of the business, how to protect the farm from divorce or irresponsible family members, and how to plan for the future when the next generation are not old enough to take on ownership.
Succession planning
Heather Wildman of Saviour Associates will discuss how the proposed policy changes impact succession planning. A well-known keynote speaker and facilitator, Heather is a Nuffield Scholar who was brought up on a hill farm in the Lake District. Heather will cover all the elements to consider when addressing succession, with the aim of preparing families to get the most efficient value from professional advisers and to overcome perceived barriers and hurdles.
With thanks to our event partners
Please, don’t suffer in silence
If anything is weighing you down, please be aware of the many excellent organisations that can offer dedicated support. Please find below some useful contact details.
Find out more about what we do, year-round, to support the farming community
Farmer Scientist Network – working with the crop and livestock sectors to find new ways in which science and technology can find solutions and underpin innovation in agriculture.
Future Farmers of Yorkshire – inspires and develops the very best to lead Yorkshire’s agricultural industries to a thriving future.
Goodall Agri-Development Pathway – a fully-funded training programme to support the development of farming’s next generation.
Grants and Scholarships – grants are available to individuals and organisations of the Yorkshire farming network and community as part of our charitable objectives, and since 1980, we have sponsored Nuffield Farming Scholarships.
Women In Farming Network – provides opportunities for women to learn from each other, build contacts and offer support to their fellow members.
Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network – builds relationships which can collectively champion and influence at a local, regional, and national level.
Yorkshire Rural Support Network – promotes and provides sources of help – whether practical, financial, medical or emotional – to those who live in farming and rural communities.
