The Three Counties Future of Farming Session is a free to attend, in-person event for farmers, growers and other agricultural professionals.

Future of Farming: Optimising Markets, Money, and People explores two questions: What do you want your business to do for you, and how do you get your business to do it?

10:00 — Arrival for coffee and pastries

10:30 — Welcome

10:32 — Nationwide Chief Economist Robert Gardner shares his perspective on the wider economy’s impact on agriculture and farming businesses, including the Autumn Budget.

11:00 — Mind Your Margin: Surviving and Thriving with Dr Louise Manning and an agricultural consultant (to be confirmed). Explore how to turn economic understanding into on-farm thinking and planning, cope with price and market volatility, protect margins and keep asking the right questions of your business.

11:45 — From Kitchen Table to Farm Office: Getting Everyone on the Same Page with Michael Mack, The Rural Consultant, and Sam Thornton, Willans LLP. Discuss putting plans into action across family and small businesses, having difficult conversations, understanding different drivers and working towards shared objectives with family and employed or self-employed team members.

12:30 — Lunch

13:15 — Breakout sessions to explore topics in more detail with colleagues from Nationwide (previously Virgin Money), Willans LLP and others:

Farmers Q&A: Put your questions on any topic to professionals and specialists. Submit questions before or on the day.

Money work: Cash flow amid financial volatility, debt structure and making the most of credit balances.

People puzzle: When a business outgrows sole trader or partnership status; understanding what drives your family and team; developing shared business goals; helping people try something new; employment law conversations; recruitment and retention.

14:15 — Closing remarks

14:30 — Formal finish; professionals and specialists will be available for further discussion.

With special thanks to Nationwide and Willans LLP for their support. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you enjoy a valuable and insightful day.

Description supplied by the event organiser.