Learn how to host a productive first family meeting with these 10 essential rules. Perfect for tackling succession planning, improving communication, and securing your family farming legacy.
Read MoreExpertise That Works for You
When it comes to rural businesses, family enterprises, and charities, I don’t just understand the challenges—you could say I’ve lived them. My work isn’t about abstract theories or flashy ideas that look good on paper but don’t hold up in practice. It’s about getting to the heart of your goals and challenges and finding solutions that make a real difference.
Succession planning? It’s never easy, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But with the right guidance, the process can be less daunting and more about securing the future you’ve worked so hard to build. I’ll help you navigate this critical phase with clarity and confidence.
Growth and change often require more than just plans—they demand action. Whether it’s securing grant funding, sharpening your business strategy, or tackling performance management head-on, I’m here to help you take practical steps toward progress.
Leadership, too, is a cornerstone of success. I work closely with senior teams and families, helping them find their footing, hone their skills, and lead with purpose. The results? Stronger teams, clearer direction, and a business that’s ready to face the future.
Rural and charitable landscapes have their own unique rhythms. I bring an understanding of these dynamics that comes from years of working within them, not just observing from the outside. It’s this perspective that allows me to offer guidance that’s both relevant and impactful.
Ultimately, my work is about outcomes. Real, tangible results that mean something to you and the people you work with. There’s nothing theoretical about it—just honest, hard-earned progress toward the goals that matter most to you.
And if there’s one thing that drives me, it’s your success. That’s what fuels everything I do, from the first conversation to the final step of the journey.
Succession planning? It’s never easy, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But with the right guidance, the process can be less daunting and more about securing the future you’ve worked so hard to build. I’ll help you navigate this critical phase with clarity and confidence.
Growth and change often require more than just plans—they demand action. Whether it’s securing grant funding, sharpening your business strategy, or tackling performance management head-on, I’m here to help you take practical steps toward progress.
Leadership, too, is a cornerstone of success. I work closely with senior teams and families, helping them find their footing, hone their skills, and lead with purpose. The results? Stronger teams, clearer direction, and a business that’s ready to face the future.
Rural and charitable landscapes have their own unique rhythms. I bring an understanding of these dynamics that comes from years of working within them, not just observing from the outside. It’s this perspective that allows me to offer guidance that’s both relevant and impactful.
Ultimately, my work is about outcomes. Real, tangible results that mean something to you and the people you work with. There’s nothing theoretical about it—just honest, hard-earned progress toward the goals that matter most to you.
And if there’s one thing that drives me, it’s your success. That’s what fuels everything I do, from the first conversation to the final step of the journey.
With a foundation as a trained agricultural economist and over twenty five years of experience, I specialise in guiding businesses, families, and charitable organisations through complex challenges. As an independent consultant, I work collaboratively to develop strategies that add real value, whether diversifying income streams, addressing family dynamics, planning for succession, or securing critical grant funding.
My clients include respected names such as the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, the Department for Education, A D Harvey, World Wildlife Fund and the Prince's Charitable Trust. A recipient of the prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship, I had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge systems and processes for the next generation of farmers, further enhancing my insights. While I operate independently, I benefit from the expertise of the Anglia Rural Consultants network.
Since 2019, I have served as CEO of The Family Mediation Trust, leading the charity through a merger, navigating Covid-19, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Under my leadership, the trust has supported a growing number of clients each year, improved staff conditions, and consistently delivered a surplus. In 2024, The Family Mediation Trust was recognized as the Legal Aid Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to accessible and impactful services.
My dedication extends to advocacy and governance. I chair the Family Mediation Legal Aid Action Group, working to protect legal aid for low-income families, and sit on the Legal Services Board Consumer Panel. I am also the founding member of the Succession Alliance, fostering collaboration among UK experts in succession planning.
Outside consultancy, I’ve served as a magistrate for over 19 years, contributed to the Family Mediation Standards Board, and acted as a trustee for the Norfolk Viking Foundation.
Farm and Rural Business Consultancy
Charity Consultancy
Blog
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Gifting a farm can be a complex process with hidden costs, such as capital gains tax, stamp duty, and transaction fees. It's important to understand the full cost of gifting a farm to ensure the long-term success of the business. This blog explores the different factors to consider when gifting a farm.
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Conflicts within a family farming business can be challenging, but they can also be resolved through effective communication, clear roles and responsibilities, and a willingness to work together. Follow these top tips to minimize conflicts and ensure the success of your family farming business.
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Expert analysis on why the older generation in England's family farms refuses to deal with succession planning, including research and case studies
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"We are already very grateful for Mike’s support in coaching and advising, but even more importantly, working on the financial planning and forecasting just when we needed it, drawing on his extensive experience in rural development. He continues to play an important part of our professional team to call on when needed."
Case Studies
Ideas for a successful diversification project, these are real life case studies of Michael's work across Britain.
Michael has worked with Old Hall Farm for over 18 months providing strategic support to Rebecca and Stuart. This work began with them when they had just 7 cows and the idea of starting a new farm shop. During this time Michael has written business plans, drafted the planning justification statement and finally helped the family to secure grant funding.
The farm shop and café is currently being built, cow numbers have increased and the business is selling amazing raw Jersey milk.
Old Hall FarmPlanning, Grant Support, Farm Retail Shropshire dairy farmers, Linda and Roger Edwards, set out to create a new income stream to the farms dairy to enable them to reduce reliance on milk sales. The grant application and planning approval had stalled.
Michael was brought in to drive forward the grant application which was secured for a new campsite. Michael then pulled together the planning application process to drive the application forward to a successful outcome. The campsite build is just starting.
Linda EdwardsTourism, Planning, Grant Funding Tim and Sue had developed an idea to create a new farm shop, bakery and café on their farm at Long Crendon Manor. Michael was initially asked to build a business case to back up the loan application through the AMC. Through the use of benchmarked data and local research a full set of financial data was prepared and used to successfully secure the loan funding.
During the drafting of the business proposal, Tim found that being able to discuss ideas and thoughts through with Michael was a very effective way to both keep the business focused and to make effective decisions.
The bakery and farm shop are now open and the café is close to completion.
Long Crendon ManorBusiness Planning, Mentoring, Loan Application Blackheath Farm had worked for over a year to review its water security issues and to gain planning consent for a new 150,000 m3 reservoir for its farm on the Suffolk coast. Due to project delays, the opportunity for grant funding under the Productivity Grant was significantly time bound. I was invited to write the grant application and support it through the process with the RPA. The project secured grant support at 40% and is currently being constructed.
Blackheath Farms llpIrrigation, Productivity Grant, Suffolk, Farm, Agriculture Over the last 3 years Michael has worked with the Trust and its predecessor organisations to help guide it through the challenges of a small charity. During this time he has enabled the charity to expand regionally, develop new delivery functions as well as merging two two charities.
Over this time the Charities have seen an increase in the number of clients being worked with and a growth in the businesses reserves.
The Family Mediation TrustCharity, CEO, Leadership, Governance Working for the Department of Education we were charged with conducting a Feasibility Study for the Purchase of a Farm for a Specialist Free School in Kent. The objective of the study was to perform a thorough evaluation of the proposed project, including a close examination of the business plan and conversations with relevant personnel.
The aim of the study was to produce a comprehensive and thorough appraisal of the application, with a clear understanding of the potential advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a farm for the specialist free school. Michael utilized his team of experts to approach the project with a comprehensive method, combining their technical expertise with practical experience to provide an impartial and well-informed analysis of the proposal.
Department for Educationfeasibility study, farm purchase, specialist free school, Kent, Department of Education, business plan, key personnel, appraisal
