Farms, Rural Businesses & Landed Estates
Supporting farms, estates and rural businesses
The rural sector continues to evolve, with changes to agricultural policy, environmental schemes, succession planning and diversification all influencing how farms and estates operate.
We work with farming businesses, landed estates and rural enterprises primarily across the South West, providing accountancy, audit, tax and business advice that reflects the way rural businesses are structured and managed.
Who we work with
Our experience includes working with:
- Family farms
- Landed estates
- Arable, livestock and mixed farms
- Diversified farming businesses
- Agricultural partnerships and limited companies
- Rural businesses
- Landowners
- Estate owners and trustees
How we can help
We advise farms, estates and rural businesses across a wide range of financial, tax and commercial matters, including:
Tax & Succession
- Tax planning, including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and VAT
- Succession planning to support the transfer of farming businesses between generations
- Tax and financial advice for trusts, including tax returns and trust accounts
- Advice on Business Asset Disposal Relief and other available tax reliefs
- Advice for landowners on development land, options over land and property transactions
Business & Financial Advice
- Annual accounts and tax returns
- Budgets, cash flow forecasting and long-term business planning
- Appraisal of diversification projects, joint ventures and new business opportunities
- Funding and investment decisions
- Audit and assurance services where required
Practical Business Support
- Payroll and HR services
- Farm office systems and accounting software
- Tax investigations and HMRC enquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay Inheritance Tax on my farm?
Inheritance Tax planning is an important consideration for many farming families. The availability of Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will depend on your circumstances and the way your business is structured. Planning ahead can help preserve the long-term future of the business.
How do I know if a diversification project is worthwhile?
Many farms are looking at new income streams, including holiday accommodation, retail, renewable energy and environmental schemes. We can help you assess whether a project is commercially viable, understand the tax implications and prepare financial forecasts before you invest.
We own farmland through trusts and different family members. Can you help?
Yes. We regularly advise farming families with partnership, trust and company structures. We can help review ownership arrangements, succession plans and the associated tax implications.
We have land with development potential. What should we consider?
Selling or developing land can have significant tax implications. Taking advice before entering into an option agreement or sale can help you understand the impact of Capital Gains Tax, VAT and the ownership structure before decisions are made.
Can you help with VAT?
Yes. VAT can be particularly complex for rural businesses. We advise on VAT registration, opting to tax, partial exemption and the VAT treatment of farming, property and diversification activities.
Do you only work with farms?
No. We work with a wide range of rural businesses, including landed estates, diversified enterprises, rural property owners and agricultural partnerships.
