2022 CLA Rural Business Conference

Join us for the 2022 CLA Rural Business Conference which will be held at the Kia Oval, London on Thursday 1 December.

Too often rural businesses face structural barriers to their success. Poor digital and electrical connectivity, an outdated planning regime and a wide range of other factors mean that the rural economy is 18% less productive than the national average.  

The 2022 CLA Rural Business Conference “Overcoming the barriers to business success” will bring together hundreds of members to hear first-hand from senior government officials, as well as landowners and rural business owners who are finding new ways to grow their enterprises in difficult times.

Our headline speakers Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Defra, and Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, will share with you their vision for the potential of the rural economy. You will also have the opportunity to learn from fellow landowners and rural business owners on topics such as developing rural skills, navigating the planning system and digital and electrical connectivity solutions.

Leading experts in rural and agricultural skills will discuss what more can be done to further upskill the rural workforce. You will hear the skills members will need in the future, how they can be acquired, and how to facilitate easier access to training.

 

With many rural communities looking to upgrade infrastructure, this year’s conference will cover issues from broadband, to water, to the electrical grid. You will also gain inspiration from fellow members who have built new reservoirs together with local farmers and are developing new systems to harness electricity for use in EV charging. They will discuss how they have invested in their own infrastructure for the betterment of their business.

 

Reform of the planning regime is also vital to the success of the rural economy. In our session on planning members will share with you the barriers they overcame and highlight successful projects they have undertaken.

To see the full programme click here. 

Speakers will include:

John Pienaar
Conference chair, Presenter, Times Radio 

The Rt. Hon. Dr Thérèse Coffey MP
Secretary of State for Defra

The Rt. Hon. Sir Ed Davy MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats 

Mark Tufnell
CLA President

Professor Sally Shortall
Duke of Northumberland Professor of Rural Economy, University of Newcastle

Will Mathias
CGJ Mathias & Son (Nurseries) 

David Phillips
Michaelston y Fedw Internet Community Interest Company

Anthony Downs
Hatfield Park Estate

Fiona Sample
Oswin Project

Our conference will give you the opportunity to learn from one another as we seek to identify ways in which we can create growth, opportunity, and prosperity in the countryside.

Book your place today by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.

If you have any questions or need any assistance booking, please contact your regional office.