Non-members who join the CLA on the day of the event will be refunded the cost of their ticket. 

The CLA is delighted to announce the inaugural CLA Next Generation Conference and Dinner at Bradford Estates, Shropshire, on Wednesday 26 April 2023 and Thursday 27 April 2023.

This event is aimed to those who have either recently taken over the business or will do so shortly. 

Here at the CLA, we believe that it is vitally important for the next generation of landowners to form meaningful connections both with the CLA and their peers locally and nationally. To this end, we urge you to encourage your successors to take part in the briefing to learn, discuss and challenge future priorities for the next generation of rural land and business owners in England and Wales. Equally, you may have recently come home to manage the family business and may find this a welcome opportunity to discuss and be inspired. This event can also be counted towards your CPD.

Over its 12,000 acres, Bradford Estates operates in the forestry, farming, leisure and property sectors. The business currently has 1,200 acres of mixed woodland ranging from commercial plantations, C18th/19th pleasure grounds, parkland and ancient woodland with a 300-acre woodland creation project also in progress.

There is a regenerative farming business, Bradford Farming, run by Farms Director, Oliver Scott, operating over 4,500 acres. 2022 was their first harvest comprising arable rotation, as well as lettuces, potatoes and poppies let under license alongside grazing for sheep. They are taking forward an infrastructure transformation with a new grain store extension, roof mounted solar panels, a new farm access road and extensive landscaping, followed by a doubling of reservoir capacity in the pipeline.

They have converted an initial two holiday cottages from outlying heritage properties, unviable to be refurbished and let under assured short hold tenancies and have planning consent to convert a listed farm into a wedding venue.

Alongside these operational businesses, there are 20 let farms, 130 houses, 20 canal moorings and 75 commercial units on the estates as well as eight industrial park investments around the UK.

The event will begin on the evening of Wednesday 26th April with a pre-dinner drinks reception taking place from 18.45 – 22.30 at Woodlands House, Weston-under-Lizard. This will be followed by a three-course dinner where we will be joined by CLA National Officers and an after-dinner address by CLA President Mark Tufnell and guest speaker Andy Cato (previously Groove Armada). Read more about Andy Cato here. Accommodation is available locally.

On Thursday 27th April, arrival is from 9.30am for a 10am start. The day will provide the opportunity to learn about the 100-year plan introduced by Alexander Newport, since he assumed full-time management responsibilities at Bradford Estates in 2019, as well as an insight into his strategic thinking on how as the next generation of landowners you can ensure your farm or estate thrives in the long term. There will be a two-course lunch and tours of the forestry, farming and leisure activities at Bradford Estates. Speakers will also cover topical discussions on natural capital, environmental land management and nature-based solutions, with experts from the CLA and event partners Strutt & Parker. The day will finish by 5pm.

Alexander and his team – including Farms Director Oliver Scott, Rural Director Steve Farrow, Asset Management Director Andrew Barrett and his wife, Eliza Newport – will talk through the farming, forestry, estate management, property, housebuilding, and leisure activities on the Bradford Estates.  We will also be visiting the various enterprises on the estates during the course of the day. The Bradford Estates team will be available to discuss any questions that arise.

Speakers will also cover topical discussions on natural capital, environmental land management and nature-based solutions, with experts from the CLA and Strutt & Parker.

If you cannot attend for any part of the event, for catering purposes, please notify Natalie Ryles on events@cla.org.uk. If you have any questions or wish to book a ticket, please contact Natalie Ryles on 01785 337010.

Accommodation – There are a selection of local hotels if people wish to stay over, see below.

Charlotte´s Folly | Luxury Self-Catering Cottage | Shropshire, (uniquehomestays.com) - unavailable for only one night

Haughton Hall Hotel, Shifnal

Lilleshall National Sports Centre - Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Telford – Updated 2022 Prices (booking.com)

Park House Hotel - Park House Hotel, Shifnal – Updated 2022 Prices (booking.com)

Premier Inn in Newport – Newport Hotels | Book Hotels In Newport Shropshire | Premier Inn