Farmers – How to Succeed in Succession

with Saviour Associates and Dodd & Co
The Autumn budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ignited dismay and huge
debate across the farming community. As the dust settles, agricultural advisors are urging
farmers to take a breath, take stock, and then take advice.
The Farmer Network, a not-for-profit farmer support organization working with farmers
across Cumbria, Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales, has received many calls from
farmers, asking for information about the changes to Inheritance Tax rules and how to
address the elephant residing in many farmhouse kitchens – the need to plan for succession.
In response to requests for information, the Farmer Network has organized an open
meeting on “How to succeed in succession” on Monday 25 th November from 7pm at the
Gavel Restaurant in Penrith Auction. The meeting, which is being funded by the Defra
Welfare Fund, will include Heather Wildman of Saviour Associates and Rob Hitch of Dodd &
Co as the main speakers with the help of other local accountants and solicitors.
Cumbrian farmer’s daughter, Heather Wildman of Saviour Associates, is an expert on farm
succession. She will cover how to begin the process of creating a succession plan and how
to handle what can be difficult family discussions. Farmer Network Chair, Rob Hitch, who is
a farm taxation specialist with Dodd & Co Accountants, will also talk through the changes to
APR and potential solutions to reduce IHT liability.
The meeting will be chaired by the Farmer Network’s Senior Project Manager, Veronica
Waller, who says: “our meeting is intended to offer farmers an understanding of the tax
changes announced in the budget and the options available to reduce IHT liability. We also
want to help farming families address the “elephant in the room” and start planning
succession. It has never been more important to have these conversations and a clear plan
of action”.
As well as the main speakers, the Farmer Network has also invited other businesses to
attend to talk to farmers on the night, including accountants, solicitors and financial
advisors.
A hot sausage or bacon roll will be served at the start of the meeting and places must be
booked by 12 noon on Friday 22 nd November. Farmers can book by:
Calling (01768) 868615, Texting: SUCCESSION to (07714) 187034, emailing
admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or booking on Eventbrite at:
https:/bit.ly/Succession25NOV