Experienced surveyors with extensive local knowledge
Farming is going through a period of fundamental change. This is affecting agricultural businesses, estates and investment landowners alike. An ability to respond to changing circumstances is obviously of critical importance. However, this must be tempered with a knowledge of traditional values and established agricultural practices.
George Webb Finn has a detailed understanding of farming and an in-depth knowledge of agricultural law and regulatory control – a combination that ensures that our clients receive effective and practical advice on business strategy and general farm and estate management.
Diversification & Grants
Farm diversification is a well established and important source of additional income for many farm businesses. However, diversification is rarely a straightforward simple process which can be achieved without careful research, forward planning and perseverance.
Our team here at George Webb Finn can help you – from first thoughts to final success we can advise and assist with financial assessments, planning and grant applications, project design, costing and construction management as well as environmental issues, and marketing.
We have a wide range of skills and experience available including valuers, land agents, planning consultancy and project management. We also have access to architects, building surveyors, highways engineers and other specialists and so can offer a complete package if required.
For an initial informal discussion of your proposal or for help in assessing possible diversification opportunities for your business please contact David Bass in the first instance.
Valuations
George Webb Finn offers clients a comprehensive valuation service, carrying out a particularly wide range of valuations of residential, rural, agricultural and commercial property for any purpose including:
| Secured lending for banks and building societies |
Taxation and District Valuer negotiations |
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Sales and Acquisitions |
General estate planning and property transfers |
| Matrimonial | Litigation and expert witness reports |
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Portfolio assessments and re-valuations |
Annual stocktaking |
| Rental | Insurance |
Valuation is one of our core disciplines and our Valuers specialise in producing property valuations to the highest standards. All of our Valuers are experienced and qualified Chartered Surveyors and members of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.
We have access to the latest comparable evidence and also to the specialist expertise of our Farm & Estate Management and Planning departments. Our in-depth knowledge of the factors that have an effect on the value together with the market place experience of our sales and lettings departments, enable us to deliver accurate and prompt valuations.
Finance
George Webb Finn are Agents of The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), finance specialists offering competitive secured loans to agricultural and horticultural business in England, Wales and Scotland. AMC currently lends over £1.4 billion to the agricultural industry. Finance is offered on a short-term flexible basis or on long-term agreements.
As an AMC Agent, we can meet with you to discuss your proposal in greater depth, complete the application form on your behalf and submit it with other supporting documentation, such as your last three years trading accounts.
At the appropriate time, a report and valuation of your property can be carried out along with the necessary identification checks to satisfy Money Laundering Regulations (a legal requirement).
Equestrian
At George Webb Finn we have specialist knowledge of equestrian facilities from trail rides to pony paddocks, livery, and racing and breeding establishments. We recognise that selling or maintaining equestrian properties requires a different approach from both residential and commercial property management and utilise our expertise in agricultural, planning and farming to complement this area.
Woodland
We offer a comprehensive forestry service which includes sales, valuation and purchase of woodlands.
George Webb Finn has experience of woodland management for both timber production and amenity use including:
- The preparation of grant applications
- Felling licences
- Procurement of planting
- Coppicing, thinning and felling
Agri Environment Scheme
There is increasing emphasis within the EU on improved management of the rural environment and natural resources. This has led to the Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ELS) which encourage farmers to follow various land management practices rather than just out and out food production.
ELS has three alternatives : Entry Level, Organic Entry Level and Higher Level, each with different payment levels and management options.
We have experience in relation to ELS and can advise on which, if any, of the alternatives is appropriate for you. We can also assist with preparation and submission of applications and with transfer of existing ELS agreements when land is bought or sold.
Single Payment Scheme
There are various schemes available to landowners and occupiers in return for managing land in accordance with Government Objectives.
The most widely known scheme is the Single Payment Scheme whereby support is paid for keeping land in a ‘Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition’. There are various cross compliance requirements which must be complied with and with a detailed understanding of the Single Payment Scheme, George Webb Finn can assist you in applying for all subsidy entitlements and how to maximise those returns either by completing the claim form SP5 for you or offering assistance and advice to complete it yourself.
Compulsory Purchase & Compensation
The threat of compulsory purchase can be as serious as to involve the loss of your family home or business. Alternatively for land owners it can be seen as an opportunity to gain an additional annual income from negotiated wayleave payments, or a one off capital sum as compensation for a permanent pylon, telephone mast, pipeline, wind turbine or rail/road route.
With George Webb Finn as your agent, you can rely on our professional expertise in:
- challenging acquiring authorities
- protecting your rights and interests as a property owner
- policing the exercise of compulsory powers
- maximising your claims for compensation
- identifying and exploiting potential opportunities arising from the compulsory acquisition
Expert Witness & Opinion
There are increasing numbers of disputes relating to property ownership and occupation, many of which need professional or technical expertise to resolve them.
We can provide expert opinions and witness reports on a range of issues including valuations, town and country planning and compensation claims. Our aim is to help settle a dispute before it goes to court at which point professional fees, other costs and emotional stress can often outweigh the benefit of the final settlement.
We always work under written instructions and in accordance with the statutory and professional requirements. If necessary we can give evidence in courts, tribunals, arbitrations and appeals, where we have the experience and confidence to perform well under cross-examination.