The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is the support body for our industry, not only supporting Rural Valuers across the UK but also continually active in advising and lobbying Government on behalf of the landowning community.
I was immensely proud, therefore, to be invited to join their Presidential team starting as Junior Vice President in 2024 and moving to Senior Vice President last year and being invested as President early this month at our AGM. This is a huge honour in our profession and involves supporting our members, advising Government and encouraging young people into the profession. In the last two years I have visited many our 29 associations around the county which has been fascinating and enlightening. It is so interesting to discuss our role with other professionals but also to learn about different farming techniques across the UK.
I have always been heavily involved with our profession having been past branch CAAV Chairman here in Shropshire, and RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Rural Board member, an RICS Examiner and I have co-authored various RICS Guidance Notes and Professional Statements on rural valuations. I was recently a member of the working party which produced the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant code of practice and have been an external examiner at Harper Adams University.
I was born and bred on a mixed farm in North Shropshire and from an extensive line of farmers. However, being the youngest of five, with two older brothers, I thought it best to look for a career outside farming not least because I really do not like cold, wet mornings or standing at the wrong end of a dairy cow!
After a degree in Land Management at Reading University, I first worked in Ross on Wye and after qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of the CAAV, I moved back home to Barber & Son in Market Drayton where I rose to the position of Partner in charge of the Rural Department. In 2008 my wife, Louise who is an RICS qualified mediator and specialises in succession planning, set up Barbers Rural Consultancy LLP. Until recently I was also a director and shareholder in Market Drayton Livestock Market.
I continue to carry out a wide variety of professional work including farm agency, valuations, compulsory purchase and landlord and tenant work and regularly act as an expert witness having appeared as an expert in the High Court, the County Court, Tribunals, Arbitrations, Planning Inquiries and Public Inquiries. Like Louise, I am also a qualified mediator and facilitator which comes in extremely useful with farming families are disagreeing!
Whilst this year is going to be very busy with a great deal of travelling, I am looking forward to the challenge. Farming is facing an uncertain future due to climate change and reduced support from the Government and I am adamant that farmers and landowners need the best professional advice possible. I am a keen supporter of the CAAV initiative to encourage more youngsters into the profession through their Route to Rural campaign and my personal ambition is to encourage the development and retention of staff throughout the industry, particularly promoting life-long learning.