Key Network partner, H&H Group who operate across the North of England and Scottish Borders have announced the first of their digital webinars to be held on 1st December.

The specialist webinar hosted by H&H will cover perspectives from sustainability to the sheep industry, and will look at how to futureproof your farming enterprise.

H&H Group have secured a specialist panel of leading experts from across Britain’s rural sectors for the webinar. The future-focused theme will tackle a range of issues including the ins and outs of sheep farming, the impacts of new planning regulations, and livestock trading post-Brexit. Younger generation perspectives will include novel ideas regarding preparing for the future and agricultural sustainability.

Looking to pioneer an industry-wide conversation on how to make farming fit for the future, H&H will provide a much-needed forum for different viewpoints to come together in a context of uncertainty and change. The webinar will be an Interactive & Digital Zoom Seminar and the Groups’ Chief Executive Richard Rankin will chair the discussion, with presentations from expert in their field panellists on the following topics:

• Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of National Sheep Association will give an “Overview of the Sheep Industry”
• Scott Donaldson, Joint Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington. Will discuss “Livestock Trading after Brexit”
• “David Morley, Conservation & Environment at H&H Land & Estates will give advice on “Preparing for ELMS and Future Policy”
• Mark Walker, Land Director at Genesis Homes will discuss how to “Get Britain Building”
• Georgia Hunter, Cumbrian Farmer and Farming Futures Champion will look at farming today from a “Younger Generation Perspective”

With Phil Stocker billed as the key note speaker, H&H is delighted to have such a leading voice from the sheep farming industry participate on their digital platform. Known for his decades of experience in the sector and forward-thinking perspective, Phil will offer unique insights into the future including a focus on trade, exports and upland farming. Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association since 2011, Phil will bring an industry-wide view, and a strong history of practical expertise in aspects of farm management.

Other important issues and topics to be covered, include expert advice on the phasing out of BPS and the introduction of ELMs.  The presentation on the new planning regulations and requirements is intended to help the audience understand any new obligations or considerations for future development plans. From the largest livestock trading business in the UK, Scott Donaldson, Joint Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington, will share his perspective on what the scenario of livestock trading post-Brexit could look like.

Richard Rankin said on announcing the webinar:

“This is the first webinar of its kind for us at H&H, and more generally in the industry. As leaders in the rural sector, we recognise it is the right time and relish the opportunity to table a rich and comprehensive discussion on what the future of farming will look like. At H&H we are focused on making our own businesses fit for the future, so it is also important to open up that dialogue with the wider industry.

“COVID has gifted us a moment in time to take stock and think about how to take our agricultural enterprises towards a more forward-thinking future, and we are delighted to be able to offer a productive forum for these creative discussions to take place.”

The combined knowledge of the participants will examine the opportunities and challenges for rural businesses, with live video presentations and an interactive Q&A session.

Fit for the Future is a free online event, starting at 5.00pm until approximately 6.15pm on Tuesday 1^st December 2020. To book a place, please contact H&H Group by emailing: [email protected].