Somerset farmers talk energy and tax
Somerset farmers, land owners and rural business came together to discuss the hot topics of renewable energy and taxation in the agricultural industry on Thursday (March 24).
The seminar, chaired by Philip Wilson of South West general insurers Cornish Mutual, was well timed, coming the day after the Chancellors Budget and right in the middle of Climate Week, thus attracting nearly 150 delegates.
Opening the evenings debates, Nick Dell, partner at Pardoes Solicitors, gave an insight into the legal requirements for renewable energy schemes, focussing particularly on the uncertainty arising from the Governments ongoing review of the Feed in Tariffs.
Following on from this, Samantha Vigus, a partner of Mitchells Chartered Accountants gave an up to the minute analysis of the Chancellors proposals, and outlined the changes in furnished holiday let rules which take effect on April 6.
Oliver Dale, Managing Director of Dairy Management Systems highlighted the importance of Health and Safety for rural businesses, comparing the accident rates within the farming industry against the far lower rates of farmers with a structured health & safety plan in place.
To round off the evening, David Mitchell, principal of Mitchells Chartered Accountants gave the room the benefit of his Topical Tax Tips, including those relating to renewable energy schemes. These were based on his extensive experience advising clients on taxation matters for the last 26 years and from his own practical experience.
Following the presentations, Philip Wilson led the debate by questioning the panel on matters arising from their presentations, and invited the audience to join in by adding their own questions.
Samantha Vigus of Mitchells Chartered Accountants commented: Seminars like this are particularly useful to ensure everyone is kept up to date in an industry which is constantly changing, whilst also being a lovely social occasion. I think the evening was a great success and was of benefit to all who attended.
Philip Wilson, Area Manager of Cornish Mutual for Somerset, Devon and Dorset added: From speaking to our Members, I know that renewable energy and taxation are extremely important issues, especially following the Feed in Tariff review and the Budget. It was fantastic to have four experts sharing their knowledge and opinions and the event was very well received.
Founded by a group of Westcountry farmers in 1903, Cornish Mutual is the only general insurer based in the South West. Even today, the company is still owned by its Members, and remains at the heart of rural communities throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Although staying true to its origins in agriculture (around two thirds of Cornwalls farmers are Members), Cornish Mutual now provides household, commercial, events and personal accident insurance to Members of all descriptions, living or working throughout the South West countryside.
Pardoes Solicitors provide a wide range of local legal services through their 75+ staff from their 3 offices in Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil offices.
Mitchells Chartered Accountants have been specialising in providing farming businesses with a full range of accountancy services for many years from their Taunton offices and have in principle David Mitchell, a working farmer and Chartered Accountant of some 27 years.
Dairy Management Systems are part of the nationwide Safety Revolution Group and have been providing specialised Health & Safety advice to farms and estates intended to reduce risk, liability and costs whilst helping develop safer working environments for over 7 years. With a farmer as Managing Director the advice is tailored and practical for all farming and diversified activities.