2024 Achievements

Sometimes it’s good to look back on a year and reflect on the achievements.   In looking back at 2024 on the farm I’ve realised that while I’m proud of what’s been done I really have no desire to go though it again.  2024 really has been a huge struggle, we’ve done tons (look at the list) but it’s taken a huge amount from me and I’ve probably dragged Dad though more change in one year since the late ‘60’s.

In this year we’ve:

Created LLP and trust (just in time)

Needed to be done to finalise the details of Grandpa’s legacy (and the associated legal timelines).  Thanks to Mercer & Hole and Wilkin Chapman

Resolved the CFA and legacy profit share with our farm contractors

It’s great to work with Geoff and the team and I hope that we now move forward after some challenging times

Finalised the cottage rental

Great stuff from Lee (Handyman Group) and Ryan (Mulberries).  Welcome to Brad and Leanne

Started the lodge refurbishment

Can’t say enough good things about Lee, Darren and the team engaged though the Handyman group.  Discovering and removing the asbestos was certainly unexpected, without Lee’s tenacity and integrity I don’t know where we’d be.

Brewery, contract, electric, drainage, water

Once again The Handyman group to the rescue!!  Thanks Lee.   I’m now really looking forward to the future of our commercial partnership with Farrbrew!

Agreed investment funding/mortgage

Grateful for the AMC’s support here although the paperwork challenges were more than I expected

Repaid our debts (accounts, legal, contract farming)

Well… Nearly… I’m pleased we’ve agreed a plan to replay and it’ll be done soon.  The business is in a healthier place because of you all and I’m really grateful for your support and flexibility in getting though our challenges.  I’m very grateful that you’ve trusted in the vision and process.

Agreed new partners, camping, glamping, bee keeping, dog training

Woohoo!!  Can’t wait to see the progress and how we can build a community together!  Thank you Steve, Tobi, Richard, Neil for investing your time and energy into our adventure 

Restructured our agreement with the model airfield

Another great partner and one who adds a level of uniqueness and fun.

Agreed some cyclo-cross events

More unique events, I’m really interested in the potential course and publicity

Hosted an Overlanding event

And maybe a broader show this coming year?  A great start from Steve and Tobi

Discussed potential sporting partnerships

Shhhh Matt and Jamie… speak too loudly and the dream might disappear?  I think this idea could be the Stanbridge legacy…

Hosted the scouts camping

It’s great to host young people at the farm.  I’m hoping we can support more groups like this

Installed Starlink

So much better than the combination of BT and EE.  Thank you for sorting us out with the infrastructure Adam!

Attacked our standing costs

This feels like a never ending task… I’m getting into it now and starting to chase down our inflated overheads, step by step there is progress

Restructured our accounts

This time last year we were set up as a simple farm, now we’ve included commercial and residential lettings, non farming diversification and structured the expenses to better suit our contract farming arrangements.  Lynn (M&H), I’m so sorry for the silly questions and so grateful for your support and guidance 

Continued discussion with our housing partners

Ultimately it’s these discussions that started us on this journey.  The support of John, Alistair and the team at Bloor has been amazing.  It’s triggered some difficult conversations but without it we wouldn’t have moved forward at all

Started a blog…

I’m now flattered and surprised you’ve read this far!

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I’m hoping that by the end of February we will have wrapped up the legacy challenges of the business, cleared all debts and have the base of business on a footing where it is sustainable for the foreseeable future.

2025 can then be about looking forward and we have some amazing things coming including music and sporting events alongside our brewery partners, establishing our accomodation plans, seeing the progress of the dog training and airfield; also enjoying the fruits of our new workers (bees).

I imagine that Hemel Garden Communities may also start to have an impact on the local environment too…

I’ve really appreciated all the support I’ve had and the interest in these posts.   I wonder if you were in my shoes what would you look to do next? Any suggestions?