CLA advisers will be showcasing opportunities for those wishing to develop their business at this year’s Farm Business Innovation Show taking place on 11-12 November at Birmingham’s NEC.

At 12 CLA seminars, the organisation’s rural specialists will offer independent, impartial advice on topics such as tax, planning, rural funding and grants, heritage and woodlands.

The CLA, which has been representing farmers, landowners and other rural businesses for more than a century, has incorporated a dedicated seminar theatre into the CLA Stand, 460. Each 30-minute seminar will consist of a presentation followed by questions and answers and will be free to all visitors to the show.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “There is a public perception that farms are traditional family businesses, using traditional family methods. But the industry is also a hotbed of talent and entrepreneurial vigour; indeed, it has to be to move forward. This event should prove a huge inspiration to those looking to develop their businesses by learning from the innovation and expertise of others, including CLA advisers.”

The Farm Business Innovation Show will feature 300 businesses and 150 seminars. Visitor tickets are free of charge and can be pre-booked at www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk People who cannot attend the event may get in touch with the CLA on 020 7235 0511 for details of their local advisers, or visit www.cla.org.uk -ends- Notes for editors: The full schedule of CLA seminars is as follows.

Wednesday, 11 November 11am – 10 things to consider when diversifying, CLA Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley 11.45am – Tax implications when considering new business opportunities, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser Louise Speke 12.30pm – Share farming: an option for enterprising farmers, CLA Director of Policy and Advice Christopher Price 2pm – Planning issues to consider when thinking about a new venture, CLA Head of Planning Fenella Collins 2.45pm – Converting farm buildings – how to ensure you minimise VAT, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser Louise Speke 3.30pm – Ensuring you have the right insurance when diversifying, CLA Insurance representative Tim Slinger Thursday, 12 November 11am – 10 things to consider when diversifying, CLA Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley 11.45am – Tax implications when diversifying into renewables, CLA Chief Taxation Adviser Louise Speke 12.30pm – Making money from woodlands, CLA Forestry and Woodland Adviser Mike Seville 2pm – Owning heritage – asset or nightmare?, CLA Senior Heritage Adviser Jonathan Thompson 2.45pm – Rural funding and grant availability, CLA Senior Rural Business and Economics Adviser Charles Trotman 3.30pm – Ensuring you have the right insurance when diversifying, CLA Insurance representative Tim Slinger