A  Practical Guide to the Diversifying into the UK Horse Industry

Welcome by chair 

Peter Morris LLB (Hons), Dip. Sports Psych, Equine Development Director, Royal Agricultural College

Peter Morris has been a lecturer for some time particularly at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirecencester. His role at the College is on the previous equine related courses as Equine Development Director. Background in the legal profession, including advocacy in courts of law, sparked enthusiasm for public speaking and meda work, which led to the founding of his own communications busines, Vocal Solutions (www.vocalsolutions.co.uk). A well established communicator including work with local and international radio. 

An overview of the UK Horse Industry

Claire Williams, Executive Director and Secretary British Equestrian Trade Association

Claire Williams is the Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association, the leading representative body working on behalf of equestrian related businesses in the United Kingdom. Born and educated in NZ, Claire joined BETA in 2000 after 10 years in Germany spent running the European sales office for a NZ based manufacturing company. Prior to this she was involved in business consultancy and export market development with companies in the leisure and apparel sectors.

Since joining BETA Claire has strived to extend BETA’s involvement in the wider equestrian industry to increase its ability to lobby on behalf of member companies and ensure the government is aware of the significant contribution made to the Nation’s economy by equestrianism. She was one of the 5 champions involved in putting together the Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and continues to be a member of the British Horse Industry Confederation with a direct link into Government. 

The role of the horse industry in farm diversification and the options open to those looking to diversify

Georgina Crossman, Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter

Georgina will look at:

• An overview of the background to farm diversification
• The historical role of the horse in agriculture
• An overview of the horse sector in Great Britain today
• How the horse sector can be utilised in farm diversification
• Options available to those looking to diversify
  

Georgina Crossman MBA BA(Hons) PGCE(FAHE) MRAC is a PhD Research Student at the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter. Her PhD considering the organisational landscape of the Horse Industry in England is jointly funded by Defra, British Equestrian Federation, University of Exeter and Royal Agricultural College.

Practical considerations to take into account when setting up an equestrian tourism enterprise

Nicola Greenhalgh, BHSI, BA (Hons) Equine Studies and Business  Management, Equine Consultant.

This session will include a look at:

• Insurance
• Health & Safety
• Horse and Rider Welfare
  

Nicola Greenhalgh has been self-employed for 15 years; running livery yards, freelance teaching and buying and selling horses for individual requirements. She also provides yard design and health and safety advice to farmers wishing to diversify or improve the efficiency of their working yard. Nicola has worked at Warwickshire College as an Equine Lecturer for nine years and now also manages a department.

Legal issues affecting an equine enterprise

Rachel Flynn, Taylor Vinters

Rachel will discuss:

• Trading entity
• Terms of business
• Getting paid
• Buying and selling horses
• Liability and claims
  

Rachel Flynn is head of Taylor Vinter's bloodstock and equestrian team and specialises in legal matters relating to the bloodstock and equine world. Rachel acts for racing industry bodies including the National Trainer's Federation, Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, Weatherbys, Jockey Club Estates and leading trainers, owners and studs including Darley Stud Management Ltd. She has ridden winners on the flat and rides out daily for her Newmarket based trainer husband Rae Guest.

How to boost the economic performance of equestrian businesses

DrJacquie Middleton, RDPE Strategic Programme Manager, SEEDA

The government recognises that farm diversification is a means for farmers to widen and strengthen the economic basis of their businesses and contribute to a more diversified economy.  Setting up a horse based enterprise is one option open but what financial assistance  is available?

Dr Jacquie Middleton joined SEEDA in April 2008. She has a BSc in Agricultural Economics and a PhD in Agricultural Marketing from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. She has 20 years experience in consultancy for the agricultural and food sectors both in the UK and overseas. Prior to joining SEEDA she worked for the National Rural Knowledge Exchange involved in knowledge transfer between universities, colleges and the rural sector.

Equine Tax Planning

Anne Gardner Thorpe, Equine Tax Consultant

Many horse related activities and ventures are taxable. This session will assist delegates from overoverlooking the tax consequences of involvement in the industry

Anne Gardner-Thorpe trained in the tax department of Deloitte and Touche. In 2002 Anne joined the Inland Revenue and has a wealth of experience of enquiries and investigations covering all the mainstream taxes.  Anne set up her own business after a brief stint back at Deloittes focussing on equine businesses and the particular issues that affect them.  She has a keen interest in this industry and a particular appreciation of the problems that can arise.

Cutting edge marketing techniques for equestrian businesses

Jayne Gingell, Managing Director, Fizz Equine Marketing Ltd

A correct, clear and focused strategy, well executed using cutting edge marketing techniques will always result in success. Consumers in the equine sector are exposed daily to sophisticated marketing campaigns in all areas of their lives so although nothing is going to be new to your client base it will be new to your business.

Jayne Gingell  started her PR and Marketing career whilst being mentored by fashion expert Jeff Banks. Her flair was quickly recognised within the industry leading to promotion at the age of 24 to Marketing Director within Coates Viyella. After 10 years Jayne was keen to blend her passion for horses and rural life with her marketing skills. Today Fizz Equestrian Marketing Ltd is widely recognised within the equestrian industry as creating successful campaigns which have supported industry growth for many leading equestrian brands.

Pioneering Equestrian Business – Case Study

Paul Anderson, Stone Circle Livery 

The session will cover how Stone Circle Livery went through the diversification process to become a leading UK equestrian business.

Paul and his wife Susi have transformed a small loss making arable farm growing flax into a world leading UK Equestrian Business in just 8 years. From a standing start Stone Circle Livery has been awarded 'Kent Environment Business of the year 2007/8' and achieved the 'Pioneering Rural Land Management Award.  The business has broad ambition and it is the passion and drive that Paul demonmstrates that has made Stone Circle one of the most distinctive businesses in the sector today.

Paul Anderson has extensive hands on knowledge of equestrian business matters and is often called upon to write, lecture and debate on various equestrian matters. Paul is a keen environmentalist and has made environmental issues central to the success of the business.

Roundup and Close by Chair