As a long-term privately owned family business, Bedfordia Group has a strong commercial history of entrepreneurial activities across a wide range of sectors, including farming, anaerobic digestion, property, automotive dealerships (BMW and MINI) and related ventures.
Following a strategic review of the future management of its large-scale arable farming activities; the Group has decided to ‘partner in business’ with Velcourt Ltd under a Contract Farming Agreement (CFA).
John Ibbett of Bedfordia Group said: ‘Anyone within the farming community, however big or small, is facing an ever-turbulent external environment where it’s no longer a case of ‘business as usual.’ The ability to innovate and adapt to change will be key to remaining fit for the future. Our long-standing values of building strong collaborate relationships and striving for excellence make for a great fit with Velcourt. We are confident in our choice of partner and are looking forward to working together to advance our farming operation. We are excited for the future!’
Commencing 1st November, a newly appointed Velcourt Senior Farm Manager will take on the day-to-day management of the estate’s arable land, overseen by Ian Smith as Velcourt Farms Director (Midlands), previously the MD of Bedfordia Farms. Bedfordia Farms are pleased that its Milton Parc offices will also serve as a new regional hub for Velcourt, with both parties focussed on delivering long-term success and positive impact.
Nick Shorter Velcourt’s Group MD said “We are delighted to be partnering in what is a new farming venture for us with the Bedfordia team. Bedfordia has long been synonymous with the highest standards of farming and entrepreneurship in the industry, and we are looking forward to the synergies between the two companies delivering a new direction for the business in what is a fast-changing farming and policy environment.”
Background
Velcourt is a UK-based farming company providing a bespoke, flexible, client-led service to tenant and landed farmers, private landowners and institutional investors, delivered by dedicated team of farming professionals.
With more than five decades’ experience of managing farms and rural estates in the UK, mainland Europe and further afield, Velcourt has unrivalled expertise. Its expert staff are at work on dozens of farms every week and their ability to interpret and react to what is happening on the ground on a real-time basis gives Velcourt and its clients a real advantage in a fast-moving industry.
To find out more, please visit their website.