_Knight Frank launches The Rural Report 2019

By now we should have been helping our clients drive their businesses forward in a more certain political environment, making the most of the opportunities presented by Brexit and navigating the challenges.

In this year's Rural Report, we look at some of the key issues affecting landowners in the UK following the Brexit vote and subsequent stalemate as well as navigating a path to a brighter future for those working in or involved in the country's agricultural sector.

The results of our annual Rural Sentiment Survey provide a clear view of what our clients think of the situation – in short, not a great deal! 

But they also show that in general terms the furore around the botched EU withdrawal discussions has been an annoying distraction for the rural community, rather than creating widespread and significant financial impact.

Looking beyond the uncertainty is crucial for rural property owners. Ours is a very long game. As our analysis makes clear, it is becoming apparent that the environment and climate change are now the prime drivers of government policy.

Inevitably, agriculture will be one of the industries to be most affected, with potentially profound changes to land use over the next 30 years.

But rather than viewing this as a threat we should embrace the opportunities for change. Throughout this edition of The Rural Report we look at innovative businesses planning for the future, whether it’s the Burrell family rewilding the Knepp Castle Estate or the Leicestershire farmer tapping into the growing demand for meat with impeccable provenance.

Other topics covered include an analysis of non-Brexit-related challenges and opportunities facing landowners, a snapshot of ten technologies that could help farmers and land managers increase productivity and business-smart options for farmers and landowners concerned about profitability in a post-Brexit world.

We also share details of a selection of rural properties new to the market and predict farmland market performance spanning all four of the UK's compass points. 

At Knight Frank our wide-ranging insight and expertise provides rural property owners with the intelligence and connections that they need to create the best long-term strategies for their businesses.

We’d be delighted to help you to take advantage of that. Please get in touch or download the latest edition of The Rural Report 2019.