Land Managers Training Day 2024

Housing – Managing Tenancies, Clare Dunlop Senior Associate, Brodies LLP

Clare Dunlop will talk about the management of residential tenancies including the grounds on which they can be brought to an end, reviewing rents and dealing with rent arrears.

Wildlife Management, Ross Ewing, Moorland Director, and Nadia Flaherty, Policy Adviser (Wildlife Management) Scottish Land & Estates

The 2021-2026 session of the Scottish Parliament is set to see an overhaul of legislation in relation to the management of wildlife in Scotland. The Hunting with Dogs Act, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, a species licensing review and changes to deer legislation are shifting baselines when it comes to a range of wildlife management techniques. In this presentation Ross Ewing and Nadia Flaherty, will take delegates through the various changes that are set to be enacted over the course of the next two years, and set out what it will mean for practitioners in practice.

Refreshments

Compensatory planting;  Maximising the opportunities  for landowners, George Hipwell, Director, Estate Management and Ewan Reid, Director, Forestry, Savills.

From carbon capture to leisure and investment, the importance of forestry and woodland is growing. George and Ewan will explore key pointers that all landowners and land managers should consider and will detail how to go about creating a strategic plan. They will specifically focus on compensatory planting and how this interacts with the woodland carbon markets and is being driven by both a voluntary ESG agenda and developing Scottish planning policy – illustrated by some local client stories.

Future agricultural support in Scotland and an update on the Agriculture & Rural Communities Bill, Eleanor Kay, Scottish Land & Estates

As the Agricultural Reform Programme continues to be rolled out hear the latest information on what to expect and when to expect it. With the Agriculture & Rural Communities Bill in parliament get an update on the key parts of this bill and what changes may occur before it is passed.

Workshops in Session 1

1.   Rent Reviews – Dr Bob McIntosh CBE, Tenant Farming Commissioner

This workshop will cover the new rent review system that will apply to agricultural holdings if the proposals in the Land Reform Bill are enacted. The key features of the system will be discussed, with particular focus on the three main factors to be taken into account, and the implications for best practice in carrying out rent reviews.

2.  What to do in the event of a health & safety or environmental incident on your land'. Victoria Anderson, Senior Associate and Clare Bone. Partner, Brodies LLP

No organisation expects to have to deal with a health and safety incident, yet they can happen to anybody at any time. What steps can you take to reduce the risk of an accident occurring? If the worst happens, and an incident does occur, do you know how to handle the ensuing investigation by the regulator, to best protect you and the business? In this session, Brodies' highly ranked health & safety team will provide useful advice and insights on managing such issues.

This workshop will cover:

• Incident management – we will consider how best to safeguard you and your business against the risks arising from incidents occurring on your land. We will provide practical advice on how to manage an investigation by regulators following a work-related incident, to best protect you and the business in the weeks and months that follow.
• Prosecution of corporate entities and individuals - this session will look at how the way a business is structured could influence how it is prosecuted. With an increasing number of individuals being prosecuted for health and safety breaches, we will also look at how the structure of your business might offer protection on a personal as well as a business level.

3.  Optimising leisure opportunities in challenging times, Adam Davies, Associate Director, Tourism, Leisure and Events, Savills

There is growing consumer demand for outdoor activities, experiences and events, generating opportunities for landowners to diversify into tourism and leisure. However, despite this growing demand, the economic climate and increased legislation in the sector has brought challenges to establishing and operating such businesses.

Adam will share top tips, some client stories and highlight key market trends which every business should be aware of exploring as a key way of getting ahead within these challenging times.

(4) The Energy Market, SLE Energy Services

SLE Energy Services will delve into the dynamic landscape of the energy market over the last five years, exploring key events that have left a lasting impact.

Our expert speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of the energy market, shedding light on the forces that have shaped its trajectory. We'll navigate through the intricacies that have defined the sector and influenced decision-making for businesses like yours.

One of the focal points of the workshop will be the often-misunderstood process of energy procurement. Discover the nuances of how energy is purchased for your typical consumer and gain valuable insights into optimizing your energy strategy. Unravel the complexities surrounding pricing structures, contract terms, and the various factors that contribute to your overall energy expenditure.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions that can positively impact your bottom line. SLE Energy Services is committed to empowering Scotland's landowners and rural businesses in navigating the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Workshops in Session 2

1.   Rent Reviews – Dr Bob McIntosh CBE, Tenant Farming Commissioner

This workshop will cover the new rent review system that will apply to agricultural holdings if the proposals in the Land Reform Bill are enacted. The key features of the system will be discussed, with particular focus on the three main factors to be taken into account, and the implications for best practice in carrying out rent reviews.

2.  What to do in the event of a health & safety or environmental incident on your land'. Victoria Anderson, Senior Associate and Clare Bone. Partner, Brodies LLP

No organisation expects to have to deal with a health and safety incident, yet they can happen to anybody at any time. What steps can you take to reduce the risk of an accident occurring? If the worst happens, and an incident does occur, do you know how to handle the ensuing investigation by the regulator, to best protect you and the business? In this session, Brodies' highly ranked health & safety team will provide useful advice and insights on managing such issues.

This workshop will cover:

• Incident management – we will consider how best to safeguard you and your business against the risks arising from incidents occurring on your land. We will provide practical advice on how to manage an investigation by regulators following a work-related incident, to best protect you and the business in the weeks and months that follow.
• Prosecution of corporate entities and individuals - this session will look at how the way a business is structured could influence how it is prosecuted. With an increasing number of individuals being prosecuted for health and safety breaches, we will also look at how the structure of your business might offer protection on a personal as well as a business level.

3.  Optimising leisure opportunities in challenging times, Adam Davies, Associate Director, Tourism, Leisure and Events, Savills

There is growing consumer demand for outdoor activities, experiences and events, generating opportunities for landowners to diversify into tourism and leisure. However, despite this growing demand, the economic climate and increased legislation in the sector has brought challenges to establishing and operating such businesses.

Adam will share top tips, some client stories and highlight key market trends which every business should be aware of exploring as a key way of getting ahead within these challenging times.

(4) The Energy Market, SLE Energy Services

SLE Energy Services will delve into the dynamic landscape of the energy market over the last five years, exploring key events that have left a lasting impact.

Our expert speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of the energy market, shedding light on the forces that have shaped its trajectory. We'll navigate through the intricacies that have defined the sector and influenced decision-making for businesses like yours.

One of the focal points of the workshop will be the often-misunderstood process of energy procurement. Discover the nuances of how energy is purchased for your typical consumer and gain valuable insights into optimizing your energy strategy. Unravel the complexities surrounding pricing structures, contract terms, and the various factors that contribute to your overall energy expenditure.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions that can positively impact your bottom line. SLE Energy Services is committed to empowering Scotland's landowners and rural businesses in navigating the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Expert Panel Session

• Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive, Scottish Land & Estates
• George Hipwell, Director, Estate Management Scotland, Savills
• Graeme Leith, Partner, Rural Business & Natural Capital, Brodies LLP

An opportunity to question the panel on a wide range of rural business issues.