In March I had the honour of launching a new Cheshire division of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA). This association will help professionals within Cheshire who are involved in rural or farming work through networking and bringing businesses together. It will also act as a source of education and point of reference for those needing help from other professionals in the industry such as solicitors, estate agents, auctioneers etc.

James Goddard, Property Associate
I have been a member of the ALA for many years now and whilst there are regional groups spread across the country, there wasn’t a group for Cheshire. It struck me that there are a lot of professionals in the area who would benefit from the opportunity to network and share knowledge, so I contacted the association and began work on the ALA Cheshire division.
The launch event was held on 11 March at Beeston Cattle Market and was hosted by auctioneers Wright Marshall. It was a huge success with over 50 people attending from a variety of businesses who are local to Cheshire, some of whom are members of the ALA and others who have previously not been to an event or been involved with the ALA.
Within the ALA we focus on the law in a non-biased, apolitical way in order to promote its knowledge, understanding and development among those who advise rural businesses. ALA is the UK’s largest professional organisation devoted to the law and business of the countryside.
It’s been a great start for the Cheshire division and we aim to run at least three events per year, bringing professionals together who are passionate about working in agriculture. We already have a good mix of professionals within the membership including land agents, solicitors, accountants and bankers. I’m hoping that we can expand membership of the ALA in Cheshire and increase the range of expertise over the coming months.
For more information about the Agricultural Law Association Cheshire or any Agricultural law matters, please contact James Goddard in our Property team on 01244 305912.