Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

The Swinton Estate in Masham is to partner with Climate Solutions Exchange Ltd (CSX), through investment in the company.

The partnership builds on the existing Estate’s involvement in the development of ground studies of CSX’s natural capital measurement and audit systems.

Swinton said CSX’s earth observation technology will help accelerate private sector investment into localised environmental recovery projects and allows land managers to strengthen delivery of nature-based solutions.

The company’s technology is already providing the estate with a good baseline of data in Carbon Observatory woodland sites, and the partnership will be advantageous in the development of Swinton Estate’s ‘Ecosystem Services’ offering.

Mark Cunliffe-Lister, owner of the Swinton Estate, said

“Farmers and landowners are increasingly conscious of the need to deliver environmental benefits alongside primary food production. In addition to public funding, it is imperative that private natural capital markets can expand with confidence to support continued sustainable land management.

“CSX provides a valuable component in that service and we are very excited to be supporting the development of their platform”.

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Mike Sharp joins Begbies Traynor

Lawyer and insolvency expert Mike Sharp (pictured) has joined independent business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor.

Mr Sharp will be working as an insolvency consultant, across its offices in York and Teesside.

With over 35 years’ experience, Mr Sharp’s career in insolvency law began in 1985 and includes senior roles, such as finance partner, at leading law firms in Harrogate as well as, most recently, working for a small, independent insolvency practice.

He has worked in North Yorkshire and lived in Ripon for the last 20 years.

After retiring 15 months ago, he has decided to return to work:

Mr Sharp comments:

“I’ve known the guys at Begbies Traynor for many years – I like them and I trust them so when I was offered the chance to help support the Yorkshire and Teesside operations, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

“I’m pleased to be part of such a reputable team and, with my expertise in the field, I hope to further boost their capacity to support businesses across the region.”

Julian Pitts, managing partner for Begbies Traynor in Yorkshire, said:

“Having known Mike since the 1980s, I am well aware of his knowledge and skills. To have someone with his reputation and experience joining our busy York and Teesside offices is great news.

“Over the last seven years, we have seen a huge growth in demand for our services here and will be continuing to expand the team.”

Farmers and landowners in Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can apply for land management grants.

Farming in Protected Landscapes is a government-funded three-year programme to support those who manage land in AONBs and national parks across the UK.

The funding is part of the government’s agricultural transition plan after Brexit and the end of EU subsidies.

Iain Mann, manager at Nidderdale AONB, said:

“Projects will need to deliver a positive outcome in at least one of the four key areas.

“These are: climate, such as flood risk reduction or carbon storage; nature, with improved habitats for biodiversity; people, with better access or engagement with the land; and place, which includes enhancing the character of the land, its historic features, or increasing the business resilience of farms.”

Examples of suitable projects could be action to reduce carbon emissions or use of plastics on farms, enhancing habitat for wildlife, improving access on public footpaths, promoting a series of farm walks, conserving historical features on the land, or farm diversification to provide tourism activities, such as stargazing or dawn chorus walks.

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All farmers and landowners within the AONB can apply – including those from the private, public and charity sector. Other organisations and individuals are eligible too, as long as they are collaborating or supporting a farmer or land manager.

AONB staff will decide which applications under £5,000 to accept.

Grant requests for over £5,000 will be assessed by a local assessment panel, made up of representatives from Nidderdale AONB, Natural England and the farming and land management community.

Mr Mann said farming was “part and parcel of what makes Nidderdale AONB’s landscape so special”.

He added:

“These new grants will help us to collaborate even more with farmers and land managers to protect the AONB’s natural beauty, tackle climate change and safeguard our wildlife and heritage, while sustaining a vibrant working landscape.”