JMH
James Miles-Hobbs
Countryside Business Consultant
Rural Business Consultant
Qualifications:
BSc Hon Ag Economics HND Ag

James Miles-Hobbs, aged 47, has practiced as a Countryside Business Consultant for over 20 years, starting his own company, Rural Development Associates in 2004. He initially specialised in strategic financial planning for farmers and landowners. Latterly, he has focused on rural diversification, particularly, business/market analysis and grant funding. As an equity partner of Andersons, he joined Aubourn in 2002 as part of the acquisition of Andersons South & West. James is Chairman of the Wiltshire Branch of the CLA, Chairman of the Land & Farming Discussion Group in Salisbury, as well as sitting on committees for the Business Management Division of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and the National Farm Attractions Network. He is also a Director of Pucknall Energy Generation Limited and Farming Wise Limited.

James commenced his career in 1975 working on the family 1000 acre arable, pigs and beef farm. In 1982 he received an honours degree in Agricultural Economics from Reading University. He received a Higher National Diploma in Advanced Farm Management from the Royal Agricultural College in 1983. He subsequently farmed in Cambridgeshire on a 2000 acre arable farm until 1985 when he joined Andersons.

James provides the following consultancy services:

Farming
• Strategic advice and financial planning
• Farm and estate management
• Detailed on-farm advice on the impact of changes to the CAP
• Contract Farming Agreements
• Farm taxation and finance

Diversification
• Renewable Energy
• Rural Lettings
• Farm Shops
• Food Processings
• Equestrian
• Visitor Attractions