JOHNSTON Carmichael has formed a new team of experts to provide clients with comprehensive advice on all aspects of the fast-moving rural sector.

The rural team, which brings together the firm’s agriculture and landed estates specialists, will be led Jenn Stewart, who as head of the firm’s Dundee office, works with a wide range of rural businesses.

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It will also benefit from the considerable experience of tax specialist Alex Docherty and agricultural specialists, Robin Dandie and Jane Mitchell.

The countryside faces a changing landscape, especially following Brexit. The new team will help to support farmers and landowners as they adapt to the new environment and maximise opportunities arising from the emerging economic recovery.

Jenn Stewart said: “The changing nature of the rural economy, which now includes a wide range of operations from farming to tourism and renewables, presents a wealth of opportunities for our clients. Rural businesses are also adapting to a very different landscape post-Brexit.

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“However, in our increasingly digital world, it is imperative that agribusinesses understand the role that technology can play in helping to improve efficiencies and, in turn, profitability. With deep sector knowledge and experience, our new rural team is well placed to ensure our clients have access to the best advice on new technologies and incorporating them into their growth plans.”

The creation of the new team is part of a wider reshaping and strengthening of the firm’s sector focus. The changes include appointing a number of new sector heads as well as combining and rebranding some of the existing sector specialist teams, including adding the firm’s fishing specialists to its food and drink team.

Chair, head of client service, and partner at Johnston Carmichael, Sandy Manson, added: “We have always demonstrated real strength and depth in our knowledge of the key industries which underpin and drive our economy. However, as the economy and the market changes then so must we and our reshaped sector approach means that we will be able to bring an ever more focused and insightful approach in how we deploy our considerable sector expertise to benefit our clients in building successful and sustainable businesses.”