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Iain Halls

Iain Halls

Sep, 02 2026
CERES GROUP & STANFORDS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN ESSEX & SUFFOLK

Ceres Group and Stanfords have announced a strategic agreement that will see Stanfords’ Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams join Ceres Group from 1st October 2026, creating one of the region’s largest advisory teams serving rural businesses, landowners, farmers, developers and investors. The move brings together Stanfords’ long-established presence across Essex and Suffolk with […]

James Firth

James Firth

Aug, 17 2026
NPPF 2026: Key Planning Policy Changes & What They Mean for Development

The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has today been published, Monday 17th August. Following the consultation held in December 2025 the revised NPPF includes a significant re-write of the previous version. The new document includes both policies for plan-making and policies for use in the determination of planning applications through national decision-making policies (NDMPs). […]

Alex Jelley

Alex Jelley

Jul, 10 2026
MORE THAN 200 LANDOWNERS GATHER IN VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S RURAL ECONOMY

More than 200 landowners, farmers, property and planning professionals gathered at Lamport Hall Estate this week in what Ceres Group has described as a strong vote of confidence in Northamptonshire’s rural economy and future growth prospects. The event followed the opening of Ceres Group’s Northampton office earlier this year and brought together so many to […]

Iain Halls

Iain Halls

Jun, 12 2026
Ceres Group Opens New Office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Strengthening Our Presence Across East Anglia Ceres Group has recently opened a new office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, further strengthening our presence across East Anglia, including Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. This expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting landowners, rural businesses and property clients across the East of England. The region has long been a […]

Shaun Spalding

Shaun Spalding

Nov, 27 2025
The 2025 Budget Update: What’s Changing For Your Sector?

The 2025 Budget brings a range of changes – some positive, some challenging – across the rural landscape. The full transferability of the £1 million APR and BPR bands between spouses is welcome and provides more flexibility for succession planning. However, increased minimum wages will put additional strain on farm businesses, especially those relying on seasonal or […]

Dominic O’Loghlen

Dominic O’Loghlen

Nov, 27 2025
Ceres Property Heads West: Unlocking New Development & Planning Potential

At Ceres Property, we believe the best opportunities arise when expertise meets ambition. We are therefore pleased to announce the launch of our new Development & Planning team, based in our Oxford and Newbury offices. This expansion strengthens Ceres Property’s presence across the western region, covering Oxfordshire, the Midlands, Berkshire, Hampshire, the Cotswolds and Buckinghamshire. […]

Edward Rout

Edward Rout

Aug, 06 2025
Draft Legislation for Agricultural and Business Property Relief Reforms

As rural and agricultural business advisors, we welcome the opportunity to review the government’s recently published draft legislation outlining changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), released as part of the upcoming Finance Bill. These reforms represent a significant shift in the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for landowners, farmers, and business […]

James Firth

James Firth

May, 27 2025
Planning Reform Working Paper – ‘Speeding Up Build Out’

The Government has released a new working paper and technical consultation. These aim to speed up build out and improve delivery. Government Calls on Developers Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged developers to “roll up their sleeves and play their part.” She stressed that the Government backs “the builders, not the blockers.” Build Out Reporting […]

David Fletcher

David Fletcher

Apr, 28 2025
Ceres Group Respond to: UK Land Use Framework Consultation

Ceres Group Respond To: UK Land Use Framework Consultation The UK Government recently consulted on a Land Use Framework for England, seeking views on how land can be used to balance competing demands including food production, environmental outcomes and development. Ceres Group submitted a public response during the consultation phase, drawing on our experience across […]

James Firth

James Firth

Mar, 14 2025
Planning Application Fees Increase

The Government is moving ahead with changes to Planning Fees in England. These changes will affect projects for landowners, farmers, and developers. Incremental Fee Increases First, the changes introduce incremental increases for most types of applications. The rise equals 1.7%. In addition, the Government plans annual fee increases going forward. Prior Approval Fees Double Alongside […]

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