CLA East appoints new Regional Director

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is delighted to announce that Cath Crowther will become the new CLA East Regional Director from early November.

The CLA represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across England and Wales with the office in the eastern region covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk.

Cath is currently a Partner at property consultancy firm Bidwells and is a qualified chartered surveyor and a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.  She grew up on an arable and sheep farm in South Wales and moved to Cambridgeshire in 2009, to join Bidwells.

Cath’s main focus over the last few years has been on rural development, diversification projects and renewable energy, identifying and implementing alternative uses to generate new income streams and capital value.

During her career Cath has been involved in the full range of commercial, residential, retail, tourism and leisure, hospitality and other property uses in rural locations. Projects have ranged from barn conversions to residential developments on the edge of villages to wedding venues and farm shops.

Speaking of her appointment Cath Crowther said:

“I am extremely excited about joining the CLA, an organisation that is playing such a pivotal role in the agricultural sector and wider rural industries.

We are living in politically uncertain times and it has never been more important for the CLA to be speaking up and lobbying locally and nationally on the issues that really matter to rural businesses.

“I look forward to joining the CLA in November and meeting with members to learn more about their businesses and engaging with the wide spectrum of CLA stakeholders.”

CLA Director General Sarah Hendry said: “We are absolutely delighted Cath is joining us in November. Her extensive knowledge and experience of our sector and personal experience of the farming community will be an asset to the CLA.

“CLA members own and manage some of the most influential, innovative and forward-thinking rural businesses and it is fantastic that we will have Cath at the helm in the eastern region to help support their ventures.”

Cath will replace current CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood who is moving to the role of Programme Director at the CLA based in London.

Find out more at www.cla.org.uk

Photo: Cath Crowther (Credit – Bidwells)