Rural group names new director

The Country Land and BusinessAssociation(CLA)has announced the appointment of its new South East regional director.

The CLA represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses, with the office in the South East region covering Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.

New regional director Tim Bamford is a chartered surveyor and joined the CLA in 2016. He cut his teeth at a regional practice and after sevenyearsmovedtoanational firm, where over four years he not only continued to advise clients on rural issues but was also heavily involved in the renewablesindustry,including overseeing the deployment of rooftop solar across the south of England.

Mr Bamford, who replaces Michael Valenzia in the role, said: “I am honoured to take up the position of Regional Director at such an important time for our sector, and am really looking forward to serving CLA members to the best of my ability. I’d like to thank Michael for his support, andcontributiontotheCLA,as well as the regional team and members for welcoming me into the role.”

Mr Bamford is married to Katy, a surgeon, has two daughters and his hobbies include playing cricket and muddy walks with his family.

He believes it is a crucial timefortheagriculturalsector and wider rural industries. He said: “With continued uncertainty around our transition from the EU as well as Covid-19, having a strong CLA voice lobbying locally and nationally on the issues that really matter to rural businesses is more relevant than ever.”