Rural Insight is an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and property letting agents, offering dynamic and innovative professional advice across the rural sector, including the following areas of work:
- Farms & Estate
- Planning & Development
- Residential Lettings
- Valuations
- Landlord & Tenant
- Rural Professional Services
We do not operate outside our areas of expertise and will not try to, preferring to point you in the right direction if we can not help directly. We operate from a single office based in High Leicestershire and predominately work within the Midlands and Home Counties.
We specialise in bespoke land and property management that is backed up by in depth knowledge and expertise; this enables us to combine the delivery of independent practical and effective asset management with our trademark personal service. We have invested heavily in IT and our systemts to enable us to work flexibly with technology to complement our personal approach. We adopt tailored solutions for clients that embrace modern working practices but retain the traditional land agency service.
Our Philosophy
We are dedicated to providing sound professional advice, delivered with integrity, in a straightford and timely manner to meet the opportunities and challenges of the rural economy and the urban fringe. In a profession where a standard 'one fits all' approach is becoming increasingly common, and where all too often farmers and landowners experience a regular turnover of young professionals, we strive to offer something completely different, yet reassuring. With Rural Insight you will receive experienced advice and continuity of a service from a professional with nearly 20 years experience in the sector.
The Team
James Brown MSc MRICS FAAV
Director & RICS Registered Valuer
Telephone: 01664 778778
Mobile: 07778 627779
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James studied Agriculture & Food Science at University of Nottingham before gaining an MSc in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester and has been RICS qualified for 19 years. He began his career with Strutt & Parker in Kent where he was involved in farm sales and estate management. In 2007 he moved to Leicestershire from here he took up a Partner role with Smith Gore, manging estates in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, and then latterly as a Partner with Fisher German in Market Harborough.
In 2015, James established Rural Insight in response to a demand by rural property owners for personal, high quality and independent advice at an affordable price.
Professional Experience
James has wide ranging experience in the management of rural estates for both private and institutional owners which has included:
- advising on the purchase of a number of significant and important rural estates throughout the UK
- a review of a country house events business
- residential compliance review for a major land owner
- reorganisation of agricultural holdings
- change of use and pursuing development proposals from infill plots through to strategic land allocations
- reuse of redundant farm buildings for both retention and sale
- agricultural and environmental management
Recent years involved a number of strategic estate reviews for landowners and Trustees, recommending and then implementing measures to maximise capital and revenue objectives. As an RICS Register Valuer James regularly undertakes valuations of a variety of rural property types for retained clients, solicitors and accountants throughout the East Midlands.
James is married to Alice, an equine vet, and has two daughters, Isabel & Florence.
Alice Brown
Director
Alice studied Animal Science at University of Nottingham before attending University of Liverpool Veterinary School. Alice assists with the administration of the office and marketing.
Emily Caldecott MAAT
Client Accounts
Telephone: 01664 778778
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Emily deals with all aspects of our client accounts. She is a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, and as well as managing the day-to-day bookkeeping, she is able to prepare period-end accounting statements.
