News | Davies & Co

Budget Impact on Farm Diversification, Planning & Business Rates

12 December 2025 16:11

The latest Budget has important implications for farmers who are exploring or expanding their diversification projects. Changes to planning policy and business-rate thresholds will affect the viability of new ventures like

Read Full Story

Business Rates Reform – Coming into Effect April 2026

02 December 2025 10:34

In April 2026 the government is introducing two lower business rates multipliers for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties. The multiplier applied to RHL properties will be reduced. There will be

Read Full Story

Business Rates Reform – Effective April 2026

18 November 2025 10:40

Government intends to introduce two lower business rates multipliers for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties. The multiplier applied to RHL properties will be reduced. There will be two lower business rates

Read Full Story

Are you going to National Farm Attractions Network Conference?

14 October 2025 10:05

We are proud sponsors of Small Farm Attractions of the Year at the National Farm Attractions Conference in the ICC Wales on 28th & 29th January 2026. The event is action-packed

Read Full Story

A Fantastic Job

09 October 2025 14:07

“I just wanted to thank you for your contribution to the seminar programme at The Glamping Show this year. Barry - you did a fantastic job as ever and drew one

Read Full Story

Did you miss our presentation at The Glamping Show 2025?

22 September 2025 13:00

Would you like a copy of our Powerpoint all about:- Farming to Glamping. Planning Permission and Business Rates. Cutting Through the Red Tape – Top Tips. Get in touch:- Barry Davies

Read Full Story

Farm Diversification: Have You Considered These Key Issues?

11 September 2025 10:38

Diversifying your farm business can offer valuable opportunities to increase income, improve cashflow, and reduce reliance on traditional farming. However, diversification projects often require different skills, resources, and careful planning. While a

Read Full Story

Need Help Negotiating with Planning Authorities?

26 August 2025 11:37

Join us for an informative seminar on Planning and Business Rates, taking place on Friday, 19th September at 11:00 AM during The Glamping Show at NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The seminar will

Read Full Story

Listen to our Seminar about Planning and Business Rates

Friday 19th September 11am at The Glamping Show, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Barry Davies BSc (Agric), MRICS chartered surveyor Davies & Co., specialises in strategic farm to rural development projects throughout the UK. Principle advice given includes negotiations with planning authorities, funding institutions and valuation office agencies in respect of business rates. And visit us on Stand no 308. We look forward to seeing you there.

Listen to our Seminar about Planning and Business Rates

21 July 2025 10:00

Friday 19th September 11am at The Glamping Show, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Barry Davies BSc (Agric), MRICS chartered surveyor Davies & Co., specialises in strategic farm to rural development projects throughout the UK. Principle

Read Full Story

Are you attending The Glamping Show, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire?

30 June 2025 12:44

Need Planning for your Glamping Site? We are exhibiting at The Glamping Show on 18th to 20th September at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Want to find out about Planning or Business Rates

Read Full Story

Business Rates Reform April 2026

08 May 2025 11:48

Business Rates Reform April 2026 The Government have announced in their reform of the business rates that from 1st April 2026 they will reduce the ‘multiplier’ applied to Retail

Read Full Story

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2025

31 January 2025 16:51

Congratulations to the Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2025 – William’s Dan. Sponsored by Davies & Co. and awarded at the National Farm Attractions Awards evening

Read Full Story

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2025

31 January 2025 16:47

Congratulations to the Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2025 – Lakeland Maze Farm Park. Sponsored by Davies & Co. and awarded at the National Farm Attractions Awards

Read Full Story

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

15 November 2024 16:38

We are exhibiting at National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition on Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30 January 2025 at Winter Gardens, Blackpool FY1 4LD. Exhibition times are 9am – 4pm

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Bryan & Dawn Pass, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest

08 October 2024 14:01

Tackling the Business Rates appeal on our own was a daunting non-starter. With plenty of ‘no win no fee’ offers pestering us on a weekly basis we decided that

Read Full Story

Glamping Site Operator wanted for land in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

04 October 2024 09:42

We are looking for a Glamping Site Operator to partner with the landowner to design, build and run a 10-acre site with permission for 7 pods. Planning Permission has been granted

Read Full Story

Planning Rules relaxation....

31 May 2024 11:58

Planning red tape slashed for farmers .... from 21st May 2024 .... Farmers will be able to convert their “unused farm buildings into new homes, farm shops and gyms” more easily thanks

Read Full Story

Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026

31 May 2024 10:16

Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026 Completion of VOA Form of Return (FOR) Many members will have been receiving from the Valuation Office a form; either a

Read Full Story

Testimonial from William Esse , Church Farm, Stow Bardolph

20 May 2024 09:50

We were recommended to contact Barry Davies after receiving notification from the valuation office that our rateable value was going to increase considerably. We had been reliably informed that his wealth of

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Marita Ogilvie, Ogilvie Dogs

06 February 2024 10:21

In 2021 our small business was hit with a large rateable value based on incorrect comparables and information. With Barry's expert guidance and advice, we battled for two years overcoming many

Read Full Story

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024

19 January 2024 19:15

Congratulations to the Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024 - The Ark Open Farm www.thearkopenfarm.co.uk. Sponsored by Davies & Co. and awarded at the National Farm

Read Full Story

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

20 November 2023 14:00

We are exhibiting at National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition on 17th & 18th January 2024 at De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Cirencester GL7 5FP. Exhibition times are 9am

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Joseph Manning, Old MacDonald’s Farm

24 October 2023 13:11

Having known Barry for a considerable amount of time through NFAN and finding how easy he was to work with I had no hesitation in approaching him to help with reducing our

Read Full Story

Are you going to Farm Business Innovation 2023?

21 September 2023 12:44

We are exhibiting at Farm Business Innovation 2023 on 15th & 16th November 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham. Show times are 9am – 5pm on Wednesday and 9am until 4pm on

Read Full Story

Come and see us at The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

17 July 2023 11:32

We are exhibiting at The Glamping Show on 14th to 16th September at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Want to find out about Planning or Business Rates for your new Glamping project then

Read Full Story

BIAC – National Rural Planning Conference

10 July 2023 10:41

We will be attending the BIAC - NATIONAL RURAL PLANNING CONFERENCE on 5th October 2023 at Whittlebury Park, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8WP For further information 01536 524808 or email info@daviesandco.co.uk

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Steve Carthew, Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Exeter

10 May 2023 11:23

“We were recommended by a number of businesses to contact Barry, because we were in receipt of a great many rating assessments in a short period of time, and we were

Read Full Story

Testimonial from David Mort, Cockfields Farm Park, Oldham

05 May 2023 12:07

“Barry has supported us at Cockfields for a number of years now and has helped us tremendously on several occasions. The advice given has been invaluable and has reduced our Rateable

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Bob Ottaway, Audley End Miniature Railway

05 May 2023 11:19

"Barry’s communication with us and the VO was exemplary. The huge volume of work coupled with his dedicated approach and professional help resulted in 34% reduction in our Business Rates

Read Full Story

Are you attending The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire?

18 April 2023 11:18

Need Planning for your Glamping Site? We are exhibiting at The Glamping Show on 14th to 16th September at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Want to find out about Planning or Business

Read Full Story

Is Planning Permission needed for Storage Containers?

23 February 2023 10:42

We have spoken to several farms recently who have containers that are rented to 3rd party businesses and individuals for workshops and storage. Landowners and Farmers often believe that, because they

Read Full Story

Testimonial from Martin Burton, Zippo's Circus, Berkshire

20 February 2023 12:15

An amazing Testimonial :- “I would highly recommend Barry to any business worried about their Business Rates. He successfully negotiated and reduced ours by 53%. The service was diligent and professional. His

Read Full Story

Farming to Glamping - Cutting through the Red Tape

14 February 2023 16:56

Are you looking at having a Glamping Site on your farm? Then read “Farming to Glamping - Planning Permission & Business Rates - Cutting through the Red Tape – Top Tips” Please

Read Full Story

Farm Retail Association - Secure Planning Permission and Reducing Business Rates

14 February 2023 16:53

Are you looking to open a Farm Shop, expand an existing retail outlet, play barn or restaurant – then read this: - “Planning Permission & Business Rates Top Tips” Please find

Read Full Story

Farm Business Innovation Presentation - Farm to Leisure

14 February 2023 16:48

Are you looking to open a Leisure Attraction or Farm Park on your land – then these slides will be invaluable. Read: - “Change of Use - Farm to Leisure Attraction – Planning

Read Full Story

National Farm Attractions Network Conference & Trade Exhibition!

24 January 2023 11:36

Great to catch up with some of our Farm Attraction clients and meet new ones too. Do you need to reduce your business rates or are you looking for planning permission? If

Read Full Story

Did you go to Farm Business Innovation Show?

15 November 2022 00:00

Was great to see you all at Farm Business Innovation Show at the NEC, Birmingham in November. We do hope you picked up lots of inspirational ideas. But if you didn&rsquo

Read Full Story

Business Rates Revaluation 1 April 2023

26 September 2022 11:48

Business Rates are a tax on occupation of land and property The legal definition of Rateable Value is the Open Market Rental of your premises as at 1 April 2021 If you

Read Full Story

Have you received your VOA.. Form of return yet?

26 September 2022 11:34

Diversified Farm Businesses.. .. Rates … Revaluation 2023 is underway have you received your VOA.. Form of return yet? It’s really important to submit your information in 2021 to

Read Full Story

Rateable Value - is yours too high?

26 September 2022 11:15

Do you think your Rateable Value is too high? Or maybe you believe it’s not been fairly assessed. For example, is the description of the internal areas incorrect, or maybe

Read Full Story

Find out how to realise capital – Regulated Tenancies

26 September 2022 10:49

Many farms and estates have redundant farm workers cottages either on the holding or in the surrounding villages occupied by former employees of the holding and many do not realise that these

Read Full Story

Why Should I sell my property as tenanted rather than with Vacant Possession?

26 September 2022 09:58

Regaining possession of a protected tenancy under the Rent Act may not be achievable for many years, and with rental incomes well below current market levels, selling a tenanted property can not

Read Full Story

How to Secure Planning Permission for a Leisure Attraction – Farm Business Innovation 2022

26 September 2022 09:50

How to Secure Planning Permission for a Leisure Attraction – Farm Business Innovation 2022 Barry Davies will be giving advice at Farm Business Innovation 2022 on "Change of Use Farm to Leisure

Read Full Story

Did you Attend the Glamping Show on 15th to 17th September 2022?

22 September 2022 12:32

If you did then I am sure that you would you like to see the excellent article on Farming to Glamping, Cutting Through the Red Tape from the experienced Chartered Surveyor Barry

Read Full Story

Farming to Glamping – Cutting Through the Red Tape

14 March 2022 12:10

Farming to Glamping, Cutting Through the Red Tape is superb presentation from the experienced Chartered Surveyor Barry Davies. If you are thinking of diversifying, and want to know how to manage the

Read Full Story

Our Articles & News Letters

Budget Impact on Farm Diversification, Planning & Business Rates

Budget Impact on Farm Diversification, Planning & Business Rates

12 December 2025 16:11

Business Rates Reform – Coming into Effect April 2026

Business Rates Reform – Coming into Effect April 2026

02 December 2025 10:34

Business Rates Reform – Effective April 2026

Business Rates Reform – Effective April 2026

18 November 2025 10:40

Are you going to National Farm Attractions Network Conference?

Are you going to National Farm Attractions Network Conference?

14 October 2025 10:05

A Fantastic Job

A Fantastic Job

09 October 2025 14:07

Did you miss our presentation at The Glamping Show 2025?

Did you miss our presentation at The Glamping Show 2025?

22 September 2025 13:00

Farm Diversification: Have You Considered These Key Issues?

Farm Diversification: Have You Considered These Key Issues?

11 September 2025 10:38

Need Help Negotiating with Planning Authorities?

Need Help Negotiating with Planning Authorities?

26 August 2025 11:37

Listen to our Seminar about Planning and Business Rates

Listen to our Seminar about Planning and Business Rates

21 July 2025 10:00

Are you attending The Glamping Show, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire?

Are you attending The Glamping Show, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire?

30 June 2025 12:44

Business Rates Reform April 2026

Business Rates Reform April 2026

08 May 2025 11:48

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2025

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2025

31 January 2025 16:51

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2025

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2025

31 January 2025 16:47

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

15 November 2024 16:38

Testimonial from Bryan & Dawn Pass, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest

Testimonial from Bryan & Dawn Pass, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest

08 October 2024 14:01

Glamping Site Operator wanted for land in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

Glamping Site Operator wanted for land in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

04 October 2024 09:42

Planning Rules relaxation....

Planning Rules relaxation....

31 May 2024 11:58

Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026

Helpsheet for NFAN Farm Attraction Members Business Rates – Revaluation 2026

31 May 2024 10:16

Testimonial from William Esse , Church Farm, Stow Bardolph

Testimonial from William Esse , Church Farm, Stow Bardolph

20 May 2024 09:50

Testimonial from Marita Ogilvie, Ogilvie Dogs

Testimonial from Marita Ogilvie, Ogilvie Dogs

06 February 2024 10:21

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024

Jim Keetch Small Farm Attraction of the Year Winner 2024

19 January 2024 19:15

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

Are you going to the National Farm Attraction Conference and Trade Exhibition?

20 November 2023 14:00

Testimonial from Joseph Manning, Old MacDonald’s Farm

Testimonial from Joseph Manning, Old MacDonald’s Farm

24 October 2023 13:11

Are you going to Farm Business Innovation 2023?

Are you going to Farm Business Innovation 2023?

21 September 2023 12:44

Come and see us at The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Come and see us at The Glamping Show, 14th to 16th September, NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

17 July 2023 11:32

BIAC – National Rural Planning Conference

BIAC – National Rural Planning Conference

10 July 2023 10:41

Testimonial from Steve Carthew, Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Exeter