Thrings LLP

Agriculture.

Partner.

A highly experienced agricultural partner, Mark’s clients have included individuals, families, trusts, partnerships, companies and government departments on a range of agricultural matters. Based in our Romsey (Hampshire) office, he advises farmers, estate owners and the wider landowner community across the south of England and beyond. He is particularly experienced in dealing with the sale and purchase of farms, estates and agri-businesses, and in cases involving high-value secured lending for farms and estates.

As well as ‘pure’ agricultural law matters (such as FBTs, AHA tenancies, contract farming and agri-environmental schemes), Mark also advises on development and diversification projects, including renewables, for landowners. Mark has a specialist interest in the equine sector and his work has included advising clients on setting up polo yards and businesses, and the sale and purchase of studs, racing yards and estates. 

Mark has a high profile in the Agriculture area and speaks regularly as an expert in this field.  He is instrumental in our ongoing, strictly confidential, ‘Leaders in Agriculture’ events with leading figures in this area including presidents and CEOs for the CLA, TFA, CAAV, Deputy President of the NFU and Heads of Agriculture for all major banks and land agents. 

Mark also writes on subjects in the rural sector and contributed again to the second edition of Butler’s Equine Tax Planning (published 2018).  In addition to his strong track record over the last few decades, Mark continues to have a prominent role in leading matters, including advising landowners and major banks in complex strategic land development disposals through hybrid agreements, promotion agreements, conditional contracts and options with multi-million pound transaction values.

Agricultural Law Association, NFU, CLA (Mark sits on the Hampshire CLA Committee) and Hampshire Farmers Club.