Upcoming RED Talks

Rural Economic Development Talks, better known as RED Talks, began in 2020 to address the issues the rural economy and allied industries were facing from a global pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union. Positive and action-oriented in outlook, the Talks have been attended by over 1000 businesses from 25 countries worldwide for their unique combination of political and macroeconomic overviews, industry insight and sustainable finance and business advice.

RED Talks are held online and last between an hour and 90 minutes. The debates are too interesting to curtail! We bring together the best minds in politics, economics, business, finance, academia, medicine and science to discuss the big issues of the day and support leaders in agriculture, food and farming to find and seize opportunities for sustainable progress and growth. Following a series of short, snappy briefings from a thoughtfully selected panel of experts, the floor is opened to questions and comments from the audience so we can tailor the session to what you need.

RED Talks are delivered in collaboration with our professional services partner, MHA MacIntyre Hudson.

02 March 2023 | 10.00am

Navigating the Year Ahead

Economic outlook with integrated business advice for businesses involved in agriculture, food and farming.

Farms and other food businesses have been challenged by a number of global shocks in recent years and the impacts will continue to be felt through 2023 in the form of high inflation, economic contraction, unresolved labour issues, ongoing changes in international trade and uncertainties surrounding national food policy and funding.

This RED Talk supports farmers and business leaders in preparing their organisations for the challenges ahead and addresses the difficult questions around business and financial restructuring. It will also seek to shed light on government policy innovations and changes in the economic and trading environment which will shape the food industry through this period and as it emerges into greater stability and growth.

You missed this RED Talk - watch it here

18 May 2023 | 10.00am

The Sustainable Food Conference: The Internet of Things

Attend in London or Online

10.00 Session 1: The Internet of Things in Farming

The IoT and the data it provides have the potential to change the face of UK farming. Smart technology is enabling farmers to operate with greater precision to manage resources such as water, energy and fertiliser. This exciting technology can deliver gains across the business spectrum from productivity, cost management and quality control to environmental sustainability. However, there are questions around cost and farm-preparedness. This session seeks to better understand the Internet of Things and its role in shaping the future of farming.

FREE - Book now

Meet the Speakers

18 May 2023 | 10.00am

The Sustainable Food Conference: Green Finance

Attend in London or Online

12.00 Session 2: Green Finance

We investigate the role of green finance in helping farms and other food businesses to achieve their goals. From asset finance and other forms of lending to alternative investors. We also explore the grant funding and farm payments to help rural businesses achieve their climate change goals and reduce costs, and speakers share their thoughts on what the Spring Budget Announcement means for farming and food production.

FREE - Book now

Meet the Speakers

07 September 2023 | 10.00am

Careers in Farming

Labour shortages have beleaguered Britain’s farms and food processors since Brexit ended freedom of movement with EU countries and brought long-standing relationships to an end. Seasonal labour schemes have been warmly welcomed but ultimately proved difficult and expensive to access and too few skilled European workers have made it onto British farms and factories. Crops have been lost for the want of a skilled workforce to harvest them, livestock culled for lack of people to butcher and prepare them and consumers have experienced food shortages and price rises for some produce.

This RED Talk looks at the business impacts of labour shortages on farms and in food processing, the misconceptions about careers in farming, how to attract new entrants to the industry and the consequences for Britain’s food system if vacancies continue to go unfilled.

Booking opens soon

More info coming soon