Консалтинговая группа Ceres Group приобрела земельный отдел аукционного дома Stanfords

Two firms have reached a deal which will create one of the largest rural landowners' advisory teams in the region. Agricultural consultancy Ceres Group and Colchester auctioneers and estate agents Stanfords have announced the transfer of Stanfords’ eight-strong land consultancy and planning and development team to Ceres Group on October 1. The newly expanded Ceres team will support landowners, rural businesses, farmers, developers, and investors. SIGN UP HERE FOR YOUR WEEKLY FARMING NEWSLETTER Ceres Group - started in 2021 - has eight offices including its head office at Saffron Walden and a new office in Bury St Edmunds which opened in June this year. The business - which began with 20 farming consultants and support staff - is now a multidisciplinary consultancy group of more than 100 people. Its partners were formerly on the farming team at Strutt and Parker, which went on to merge with BNP Paribas Real Estate in 2017. Charlie Ireland - nicknamed Cheerful Charlie by Jeremy Clarkson - is one of its founding managing partners and appears in hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm as the TV personality's "tell-it-how-it-is" land agent and agricultural adviser. Stanfords will continue to run one of the last remaining livestock markets in the region with auctioneers Graham Ellis, Tim Brassington and Jake Beila. Iain Halls, managing partner at Ceres Group, said: "Stanfords has earned an excellent reputation over many years and we're delighted to welcome the Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams to Ceres. "This partnership builds on that strong local foundation, creating new opportunities for our people and enhancing the range of services available to clients, while maintaining the personal approach that both businesses are known for." The partnership combines Stanfords’ established presence in Essex and Suffolk with the wider technical expertise and services offered by Ceres Group. Clients will continue to work with their existing advisers but will also gain access to broader support in areas such as farming, property, and development. The move is part of Ceres Group’s efforts to strengthen its consultancy, planning, development, and farm agency services in the region. Stanfords, founded in 1879, is known for its work in rural consultancy, property, planning, development, and auctions. Under the new agreement, its estate agency and auctions divisions will remain separate and continue trading under the Stanfords name. Stanfords partners Steven Ellis and Steve Wright - who will continue with Stanfords - said the agreement would allow the business to focus on growing its estate agency and livestock and chattels auctions businesses across Essex and Suffolk. "The same individuals will continue to operate and support the market, while our Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams will continue to provide the high-quality advice and personal service clients have come to expect, but now supported by the additional resources, specialist knowledge and opportunities available through the Ceres Group," the company said. "Ceres was the natural choice for us because of its shared values, strong reputation and commitment to building long-term client relationships." This would allow both organisations "a clear platform for future growth and creates exciting opportunities for our clients, our people and the wider region". Graham Ellis - a third generation partner at Stanfords who joined in 1972 and will be staying on there too - said it was a positive move for the business and its staff. He would remain an auctioneer along with his associates, he said. "There's not many of us left," he said. He added: "Having advised landowners, farmers and rural businesses across Essex and Suffolk for many years, maintaining the trust of our clients has always been my top priority. "This agreement ensures the Land Consultancy and Planning & Development teams have the platform, resources and support needed to continue delivering the high standards of service our clients expect, both now and in the future. "Ceres Group shares our commitment to independent advice, strong client relationships and practical solutions. "I am confident that our clients and our people will benefit from the opportunities this partnership creates." The two companies say they will work closely to ensure a smooth transition for clients and staff. Ceres Group will continue to operate the expanded teams from the Colchester area, further strengthening its footprint across East Anglia. Ceres Group is an independent specialist consultancy offering services including land and planning advice, development, farm consultancy, estate management, and crop consultancy. It also has offices in Chelmsford, Oxford, Northampton, Newbury, Shrewsbury and Stamford. Stanfords runs livestock markets on Tuesdays from its base in Wyncolls Road, Colchester - one of the last remaining sites in the region. The 20-strong team on the estate agents and auctions side of the business will remain with Stanfords.