Areas of Expertise

Colin’s areas of expertise include strategic business planning, financial analysis, finance applications, cash flow management, cost of production calculations, grant schemes, IACs and technical consultancy.  Colin delivers professional, independent and objective advice to farmers and rural businesses across Scotland. He is well connected and respected within the agricultural sector and has represented farmers on various committees and boards.

 

Professional Biography  

Colin’s recent work has been focused on business strategy, finance planning, cost of production and cash flow management for dairy farms. His other core work is delivered through broad range of whole farm reviews and farm business appraisals for all farm types.  

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He also has a broad range to technical knowledge and a wealth of practical hands-on experience with dairy, beef and sheep. He has previously managed businesses with large workforce and has excellent, leadership, organisational and communication and people management skills. He has also delivered various on and off farm diversification projects and has knowledge of Anaerobic Digester feed supply and digestate storage/handling. Colin has also been successful in securing grant support for clients through various government funded programme’s.

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Colin is a very capable facilitator having significant experience organising and running on farm meetings and business groups. He is mentor to potential start-up famers and has also chaired many internal board meetings for farming businesses.

 

Background and hobbies/Interests

Colin has been working in agriculture since graduating in 1997, Initially as an Agricultural officer with Scottish Government, before moving into procurement with a large red meat processor. From there, moving into Agricultural Business Consultancy where he remain for 10 years prior to taking on Farms Business Manager role with a large scale diverse farming business.

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Colin’s home farm has 1,200 breeding ewes, 100 cattle and a self-catering holiday business on the Isle of Mull. Although it is 20 years since he left home, Colin keeps a keen interest in the farm business and still is involved but his time on farm is limited due to consultancy commitments.   

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Colin served as a director of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society for Scotland during the 2016 Royal Highland Show year.

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Colin’s has a young family which limits his time for hobbies but as a former Stirling County rugby player, he retains a keen interest in the sport and regularly attends Glasgow Warriors Pro 12 and European games.