A new UK farming sector-focused service line offering specialised support – Sumer
Today, Sumer the UK’s leading mid-market accountancy practice for SMEs, announces the launch of Sumer Agriculture, a new service line supporting farmers, landowners, and rural agricultural businesses across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Sumer Agriculture is the culmination of five leading regional practices, coming together within the group, to help UK farmers as they navigate increasingly complex financial demands and business pressures.
It’s a direct result of the firm’s approach to investing in leading regional practices that share its ethos, values, and approach. Many of them are located in areas with large rural communities and have recently seen a spike in agricultural-related enquiries from succession planning and grant applications, to contract farming accounts and biodiversity net gains.
A strategic move to handle the highly specific nuances of this growth market, Sumer Agriculture is well-positioned to meet increasing demand, with 100 specialist farming-focused accountants and tax advisors, who can assist local farmers, offering local delivery upheld by national expertise.
Holding a current client base of 1,000 agricultural businesses, ranging from 100-acre farms to expansive 10,000-acre estates across various regions, Sumer Agriculture operates UK-wide from the following regional Hubs: Carpenter Box (South East), EQ Chartered Accountants (Scotland), Monahans (South West), RMT Accountants and Business Advisors (North East), and Scrutton Bland (East Anglia).
With further investment planned, Sumer’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector will only deepen, ensuring that clients’ farms thrive in an increasingly complex social and economic landscape.
Warren Mead, CEO of Sumer said: “We found that the industry often lags in adopting the latest technology, advice, and guidance needed to protect agri-businesses. Sumer Agriculture represents a crucial step toward uniting farmers with the highest level of care. We want to give farmers access to the most specialised accounting skillset, becoming their rural business champion.”
Mark Smeaton, Head of Agriculture, EQ Accountants added: “Coming from a farming background, I understand the importance of accessible, specialised financial support to ensure seamless operations. Agriculture is a highly volatile industry. It’s impacted by the high cost of maintenance, labour shortages, sustainability pressures, and the rising cost of raw materials and technology. The list goes on. Backed by Sumer, we can expand our regional offering and allow British farming to sustain its leadership in food productivity and sustainable farming.”
Nick Banks, Lead Partner Farm and Estates, Scrutton Bland said: “Farmers have to adapt to change. Growing crops or rearing livestock may remain core, but the return is volatile and capital intensive. Diversification presents opportunity but a different skill set is needed. New environmental schemes require new knowledge and learning. We support our farming clients in navigating those challenges and farming has been a bedrock of what we do, since we were founded over 100 years ago. We are excited to join Sumer and work with our peers to contribute to the success of British agriculture.”
Sumer is the leading mid-market accountancy practice delivering professional support to SMEs across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is a top 15 UK accountancy practice on a mission to champion SME businesses.
Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through acquisition. It now employs over 1,350 champions, with more than 40 offices, and generates an annual turnover of over £135 million, emerging as a key accountancy player.
Further information – Sumer Agriculture