We recently caught up with our clients Graeme and Margaret Shaw to talk about their farming journey, the goals they have worked towards and what has helped them make progress along the way.

Together, they operate Clover Hills Limited, a family farming business with a clear vision for the future. Bringing that long-term plan to life has involved clear goals, open conversations and a strong team working from the same information.

In the video below, Graeme is joined by Diprose Miller Director Ed Wagstaff to share what has worked for their family - including the value of trusted advice, good information and tools such as Figured in keeping everyone aligned and supporting their succession plans.

The Clover Hills story is an example of what can be achieved when clear goals are supported by trusted relationships, experienced advice and good information.

Bringing the right people around the table

Family members, accountants, bankers and other rural advisers may all contribute to the success of a farming business.

When everyone understands the business’s position, priorities and goals, conversations become clearer and decisions can be made with greater confidence.

Our role is to understand not only the farm’s financial performance, but also what its owners want to achieve. The numbers matter, but it is the context around them that shapes the advice.

As the Clover Hills story shows, building a strong team and keeping everyone focused on the same goals can play an important part in creating long-term progress.

Making valuable information visible

Many farmers carry a significant amount of knowledge in their heads - from production and feed requirements to finances and future plans.

The challenge is making that information visible and accessible to the wider team.

Figured can help bring financial and operational information together in one place, giving everyone involved a more consistent picture of the business.

For Diprose Miller, it is one of the tools that supports our work with rural clients.

Technology does not replace the farmer’s knowledge or the judgement of an experienced adviser. It makes useful information available sooner, so more time can be spent understanding what it means.

Looking ahead, rather than reporting on the past

Financial accounts remain essential, but they largely explain what has already happened. Good advisory support also needs to look forward.

Timely information allows us to identify issues earlier, test different scenarios and help clients understand the likely impact of a decision before they make it.

That could involve reviewing cashflow, assessing an investment, preparing for a conversation with the bank or working through the financial steps involved in succession.

Better visibility helps businesses move beyond past performance and make informed decisions about what comes next.

Supporting a practical succession plan

Every family, farm and financial position is different, but successful transitions generally benefit from starting early, setting clear goals and regularly reviewing progress.

At Clover Hills, that has meant building ownership progressively and keeping the family and advisory team aligned around a shared long-term plan.

Our role is to help clients understand what is achievable, consider their options and turn a long-term ambition into a practical plan.

Advice supported by people, expertise and technology

Diprose Miller was the first accounting firm to become a Figured Platinum Partner. It is a partnership we value, but technology is only one part of the service we provide.

The real value comes from combining reliable information with experienced people who understand farming businesses and take the time to understand what matters to each client.

Whether you are planning for succession, considering an investment or looking for greater visibility over your farm’s performance, the right information and advice can make the path ahead much clearer.

Talk to the Diprose Miller team about how we can help you understand your numbers, plan ahead and work towards your business and family goals.