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It’s been a little over a week since we wrapped up our rural leadership conference, Cultivate, and we’re still basking in the glow of its success. This year’s theme, ‘Rooted in Resilience’ is a powerful testament to the strength and determination of our rural and agricultural communities. This theme struck a chord with the businesses and leaders in attendance, each navigating the unique challenges and successes of the industry.
If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a rundown of the day’s highlights!
The day began with delegates arriving bright and early at the stunning Heaton House Farm venue, greeted by a mouth-watering breakfast spread courtesy of Stable Yard Catering, including Staffordshire oatcakes, sausage and bacon baps, fruit, yoghurt, granola – the works!
Paul McGee led the morning session with an impactful talk, offering the audience a wealth of insights. His talk emphasised the importance of personal accountability and empowerment, encouraging individuals to take charge of their lives rather than adopting a ‘victim’ mentality. He highlighted the concept of “hippo time,” acknowledging setbacks as part of the journey but emphasising the need to navigate through them with resilience and determination. Finally, he highlighted the significance of empathy and understanding by likening it to being mindful of a beach ball, encouraging attendees to broaden their perspectives and awareness of others’ experiences.
If you haven’t read his book SUMO (Shut Up and Move On!), we would highly recommend it!
Following yet another incredible spread from the Stable Yard Catering team (Thai green curry or fish and chips anyone?!), we were treated to an inspiring talk by Tom Warner, Founder of Warner’s Distillery. Tom’s words resonated deeply as he emphasised the crucial lesson of perseverance, encouraging us to persistently knock down barriers in the pursuit of our goals.
Next up we heard from Jim Bloom who took the stage for an exclusive fireside interview with Farmer’s Guardian Editor, Olivia Midgley. Jim shared the remarkable story of how he transformed the Warrendale business into a thriving enterprise, generating over £70 million in revenue and a team of 120. The main takeaway from his fireside chat? Embrace the risk. Jim’s journey exemplified the rewards that come with daring to take bold steps in pursuit of an entrepreneurial vision.
Our final speaker of the day was Samantha Kinghorn MBE who captivated the audience with her extraordinary story of resilience. As a double Paralympic medallist and TV presenter, Samantha’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. She shared her personal story of how a farm accident forever altered her life trajectory, leading to a journey of self-discovery and remarkable achievement – it’s safe to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the room!
And finally – our chosen charity for this year’s conference was the Henry Plumb Foundation – a foundation dedicated to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through generous donations and fundraising efforts at the event, we were able to raise a total of £2,292, contributing to the foundation’s ongoing efforts!
We firmly believe that self-investment is fundamental for both personal and professional success. That’s precisely why Cultivate exists – created to fuel growth in both your business endeavours and personal journey within the agricultural and rural sectors. Hosting over 300 guests, our event provided an invaluable opportunity for like-minded rural professionals to connect and learn from insightful speakers. We’re thrilled to have facilitated an environment where individuals could network, gain knowledge, and ultimately, contribute to the advancement of our shared goals
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Heaton House Farm for hosting us in a standout venue and to Stable Yard Catering for keeping everyone fuelled throughout the day. We are incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporting partners including Cultura Connect, Natwest, Brightshire and Farmers Guardian. our official media partner. We’d also like to do a big shoutout to Ashbrook for sponsoring our after conference drinks that were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
And of course, we couldn’t have made this event as impactful without the invaluable insights and inspiration shared by our expert speakers: Paul McGee, Tom Warner, Jim Bloom, Olivia Midgley, and Samantha Kinghorn. Their contributions truly made the day memorable and enriching for all attendees.
If you’re looking to attend the next event, click to register your interest now!
