Farmers and landowners from all over the Midlands descended on the magnificent Tissington Hall, a perfect backdrop for a day of discussing ideas on enhancing how they run their businesses.
With the support of Sir Richard FitzHerbert, the invited guests attended a series of informal workshops organised by NatWest and Fisher German LLP, covering various rural issues such as converting redundant farm buildings, Eco design and obtaining grants.
One of the presentations given by Robin Hamilton, inventor and engineer, provided a great topic of conversation throughout the day as he enlightened the audience with his ideas on homes for the future. The Dumble project, a revolving house which rotates to follow the sun, is being filmed for Grand Designs, due to be aired in 2009. For further information, visit the Home Revolution website http://www.home-revolution.com/
In addition, Julie Robinson of the CLA provided some useful tips on how to obtain the latest grant funding information and the application process.
This is the fifth Fisher German / NatWest day and was born after receiving feedback from rural based businesses, who were interested in engaging with financial and land experts on subjects such as diversification, building conversions, farm management and making the most of agricultural land.
Phil Roberts, NatWest’s Regional Agricultural Manager, said: “As in previous years, the event at Tissington Hall was fantastic, with the rural community being given some important food for thought, and more importantly, the chance to share best practices and ideas with their farming colleagues. Both NatWest and Fisher German are really pleased with the success of the day and are proud to provide our support to the rural community.”
After a closing speech from Phil Roberts and to round off the day in style, Sir Richard invited his guests to take a guided tour of Tissington Hall where the origins and history of the FitzHerbert family were brought to life in each of the magnificent rooms. 
David Merton, partner at Fisher German comments, “I would like to personally thank Sir Richard for providing such a magnificent venue for a day which is proving to be an important date in the farming calendar."
Please click on this link to read a feature article on Tissington Hall, taken from our new Fisher German magazine.
