Unstoppable Forces Drive Land Use Evolution

Four major forces are driving an unprecedented period of land use evolution in the UK as the 21st Century unfolds, and this is creating an environment that is bursting with opportunities for a wide variety of businesses.

The four forces for change include a rapidly evolving agriculture, the requirement for renewable energy, growing concern for our environment, and an increasingly affluent and leisure-oriented society.

In each case, new and constantly developing issues lie at the heart of change and are often the key to fresh business opportunities, so a combination of understanding and effective communication with all audiences provides the key to success.

Within agriculture, a radical new support structure is forcing farmers to revisit priorities, with environmental schemes gaining importance and many businesses seeking alternative approaches to conventional subsidy-supported food production. Some farms will diversify within their boundaries, some will release land to allow third parties new opportunities, and some will collaborate off the farm. The result, whatever the route forward for farmers, will be a more dynamic business environment laden with opportunities.

As energy crisis follows energy crisis, the clamour for renewable sources intensifies, and whether we favour biomass cropping, wind turbines or the redevelopment of nuclear power, land use lies at the heart of the agenda.

Unerringly connected, though often in conflict with the renewable energy debate, are the many issues on environment. Regulations to protect our finite resources, ranging from new waste disposal legislation to the proliferation of protection protocols for wildlife are only set to increase, but whilst presenting barriers to some, they are opportunities for many more.

Whether through farm diversification, or the development of brown field sites to meet the demand from a burgeoning population, the amenity use of land continues to grow, as do the openings for businesses. From seed suppliers to landscape architects, the sports and amenity land use arena is expanding.

Whatever your role in the development of new land industry opportunities, effective communication with the connected audiences should be one of your priorities. At ABC, we specialise in communication, and we make it our business to understand all the issues that matter in our sectors of expertise.

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