Summer 2024 Newsletter
In this issue we feature an article on The Importance of Commercial Development in East Herts. Also we have Job Opportunities on the Estate for anyone that may be interested.
In this issue we feature an article on The Importance of Commercial Development in East Herts. Also we have Job Opportunities on the Estate for anyone that may be interested.
Commercial property development in East Hertfordshire (East Herts) is of paramount importance for several reasons, including economic growth, job creation, and community development. This region, characterised by its picturesque landscapes and proximity to London, has seen increasing interest in commercial property development, which brings substantial benefits to the local and regional economy.
Firstly, commercial property development is a significant driver of economic growth in East Herts. The development of business parks, office spaces, retail centres, and industrial estates stimulates economic activity by attracting businesses to the area. These businesses contribute to the local economy through taxes, fees, and increased spending on local services and goods. The presence of modern commercial properties can draw in both national and international companies looking for strategic locations near London but with lower operational costs. This influx of businesses diversifies the economic base of East Herts, making it more resilient to economic downturns.
Secondly, the development of commercial properties in East Herts leads to substantial job creation. During the construction phase, there are numerous employment opportunities for local contractors, builders, and suppliers. Once the commercial properties are operational, they provide a wide range of jobs, from entry-level positions to high-skilled roles in various sectors such as retail, technology, finance, and manufacturing. This job creation is crucial for reducing unemployment rates and improving the standard of living for residents. Moreover, a thriving job market attracts skilled professionals to the area, enhancing the overall talent pool and driving further economic development.
Commercial property development also plays a vital role in community development. It leads to the creation of infrastructure such as roads, public transport links, and utilities, which benefits the broader community. Additionally, new commercial developments often include public amenities such as parks, recreational areas, and cultural centres, enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The development of vibrant commercial hubs fosters a sense of community by providing spaces for social interaction and collaboration. These hubs can become focal points for cultural and social activities, strengthening community ties.
Moreover, the presence of well-developed commercial properties supports local businesses. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often benefit from the increased foot traffic and customer base that new commercial developments bring. Retail spaces within these developments provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. Furthermore, the development of commercial properties can lead to partnerships between local businesses and larger corporations, fostering innovation and business growth.
In addition to economic and social benefits, commercial property development in East Herts can also promote sustainability and modernization. Modern commercial properties are often designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient systems, green building materials, and environmentally friendly practices. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also lowers operating costs for businesses, making them more competitive. Sustainable development practices can position East Herts as a leader in green building, attracting environmentally conscious companies and residents.
In conclusion, commercial property development in East Herts is crucial for fostering economic growth, creating jobs, supporting community development, and promoting sustainability. As the region continues to develop, it is essential to balance growth with the preservation of the area's unique character and environment. Strategic planning and collaboration between developers, local authorities, and the community will ensure that commercial property development brings long-term benefits to East Herts, enhancing its appeal as a dynamic and thriving region.
As we all know it’s been a wet winter and cold late spring. That has had an impact on our work especially out on the land.
We are moving into harvest at this time, which is busy for everyone connected with agriculture. Long days and sometime frustrating conditions can make this time challenging.
We have cut our winter barley, which yielded some 20% less than expected with prices falling a similar 20%. It was intended to sell at harvest, but this will be held in an older store until the autumn with hopefully a better price available.
As I write, the winter wheat is just fit to cut. At the same time our combine harvester has an engine oil leak, so we wait for a repair. Because of the levels of fungal infection in crops due to the wet spring and early summer many crops have suffered from disease and yields are expected to be reduced. In addition, levels of ergot are being found in crops too. This can cause health problems in people and so needs expensive removal before use for human consumption, again adding a significant cost penalty.
From early harvest reports elsewhere, we are not anticipating either record yields or great quality for this year. This will add to the financial pressure from our farming activity where yield is the biggest driver of profitability.
Direct support payments for agriculture are now reducing considerably and will disappear completely in the next 2 years. As such we are looking at extending options in Countryside Stewardship and SFI – Sustainable Farming Incentive. This provides support for undertaking works which have an environmental benefit. For our farm this will include year long fallows, use of green cover crops and grassy field margins.
Thinning and coppicing of 3 areas of woodland have taken place, generating some 300 tonnes of timber for use by the estate. Some will go into C-Logs for firewood and some into our own biomass boilers. Timber felled this year will be stored in racks for 12 months to dry before processing. Firewood is then split and bagged to be stored in our barn for several months to ensure it is below the legal requirement of 20% moisture. We have recently had our audit for Ready to Burn, the UK certification body for firewood, which we successfully passed. This ensures that wood is correctly grown and sourced and then properly managed through processing and supply.
Processing has continued through the year as we build up a good stock of logs ready for the winter months. Please visit C-logs.com to place your orders in good time for the winter months.
Our vines are growing well especially the new vines planted last year. As with our cereal crops there has been disease pressures from all the wet weather. In addition, weed growth has been significant which restricts the flow of air round the vines. Trimming the foliage and stripping leaves has recently been completed to help with grape growth and to reduce fungal disease pressure. The current sunny weather should benefit the vines greatly.
We are taking part in a trial with a system to monitor fruit fly numbers. Last year we were hit by the Sour rot fly which lays its eggs in the grapes causing a rot to develop at the same time as harvest. Monitoring fly numbers helps make decisions on action against the fly. The trial involves using a lure and sticky traps which are photographed and processed to show population areas and pressures.
Hopefully the drier weather will hold and harvest will be completed in a reasonable fashion allowing for autumn seeding and crop establishment. With the ground still holding much moisture we are expecting significant slug pressure on new crops, as well as a high weed pressure too. Last year’s herbicides either were washed through or not applied in the wet weather allowing for many more weeds to be seen this year. That will increase pressure going forward.
Dry weather will also help with grape fill and ripening, and we look forward to another good harvest. Current bunch counts are looking positive.
We continue to work on diversification projects where possible across the estate. Some require planning consent and some are now permitted developments. Increasingly the return from farming is insufficient to operate our business without alternative sources of income.
We would like to recruit a team of part time casual employees to assist with various jobs in the vineyards, especially as we grow this enterprise. The first expected work would be picking grapes this harvest, which is likely to be in October, although weather dependant. In the winter there will be pruning, then a series of jobs next spring. Training and supervision will be given. Work will be outside possibly in cold and inclement weather on an ad-hoc basis and paid on an hourly basis. Hours are likely to be 7.30 am to mid-afternoon but again depend on requirements.
Please contact the estate office if this is something you would like to know more about.
Email: info@chaldean.co.uk
Tel: 01279 843861