15 minutes with...

The CLA

“15 Minutes With…” is a snapshot of life in the countryside, told by the people who shape it. Each episode features a short, engaging conversation with a landowner, farmer, rural business owner or key political voice. In just 15 minutes, we explore their work, their challenges, their ideas for the future — and the lighter moments that make rural life unique.  From the Country Land and Business Association (CLA)

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    15 minutes with...Roger Tempest

    What does it take to keep a thousand-year-old rural estate alive in the 21st century? In this episode, CLA Communications Manager Henk Geertsema visits Broughton Sanctuary in North Yorkshire to speak with Roger Tempest — 32nd-generation custodian of the estate and one of the most compelling voices in the rural resilience conversation. Roger shares the remarkable journey of transforming Broughton Hall Estate into Broughton Sanctuary: from a single job in 1974 to a thriving community of 52 businesses and 700 jobs. He talks candidly about the alchemy behind that change — moving from industrial farming to nature-friendly practices, from fossil fuels to renewables, and from a traditional landed estate to a hub for personal transformation retreats. We also discuss the growing headwinds facing rural landowners, why Roger believes the government needs to treat the countryside as an ally rather than a target, and how places like Broughton produce millions in tax revenue that politicians are at risk of destroying through short-sighted policy. Plus: the difference between rewilding and nature-friendly farming, why there's room for all approaches, and Roger's top three tips for building a resilient rural business — whatever its size. Topics covered: The 40-year transformation of Broughton SanctuaryBuilding community through jobs, culture and managed accessPersonal transformation retreats and the concept of inner rewildingLand ownership, government policy and rural headwindsNature-friendly farming vs rewildingTop tips for landowner resilience

    14 min

  2. 17 APR

    15 Minutes With…Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network

    15 Minutes With… Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network What does it really take to champion rural communities at a national level — and are policymakers actually listening? In this episode, we sit down with Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, the national body representing over 450 rural local authorities and service providers across England. Kerry shares her journey from frontline local government to leading the RSN, and makes a compelling case for why rural communities deserve far more than an afterthought in national policy. We discuss the stark funding gap that sees urban councils receive a third more in government spending power per head than their rural counterparts, why so many Whitehall departments still struggle to understand the realities of rural life, and what genuine rural proofing should look like in practice. Kerry also sets out the enormous untapped potential of the rural economy — estimated at £19 billion in additional Treasury contributions with the right policy interventions — and explains why devolution could be a double-edged sword for rural communities. A wide-ranging, honest, and essential conversation for anyone working at the intersection of policy, place, and public services.

    20 min

  3. 10 APR

    15 minutes with...Tristan Lillingston

    How can a career in music management, working with acts like Busted, provide the skills to run a 2,500-acre rural estate? CLA Vice President Eliza Ecclestone sits down with Tristan Lillingston, from the Thorpe Estate, to discuss how he transitioned from a career in music management to taking the reins of his family's rural estate. Tristan, who is hosting the CLA Next Generation Conference at the estate in April, talks candidly about the gradual nature of succession, working alongside his father, and how he found himself learning on the job by simply showing up and listening. He explains how his background in the music industry - where protecting your rights and thinking long-term are everything - turned out to be surprisingly good preparation for estate management. We also hear about his priorities when he first got involved: building a brand identity, launching a wedding venue and opening the estate to the public for the first time - and yes, that includes a few stories about badly behaved wedding guests. Whether you're approaching succession yourself or simply curious about what it takes to run a rural estate in the 21st century, Tristan offers honest, practical and at times amusing insights into life at the helm.

    14 min

  4. 3 APR

    15 minutes with...Will Bax

    In this episode of 15 Minutes With, CLA Vice President Eliza Ecclestone sits down with Will Bax — Secretary and Keeper of the Records at the Duchy of Cornwall. Will shares the story behind one of England's oldest institutions, from its founding in 1337 to its modern-day mission spanning 130,000 acres, 200+ tenant farms, and ambitious community-building projects like Poundbury. They discuss the Duchy's commitment to regenerative agriculture and net zero, how long-term stewardship shapes decision-making in an era of unprecedented volatility, and what needs to change in planning policy to build beautiful, sustainable communities. A fascinating look at where heritage meets the future of rural Britain.

    13 min

  5. 27 MAR

    15 minutes with...Dan Smith

    In this episode of 15 Minutes With, CLA Midlands Regional Director Sophie Dwerryhouse sits down with Dan Smith — a self-described "farmer-ish" from Monmouthshire who's been making waves across the sector. Dan shares how the Company of Rural Leaders (CRL) programme gave him the confidence to push beyond his comfort zone, leading to a life-changing Nuffield Farming Scholarship. His study, Generation Regeneration, took him to Brazil, Canada, and New Zealand — and fundamentally shifted how he approaches farming, food systems, and leadership. From his evolving views on regenerative agriculture to his new role as a director of the Oxford Farming Conference, Dan makes the case for profitability without apology, the power of networks, and why agroforestry might be the one idea the UK should adopt. In this episode: How CRL kickstarted Dan's leadership journeyApplying for a Nuffield Scholarship with "not an ounce of belief"What three months travelling the world taught him about UK farmingWhy he now has a "love-hate relationship" with regenerative farmingHis role at the Oxford Farming Conference and having a seat at the tableWhy farmers shouldn't be embarrassed about making a profit

    15 min

  6. 20 MAR

    15 minutes with...Henry Dimbleby

    15 Mins with Henry Dimbleby — Food Security, GLP-1 Drugs & the Future of Farming In this episode, we sit down with Henry Dimbleby — food policy expert, author of the National Food Strategy, and co-founder of Leon — for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the future of food and farming in the UK. We discuss whether the government truly understands food resilience, and what it would take to better prepare for global trade shocks. Henry shares his perspective on the interconnectedness of the global food system — from Iranian saffron to Moroccan salad shortages — and makes the case for building domestic capacity and maintaining diverse trade routes. The conversation turns to the surprising impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on crop markets, and what falling calorie demand could mean for British wheat and cereal farmers. Henry argues the answer lies in thinking ahead to where markets are heading and moving towards premium. We also tackle the thorny question of red meat: is it sustainable, and what role should UK farmers play in the global picture? Henry offers a pragmatic view — it's for the government and the market to set direction, not for individual farmers to go bust over a moral imperative. But responsible production? That's non-negotiable.

    16 min

  7. 13 MAR

    15 minutes with...Sarah Dunning

    15 Minutes With: Sarah Dunning — Westmorland Family Businesses CLA President Gavin Lane sits down with Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Limited, the family behind the award-winning Tebay Motorway Services and Gloucester Gateway. Sarah shares how she left London in her late twenties to join the family business, navigated a pivotal generational transition when their long-standing partners retired, and took on the challenge of building Gloucester Services — a new site 200 miles from home with 150 local producers and 450 employees. She also talks about the family's next venture on the M56 in Cheshire (opening Spring 2028), the impact of the EV revolution on their business model, and whether it's still possible to build a family business empire from scratch in today's regulatory environment. A candid conversation about ambition, local food, and what it takes to grow a roadside business across generations.

    13 min

  8. 6 MAR

    15 Minutes With...Jamie Fielden of Jamie's Farm

    CLA Deputy President Joe Evans sits down with James Fielden, founder of Jamie's Farm, to explore how working farms are transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK. In just 16 years, Jamie's Farm has grown from a pilot project to a national charity operating seven farms, employing nearly 100 people, and impacting almost 20,000 children. Jamie shares the remarkable story of Jack—a boy who came to the farm through foster care and eventually became their first employee who went through the program. The conversation delves into why rural farming environments are uniquely powerful for youth development, offering purpose, belonging, and the dignity of hard work that many urban children have never experienced. Jamie also candidly discusses the economic pressures facing the charity: an £80,000 national insurance hit, housing challenges for staff, and the struggle to maintain funding while demand for their services has never been higher. From regenerative farming practices to the philosophy of "repealing" farms with people, this episode showcases how agriculture can be a force for profound social good—and what barriers need removing to expand this vital work. Visit: jamiesfarm.org.uk

    18 min
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About

“15 Minutes With…” is a snapshot of life in the countryside, told by the people who shape it. Each episode features a short, engaging conversation with a landowner, farmer, rural business owner or key political voice. In just 15 minutes, we explore their work, their challenges, their ideas for the future — and the lighter moments that make rural life unique.  From the Country Land and Business Association (CLA)

Information

  • Creator
    The CLA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 15 minutes with...
  • Show Website
    15 minutes with...

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