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James Heysmond author profile image
James Heysmond
Solutions Director
Bellrock Technologies

I didn’t sit down that evening intending to learn anything about estate management. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it through the evening at all. I had the flu and was dramatically contemplating my own mortality when my wife, sensing weakness, insisted we watch Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime. I’d resisted for as long as I could, earning more than a few eye rolls and a sarcastic, “Oh please, unless it’s Louis Theroux or some depressing docuseries with a mid-80s Metacritic rating, you’re not interested. Honestly, live a little and watch some proper telly like a normal person.”

As the Amazon Prime logo faded in, I asked my wife how many seasons of Clarkson’s Farm there were. Without missing a beat, she grinned and said, “Three! You’ll complain for the first two episodes, then suddenly start quoting Clarkson like he’s the voice of a generation. It’s the same thing every time.” And she wasn’t wrong.

Clarkson’s farming escapades aren’t just entertaining; they’re a surprisingly rich source of lessons for estate professionals like me.

The Unexpected Estate Management Lesson

Clarkson’s Farm has captivated audiences with its warts-and-all portrayal of running a 400-hectare farm, “Diddly Squat.” Despite his limited knowledge, Clarkson sheds light on the universal challenges of managing a complex estate. From compliance to sustainability and financial pressures, his farming misadventures mirror issues faced by land and asset owners everywhere.

Watching Clarkson wield a chainsaw without the bare minimum of PPE makes any property professional shudder. As he revved it up, I couldn’t help but think: does Diddly Squat or Amazon Productions do Work Permits? No PPE? No chainsaw. Simple.

Shining a Light on Sustainability

Owning a farm forces Clarkson to confront sustainability issues head-on—overuse of pesticides, soil depletion, and reliance on heavy machinery. Enter regenerative farming. Clarkson learns from experts like Andy Cato (of Groove Armada fame) and George Lamb—who once spilled coffee on me at BBC 6 Music studios. Their advice on restoring soil health while commanding a premium price for sustainable crops is exactly what he needed.

Sustainability is no longer optional for estate management—it’s a cornerstone of responsible operations. Aligning with ESG strategies isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Tools like Concerto’s InMetriks module help estate teams track energy, waste, and carbon footprints, enabling smarter, cost-effective decisions. Just as Clarkson learns to pivot toward sustainability, estates that embrace these practices thrive—environmentally and financially.

The Importance of Experts

One of the most compelling aspects of Clarkson’s Farm is how heavily Clarkson relies on experts. Whether it’s Kaleb Cooper managing day-to-day operations or Charlie Ireland providing sage, practical advice, these individuals balance Clarkson’s impulsive tendencies. Thank God Charlie’s there every time Clarkson dreams up a harebrained scheme.

For estate teams, surrounding yourself with the right experts is equally vital. Compliance evolves, technology advances, and data-driven decision-making is essential. At Concerto, we empower managers with the tools and insights they need to stay ahead, ensuring operations remain compliant, efficient, and future-ready.

Financial Pressures and Asset Management

Owning and managing an estate is a constant balancing act, as Clarkson’s financial woes demonstrate. Whether it’s skyrocketing crop costs or unexpected maintenance bills, his struggle is familiar to anyone managing a property portfolio. Watching him rely on whiteboards and printouts to track operations makes me grateful for digital solutions.

Concerto is already used to manage some of the largest public sector rural estates in England and Scotland, with clients like Cambridgeshire County and Highland Councils. Our friends there would certainly sympathise with the astronomical costs tied to managing large estates—and unlike Clarkson, they don’t have Amazon production fees to offset budget black holes. Concerto ensures resources are optimised. All too often, capital is diverted to the wrong areas, but our tools help ensure budgets are spent where they make the biggest impact.

Risk Management Keeps Estates Agile

From pest infestations to extreme weather, Clarkson’s ability to pivot in the face of challenges highlights the importance of agility. Embracing technology like drones and advanced machinery allows him to adapt quickly.

For estates, agility is just as critical. Using project management tools linked to finance systems enables teams to manage change and proactively address risks. Concerto helps estates remain nimble and ready for whatever challenges arise.

Best of British

One unexpected outcome of Clarkson’s Farm is its impact on public appreciation for British farming—British butter sales reportedly surged by 38% after the show aired. Similarly, Concerto is proudly British, built by a UK-based team and owned by Bellrock. For clients, this alignment and trust often act as the cherry on top when choosing an IWMS platform.

 

Let’s Chat

If you’re an estates geek like me and want to explore strategies for simplifying your estate management challenges, drop me an email at james.heysmond@concerto.co.uk. Let’s grab a brew and chat—after all, even Clarkson’s chaos reminds us that the right tools and expertise make all the difference.

James Heysmond, self-confessed PropTech nerd. Dad, ex-roadie, Nottingham Forest fan.