Equine industry is being hampered by red tape

The equine sector generates a turnover of around £5 billion a year for the rural economy, but it is also one of the most fragmented sectors.

That is the message contained in a new equine business report published in March by Lincolnshire’s rural business watchdog, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). It claims that the equine industry is being hampered by restrictions on planning, insurance and tax.

The document, titled ‘Clearing Hurdles’ was launched by equestrian celebrity, Lucinda Green, supported by Judith Norris, chairman of the Equine Business Working Group and CLA President, Harry Cotterell – who said that the aim of the document is to help promote a modern and thriving equine business sector.

CLA East director, Nicola Currie said: “Equestrian businesses represent a significant – but unrecognised – economic force in our part of the country. Estimates indicate that there are more than 19,000 horse-based businesses in the UK, generating direct employment for more than 41,000 people – a total which rises to over 220,000 people when indirect employment is included.”

The CLA also wants to see the Government:
Introduce an amendment to the Animals Act to resolve the spiralling cost of horse insurance, which is forcing some equine businesses to close.
Consider deregulation for smaller business tenancies while respecting the rights of those who own property.
Retain Small Business Rate Relief and other easily administered reliefs and to reverse the abolition of the partial exemption for empty commercial property.

For further information please contact: Nicola Currie, CLA East Regional Director or Tim Barnes-Clay, CLA East Media Relations Adviser. Tel: 01638 590429, www.cla.org.uk.

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