Rural Business Management
The industry’s leading programme for business owners and senior managers
Four months, built around your own business. More than 1,200 delegates have completed it since 1963, and the 2026 programme will be the 75th.
- Where
- Stonehouse Court, Stroud
- Length
- Four months
- Cost
- £7,000 + VAT
- Next
- 75th programme, 2026
An immersive, intensive programme for people working across agriculture and the land-based sector — farm managers, agricultural solicitors, land agents, advisers and business owners. Many former delegates now hold influential positions across the industry.
Who it is for
You will get most from this if you already influence strategy, people and performance.
- Owners and leaders looking to grow
- Functional experts navigating change
- Successors preparing to take a business on
- Experienced, ambitious managers aiming for senior roles
What you will work on
The programme uses your own business as the core material. Past delegates have built new strategic plans during the course itself, with feedback from peers and coaches.
- Strategy, vision and mission
- Managing yourself and leading others
- Financial management and smart decision-making
- Investment assessment
- Risk and governance
- Managing uncertainty and change
- Resilience and agility
How it runs
The programme, stage by stage
- 1 October Two online sessions
- 2 November Two-week residential
- 3 December Progress session
- 4 Dec–Jan Individual coaching
- 5 February Online wrap-up
The learning curve wasn’t so much a curve — more a vertical rocket trajectory. If you want to be at the forefront of agriculture, to be an advocate for rural businesses and make an impact, then you need to get on this course.
A 2023 delegate
Taking it further
Applying
Applications for the 2026 programme — the 75th — close on 30 April 2026, with interviews between 30 June and 2 July.
Questions about the programme go to RBM@wcf1.pandadigitalservices.com.
Cost
What it costs
£7,000 + VAT covers all meals, accommodation, course directors, speakers and materials.
Nobody otherwise eligible should be kept off a course by cost alone. Through its Charitable Trust the Company provides substantial help to delegates who need it — but do ask early.
Help with fundingAlso in this section