The old saying that you never know what is around the corner is so very true for all of us.

As reported previously I had to take some time out from February to deal with a health issue. Thankfully things have gone well, and I am now back in harness with SLMS.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Allan Young for so ably stepping in to keep the Service going over my period of absence – it is very much appreciated. Allan and I are continuing to work together over the next while as we evaluate the ongoing demand and the Service that we provide.

Enquiries have continued to come in and there are a number of cases at a stage where discussions are likely to lead to some form of joint venture. As I have said before these things don’t happen overnight and it is important that time is given to finding the right match and building the trusting relationship.

At the start of the month Allan and I along with Henry Graham took part in a very useful discussion organized by the Soil Association and involving our counterparts in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Good to share and compare and find that many of the issues we face are all very similar.

But back to the start and not knowing what is around the corner. If you haven’t thought about the future and what succession might look like, then it is never too early to start to have the discussion. I know that it can be difficult but that is where SLMS can help facilitate – we are very happy to help.

Ian Davidson