Cumulus Consultants is a small, independent company with a strong track record in research, consultancy and advice in the land and environment sector.
We are a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary team including individual specialists and expert project managers.
Our focus is on delivering what our clients want and providing a high quality personal service, whether this be for a one-off project or an ongoing business relationship.
Uniquely Cumulus combines ‘high level’ research and consultancy with operational advice for farm and rural businesses. We believe that this enhances the quality of analysis and advice, and ultimately outcomes, for all.
The firm is based in the South West but and operates across the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
Vision, mission and values
Our vision is of a future that balances society’s need for production with the sustainable, sensitive use of land that will preserve and enhance the countryside for future generations.
Our mission
To encourage sustainable land and natural resource management by providing strategic, policy, technical, economic and operational advice to government bodies, non-governmental organisations, businesses, landowners and land managers in the UK and abroad.
Integrity – open and honest in our business dealings
Cumulus Consultants was founded by Paul Silcock and Clare Lovegrove in 2004. Both previously worked for GFA-RACE Partners Ltd, a joint venture based at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
The company name ‘Cumulus’ comes from the white, puffy, cloud which we often see on fine days. This stems partly from Paul and his family’s interest in ballooning (!), and partly because clouds provide perspective on our inter-connected countryside. We think Cumulus clouds are a beautiful, natural image and we hope you feel the same.
Matt Rayment is an economist with more than 25 years’ experience in the appraisal and evaluation of public policy. He has particular interests in natural capital and biodiversity, environmental policy, rural land use and management, and economic development. He has undertaken numerous assignments for the European Commission, UK Government, national and regional agencies, local authorities and NGOs. Matt’s previous roles include Consulting Director for ICF (formerly GHK) and Head of Economics at the RSPB.
James is an agricultural economist and farm business specialist. He has undertaken a wide range of agricultural consultancy, including policy research, agri-environment costings and feasibility studies. James has in-depth knowledge of the Common Agricultural Policy. He also runs his own organic arable and livestock farm in Devon.
Emma is our office manager and also provides project, marketing and administrative support. She has a background in business and sales administration.
As a small company we are able to provide our clients with a personal, responsive and flexible service.
We add value by combining our knowledge and understanding of policy, strategy and legislation with our practical experience of farming, forestry, land management and rural business. We also take a positive and creative approach, seeking to identify economic and environmental ‘win-wins’ wherever possible.
It has helped open doors that were previously closed to us.
It has helped [in] increasing our public profile and providing crucial evidence of our economic impact.
We are very impressed with the detailed and thorough work produced in a very quick timescale.
