YAN Gittins, a partner at Fisher German chartered surveyors, has been elected chairman for the Country Land and Business Association's (CLA’s) Worcestershire branch.

Mr Gittins has a portfolio of estate management clients and is known to local landowners, farmers and rural business owners. He has understanding of rural land management issues from experience he has gained from his job as land agent and adviser to a number of rural business clients.

He has been a member of the CLA for many years and said: “I am delighted to be taking on the challenge of branch chairman for Worcestershire CLA, which is recognised as playing a major role in the local rural economy.

"The CLA will continue to be progressive in resolving the many challenges that are facing rural businesses and we must strive for acknowledgement of the need for a diversified rural economy, based on profitability and commerciality.

"In many areas, this will depend on improved broadband and communications.

“Most importantly, we need to create a greater understanding and appreciation of the rural environment so that its contribution is recognised and working in the countryside becomes both an attractive and a rewarding proposition.

"My hope is that the next generation of rural entrepreneurs, whatever their business, will be encouraged to generate wealth and opportunities in the rural areas of Worcestershire.”

Mr Gittins, who lives on a farm near Upton upon Severn with wife Harriet, has four young children and enjoys family and home life and game shooting, in his spare time.