Cumbria Farmer Awards 2022 headline sponsor, Armstrong Watson, jumped at the chance once again to help celebrate farming and put farmers centre stage.

The Cumbria Famer Awards help tell the story of the amazing achievements of some of the very best Cumbrian farmers during what has been another challenging 12 months.

The firm, which has offices across Cumbria and a head office based in Carlisle, has specialised in agricultural accounts and advisory services for many years. It has a dedicated band of staff, many of whom hail from farming backgrounds themselves, working for about 2,000 farming businesses across the north of England and Scotland.

Partner and head of agriculture Andrew Robinson has a passion for the industry like no other and has been honoured to be involved in the judging of the awards once again this year. When he’s not helping his agricultural clients with solutions to their problems, more often than not he is working among a herd of pedigree Luing cows or helping on his friend’s Northumberland farm.

"Growing up on a farm in north Cumbria and then working with agricultural clients across the county, I am well aware of the amazing farming community we have here," he said.

"I can think of no better way of shining a light on our incredible farming heroes and I have been really honoured to be involved. The standard of entries was so high, it was a very difficult job. In my eyes, the finalists are all winners and should be proud of what they have achieved". 

He continued, "farming is going through significant change and as a firm of accountants, business and financial advisers, we know only too well how important the sector is. Armstrong Watson is proud to fly the flag for UK’s farming and to have an event that recognises and celebrates the hard work of our farmers, the communities they serve and the passion they have is at the heart of what we do".

"The farming industry is facing a unique set of challenges as a result of Brexit and volatile commodity prices, Armstrong Watsons agri team understands the challenges farming presents and can provide specialist advice on accounting and tax issues for all kinds of farm businesses.  Whether it’s advice for rural estate owners, support for pig farmers, dairy farmers or forward planning to help arable farmers navigate the volatility of their sector, Armstrong Watson epitomise our motto of "we're with you".

Andrew studied at Newcastle Polytechnic and after qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1996 has concentrated on looking after and advising farm businesses and landed estates. He moved to Hexham in 1998 and now looks after agricultural businesses across the North of England and the Borders from the Hexham office, using his years of experience and day-to-day knowledge to help his clients.