Author Archives: Becky Wilson

Rural Retreats for Entrepreneurs: Finding Focus in Nature

Why Burrough Court is the Ultimate Countryside Haven for Business Minds

In the fast-paced digital world we live in today, more entrepreneurs are looking beyond city skylines and coworking towers in favour of something a little more grounded, more soulful, and more them. Enter the rise of rural retreats for entrepreneurs, a growing movement where business and balance meet in the countryside.

One shining example of this rural renaissance is Burrough Court, a unique countryside business haven nestled in the heart of Leicestershire. More than just a location, it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that nurtures business, wellbeing, and an inspiring focus on life beyond the screen or the sale. But why is Burrough Court such a compelling retreat for modern entrepreneurs? Let’s dive in.

The Rise of the Rural Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is no longer bound to London postcodes or Silicon Roundabout. Thanks to the power of the internet, Teams calls, and cloud-based everything, business owners can set up shop wherever they choose, and increasingly, they’re choosing green over grey.

The demand for space, clarity, and connection has led to a boom in rural hubs and business retreats. But it’s not just about escaping the chaos, it’s about designing a lifestyle that feeds the founder, not just the bottom line.

Burrough Court: A Rural Destination, Not Just a Business Park

Burrough Court is more than just a 22-acre business park, it’s a rural destination. With its rich heritage, inspiring architecture, natural beauty, and curated blend of businesses and amenities, it’s a place that has become a blueprint for how to do rural enterprise well.

It was even highlighted as a “Masterclass in Placemaking” by Strutt & Parker’s Land Business Insight magazine, a nod to its thoughtful development and entrepreneurial spirit. (You can read the full article here.)

It’s this blend of strategic vision and soulful curation by Fred Wilson, 2^nd generation that sets Burrough Court apart. It isn’t trying to be a city in the countryside. It’s something far more powerful, a place that celebrates what it means to work, live, and grow well in rural Britain.

1. Nature-Led Productivity

There’s something about being surrounded by nature that calms the nervous system and sparks creativity. At Burrough Court, woodland, birdsong, and landscaped grounds replace the hum of traffic and sterile lighting. Studies consistently show that exposure to green space improves focus, creativity, and mental health, key ingredients for running a successful business.

Workspaces at Burrough Court offer floor-to-ceiling windows, biophilic design, views of the countryside, and garden nooks for meetings that feel more like walks and talks. It’s no surprise that businesses based here often thrive not just in numbers but in culture.

2. A Community of Like-Minded Visionaries

This isn’t just a place to plug in a laptop, it’s a community. Burrough Court attracts a diverse mix of international businesses, owner managed businesses, solopreneurs, creatives, and wellness professionals. The atmosphere is collaborative without being forced, professional without being stiff.

You’ll find impromptu networking over coffee in the on-site café, meetings in the gardens, and genuine friendships forged through shared values. This is the power of a rural entrepreneurial retreat, it fosters connection over competition.

3. Work-Life Integration, Not Just Balance

Burrough Court doesn’t believe in the outdated “work hard, crash harder” model. Instead, it champions integration, where life and work flow together seamlessly.

On-site wellness offerings, like the gym and tranquil yoga studio, walking meeting routes around the estate, workspaces outside in nature, and even a secure dog field on the estate, mean entrepreneurs can take care of both their businesses and themselves.

Paws in the Park, Burrough Court for example, is a secure dog exercise space onsite that’s perfect for dog-loving founders who want a quick walk to clear the mind. It’s practical, thoughtful, and beautifully executed, just like everything at Burrough Court.

4. Beautiful, Bespoke Workspaces

Forget the cookie-cutter offices of city chains. Burrough Court offers stylish, individual workspaces with charm, history, and soul. From converted stables and farm stores to modern, eco-friendly workspaces, every detail has been curated to inspire.

Whether you need a small office for your boutique brand, a podcast recording studio, or a full team headquarters, the spaces here can accommodate a variety of business needs. All while you sip your morning coffee and watch the mist rise over the paddocks.

5. Strategic Location, Without the Stress

While Burrough Court feels like a rural dream, it’s also highly accessible, just 10 minutes from Melton Mowbray and within easy reach of Leicester, Nottingham in 30 minutes and major transport routes. You get the countryside calm and the connectivity.

For entrepreneurs who still need to pop into the city or meet clients, it’s a strategic spot that lets you have the best of both worlds.

A Rural Retreat That Works as Hard as You Do

If you’re an entrepreneur dreaming of a space that supports not just your work, but your wellbeing, creativity, and community, Burrough Court is a place to pay attention to. It’s more than a workspace. It’s a sanctuary for the whole entrepreneur. Watch this video to see just how…

The future of entrepreneurship isn’t just faster tech or fancier software. It’s location independence with intentionality, choosing to build your business in a place that makes you feel inspired, supported, and at home.

And in that future, Burrough Court is already ahead of the curve.

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News from the Farm this Spring by Dawn Wilson

Hear from Dawn Wilson, 2nd Generation & Director, with an inspiring update from the field. This winter at Burrough Court, we planted new hedgerows and trees to boost biodiversity and soil health, reintroduced sheep grazing, and embraced sustainable farming—restoring pastureland and enhancing the landscape for nature, people, and climate.

Friday, 16th May: Re-connect with Nature Walk

📅 Friday, 16th May | ⏰ 10:00 am | 📍 Burrough Court, LE14 2QS

We’re thrilled to invite you to our first mother & daughter event, hosted by Dawn (2nd Generation) and Becky (3rd Generation) Wilson.

This event is more than just a walk; it’s about connecting with nature, with each other, and with the story of Burrough Court. Whether you’re a long-time visitor, curious newcomer, or simply craving some calm countryside soul-food, this is your invitation to join us for something special.

🌿 What to Expect

🚶‍♀️ A Scenic Walk Through the Estate
We’ll be guiding you on a gentle 1.5-hour walk around the farmland, following our newly cleared stream path. Expect birdsong, fresh air, and views that will leave you feeling grounded and refreshed.

🌾 A Peek Behind the Scenes
Curious about what we’re doing on the land? We’ll share a bit about our sustainability journey, how we’re caring for the estate today, and what exciting plans are on the horizon.

📖 A Story Spanning Generations
Burrough Court has a rich and fascinating history. We’ll tell you stories of how it came to be, what it’s seen over the years, and what legacy we’re building for the future.

☕ Lunch & Coffee at The Larder
After our walk, we’ll gather at The Larder for a delicious lunch and a hot drink – a well-earned reward and the perfect way to round off the morning together.

🌞 Connection, Conversation & Community
There’s something magical about spring mornings in the countryside. This event is a chance to breathe, chat, ask questions, and meet like-minded souls in a supportive and inspiring environment.

🎟 Event Details

• Date: Friday, 16th May
• Time: Meet at 10:00 am
• Location: The Paddock Car Park
• Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cost: £12 (includes sandwich or soup, and a hot drink)
• Who’s it for? Adults only – a serene and mindful morning just for grown-ups

🐶 Please note: As much as we love our four-legged friends, this event is a dog-free zone. On this occasion, we’re keeping the focus on relaxed conversation and connection – we hope you understand!

💌 RSVP Now – Limited Spaces

We’re keeping numbers intimate to make this a really special experience – so please do RSVP soon to secure your spot. Complete the form here to reserve your spot and a payment link will then be sent to book on, once payment is received that is you on!

Come with your walking shoes, open hearts, and questions – we can’t wait to welcome you for a meaningful spring morning here at Burrough Court.

Dawn & Becky Wilson

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Why Farmers are protesting against the UK Government, March 2025

Written by Becky Wilson, 3rd Generation.

I wished to write a blog post to explain to those who aren’t 100% clear on the reason why farmers are protesting the UK Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on family farms. This is a post which isn’t twisted by the media (or in some cases not even covered!) identifying that these changes could have devastating financial and operational consequences for farming businesses, many of which have been passed down for generations.

Land & Machinery Are Illiquid Assets

Farming is asset-rich but cash-poor. Most of a farm’s value is tied up in land, machinery, and livestock, not in cash or easily sellable assets. If the government reduces tax reliefs or increases IHT, families may be forced to sell off land, equipment, or even the farm itself just to pay the tax bill. 

Threat to Generational Family Farms

Many British farms have been passed down for generations and rely on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) to remain viable. If the proposed changes reduce or remove these reliefs, the tax burden on inheritance could be so high that families can’t afford to keep their farms running.

A point which is key to understand is that farmers are custodians of the land for future generations, as well as custodians for all the habitats, wildlife and other ‘public benefits’ like footpaths. 

£1 Million Threshold is Unrealistic

The proposed £1 million exemption might sound generous, but it barely covers a small farm’s land and equipment, let alone an entire working business. For example:

• A couple of tractors, combines, and machinery can easily be worth over £1 million. This was identified at the Farmers Rally on the 4^th March with some of the machinery used to make part of the ingredients for a pancake being present. 
• Farmland values have risen, making even a modest-sized farm exceed the threshold.
• This doesn’t account for livestock, buildings, and everything else needed to run a farm.

Impact on UK Food Security

If family farms are forced to sell land or shut down, it reduces domestic food production, making the UK more reliant on imports. This affects:

• Food prices (higher costs for consumers).
• Sustainability (increased imports mean more carbon emissions).
• Rural economies (jobs and local businesses depend on farms).

Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Being Cut Overnight

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is the government subsidy that has historically provided direct financial support to farmers based on the amount of land they farm. For years, it has been a crucial safety net, helping farmers maintain profitability in an industry where costs are high, and margins are tight.

• The government removed BPS payments overnight, leaving farmers with the ability to receive up to £7,200 and cannot be exceeded. This is all dependent on acreage.
• This is a huge financial shock, particularly for larger farms that relied on BPS as a key part of their income.
• Worse still, BPS is set to completely disappear by 2028, leaving farmers scrambling to replace the lost revenue.

Farmers were already planning for this loss, looking at alternative income streams, but these overnight cuts mean they now have a short period of time to adapt with no buffer and little government support to fill the gap.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) immediately stopped accepting new applications

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) was promoted by the government as a cornerstone of the post-Brexit agricultural policy, designed to encourage and financially support farmers in adopting more sustainable practices. This included initiatives like improving soil health, promoting biodiversity, and other environmentally friendly farming techniques. The sudden stopping of new applications without prior warning has disrupted many farmers’ operational and financial planning, many of whom had already started making changes in anticipation of receiving SFI support.

This latest announcement raises real concerns within the farming community about the stability and reliability of agricultural support policies in the UK. The agriculture sector is crucial for the country not just economically, but also for our food security and environmental sustainability.

Farming is all about long-term planning, and these sudden changes create a financial void at the worst possible time.

Unfair Treatment Compared to Other Businesses

• Many big corporations have ways to legally reduce tax burdens, while small family farms don’t.
• Farms are long-term businesses, not speculative investments.
• Farming families work all their lives on the land, yet the proposed tax treats them as if they are sitting on disposable wealth.

A bit more context … did you know?

• Many farmers don’t pay themselves a ‘wage’ and often don’t enjoy retirement because they either love what they do or simply cannot afford to pay themselves!
• Farmers don’t often have control over several factors that impact their production e.g. the weather nor the prices that they can sell their produce for, as markets are driven by global impacts. This means that farm businesses are high risk.

What Farmers Are Proposing 

1. Fair inheritance tax policies that protect generational farming. Such as tax being ‘deferred’ and only becoming payable if the land is subsequently sold. So nothing is paid on inheritance, but if the next generation decide to sell (and therefore release the cash value of the land) they would pay tax. 
2. Recognition that farming assets are essential to food production and not just “wealth”.
3. The government to consult properly with farming communities before making changes.

This is why farmers are taking to the streets. Protecting their farms means protecting the future of British food and rural life!

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Designing a Future Forest: Learning from the Forestry Commission at Burrough Court

At Burrough Court, we are committed to sustainable land management and ensuring that our natural environment thrives for generations to come. Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming the Forestry Commission to our estate to survey the land and guide us in designing a forest that aligns with our landscape and soil composition.

Why Forestry Matters 🌳🌍

Forestry plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land use. With growing conversations around climate change and responsible land stewardship, it’s essential to understand how we can integrate forestry practices that benefit both the environment and the local ecosystem.

Key Takeaways from the Forestry Commission’s Visit:

✅ Land & Soil Survey – Understanding the types of trees that will thrive in our unique soil conditions.
✅ Sustainable Forest Planning – Learning how to plant and manage trees to support wildlife and biodiversity.
✅ Long-Term Environmental Benefits – Enhancing carbon capture, reducing soil erosion, and improving local air quality.
✅ Woodland Management Best Practices – Implementing techniques that ensure the longevity and health of our future forest.

A Commitment to Sustainable Farming & Land Use 🌱

As part of our ongoing mission at Burrough Court, we are continually seeking ways to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into our farming and land management efforts. This includes initiatives such as agroforestry, regenerative farming, and biodiversity-focused projects that contribute to a thriving rural ecosystem.

🚜 Want to learn more about forestry, sustainable farming, and conservation at Burrough Court? 📖 Make sure you’ve signed up to our newsletter Court Life in the footer on our homepage www.burroughcourt.com

Revitalizing Our Landscape: The Thrill of Planting Hedgerows on the Estate

As the crisp air of late autumn wraps around our estate, an exciting transformation is taking place. It’s the prime season for planting bare root hedging, and our dedicated team, led by Laggy (Estate Maintenance), has been hard at work. In just ten days, they’ve skilfully planted an impressive 13,236 bare roots, covering a total of 2,206 meters.

All the bare roots that are being planted are connecting existing woods and hedgerows together, leading to what we hope will be an increase in wildlife across the Estate with one in particular mammal being desired and that is the hedgehog. Fingers crossed!

Understanding Bare Root Hedging Plants

Before diving deeper, let’s talk about what bare root hedging plants are. These plants are the most cost-effective option for large-scale projects like ours. Grown in fields, they are lifted when dormant—between November and April—and the soil is shaken off. This process ensures the plants are fresh and ready for their new home in the ground, making this time of year perfect for planting.

The Ideal Locations for Planting

Choosing the right location to plant a bare root hedge is crucial for its success. On our estate, these hedges serve as natural boundaries in arable fields, clearly defining the extents of different areas. They are also ideal for large-scale plantings. The nature of bare root hedges allows us to plan extensively without the immediate need for a mature hedgerow, giving nature the time to flourish at its own pace.

The Varieties We Are Planting

This year, our selection of hedging plants includes a mix of native species chosen for their resilience and environmental benefits. These include:

• Hawthorn
• Blackthorn
• Sloe berries
• Hazelnuts (great source of food for mammals)
• Dog wood (great for pollinators)
• Spindle
• Dog Rose
• Field Maple

Each species was selected to contribute to biodiversity, support local wildlife, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of our landscape. Throughout the year the hedgerow will portray a variety of colours in the berries and leaves, with pink flowers, white flowers and red leaves.

The Importance of Planting Hedges

Planting hedges goes beyond just improving the visual appeal of the estate. Here are several compelling reasons why we’re committed to this project:

1. Biodiversity Boost: Hedges provide crucial habitats and corridors for wildlife, supporting a diverse range of insects, birds, and mammals.
2. Soil Protection: They play a vital role in soil conservation, preventing erosion and promoting healthier soil ecosystems.
3. Carbon Sequestration: As they grow, hedgerows absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.
4. Wind and Noise Barrier: Strategically placed hedges act as natural barriers to wind and noise, creating a more tranquil and sheltered environment.
5. Historical Landscape Integration: Hedges help maintain the historical integrity of our rural landscape, preserving the traditional look and feel of the area.

Looking Forward

As we continue to expand our hedgerow network, the environmental and aesthetic benefits will grow exponentially. Each plant that takes root is a step towards a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem. This undertaking not only beautifies the estate’s landscape but also contributes significantly to our local environment and global ecological health.

Stay tuned as we update you on their progress and educate you on what and why we are doing certain things on the Estate.

Enjoyed reading this? Read a previous blog post on ‘Why hedgerows are crucial to reaching sustainable farming goals’ here