Claudia Smith, a Graduate Land Agent with South West Norse, helps to manage the Devon County Council Farm Estate of comprising prime agricultural and tenanted cattle farms across the county.
Working alongside her boss Dan Meek, Director in Estate and Asset Management, she provides a strategy to help generate financial, social, and environmental returns from their 10,000 acres of farming estate for the council.
“Among many other things, we visit different rural sites across Devon, ensuring tenant farmers are well supported; providing up-to-date advice and managing any issues,” she explains.
“We do our best to ensure the estate is well looked after, to provide future new generation farmers with the opportunity to get on to the farming ladder, as this has become increasingly difficult.”
Claudia admits that on occasion she has felt that tenants – farming being a traditionally male dominated environment – have initially gone to her male boss for advice, bypassing her. She considers whether gender, as well as lack of experience, may well be responsible.
“I think that could be true, but by gaining experience and becoming more confident in my role, as well as working towards my professional RICS and CAAV qualifications, I believe I have already begun to Break the Bias,” she says.
“I feel people are now more prepared to discuss any questions they might have with me and to listen to my advice.
“When the recent storms occurred, Dan was on annual leave and, as a result, the tenants had to deal with me – they quickly realised that I was very capable of resolving many of their problems.”
Claudia sees International Women’s Day as a chance to showcase women who have made an impact on society.
“This could be for any reason – and not just today but all through history,” she stresses. “After all, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the achievements of so many women in the past.
“I think it’s important to remember to keep making history, and for women to keep making breakthroughs and being successful in whatever they do – whether that be science, music or land agency.”
Q: Is there a woman you particularly admire?
A: My mum is an incredibly strong person and the way she deals with difficult problems is quite inspirational. There was also a land agent called Claire who really inspired me when I completed work experience with her. She was so professional, intelligent and knowledgeable and working with her was what led me to follow a career in land agency and estate management.
Q: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out on her career?
A: Don’t be scared to be confident in your role, especially if you know the answer. Don’t feel demoralised when someone bypasses you to talk to a man instead. Be strong and assertive and take every opportunity to show you can do the job just as well yourself.
