Rice has become a key part of the Warwickshire rural economy thanks to leading law firm Wright Hassall.
The firm, which employs 200 staff in Leamington Spa, has appointed agricultural law specialist, Paul Rice, as a partner.
Rice joined Wright Hassall from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs a year ago.
As Deputy Legal Director of the Rural Payment Agency, he was actively involved in advising on the implementation of the new Single Payment Scheme (SPS) which has now come into force.
He has used that expertise to help farmers across the region adjust to the SPS which is one of the biggest changes the rural economy has seen for decades. The degree of importance attached to this change was illustrated by last year’s series of seminars and discussion groups, attended by over 300 farmers, at which Paul explained the wide-reaching effects of the SPS. Paul also lectures extensively on the subject across the country.
He said: “I have really enjoyed returning to the private sector and, during a time of great change, we have been able to help a great number of our rural clients.”
John Rouse, head of the farming and rural business unit Wright Hassall, said: “Paul’s knowledge has brought an increased level of expertise in a key area of our business and he has been invaluable to our rural business clients.
