“Change is natural; you have to keep evolving,” says Roger Tempest, looking out over Broughton Sanctuary, a rolling 2,500 acre estate that has been in his family for over 900 years. As the 32nd generation, Roger’s own journey has been instrumental in transforming Broughton into a sustainably led venture that has successfully demonstrated the prudent partnership between ecology and good economics.
“I don’t feel or see myself as an owner, but purely as a custodian,” he says, before noting the constant of change in action – “Look at what AI is doing, even now, I’m looking into our walled garden watching the robot lawn mower.”
Having begun his working life on Fleet Street, Roger returned to Broughton to pick up his father’s initiative of creating a space that could power the local economy and conceptually evolve the idea of what a landed estate could be. “In the 1970s, there was still a perception that these places were relics of capital with a blurry modern purpose. We then had a period of regeneration in the 1980s, for instance in Liverpool and London’s Docklands.” What was less seen perhaps was how rural communities embraced new working practices: “There was an explosion of opportunity as we realised haybarns, watermills and farms could all have another life and fulfil a new role.”
Primarily for Broughton, that meant opening new spaces for offices. Today, 52 businesses work onsite, employing 700 people: “a huge change from the single job we supported in the ‘70s”. Secondary services then grew organically. The local pubs, caterers, schools, farms and even the church have benefitted from the incomers.
Broughton’s story has shown how long-term capital, sustainable investment and clear stewardship can preserve value for future generations. As an active partner for clients managing complex estates or commercial property, Coutts has worked to understand each unique challenge and how our clients’ long-term goals can be supported by responsible financing [Terms and conditions and criteria apply].
That cognisance and practicality have been crucial, says Roger. “You need liquid funds to make these things happen. Coutts have a lot of landed clients, so do understand the peculiarities of it all, and they’ve been very supportive throughout, sitting by our side through the critical moments.”
A heritage of change
Roger’s own entrepreneurial flair has also been a catalyst for much-needed investment. He founded Rural Solutions, a business specialising in pastoral planning and design, which he sold in 2005. He was also responsible for the renovation of Loch Ness’ Aldourie Castle, before in turn passing it onto a likeminded family of Highland custodians.
The experience was vital to Broughton’s reinvention. “The big house was very dilapidated. There were bats in the rooms, and we needed to put anti-freeze in the loos. If you were cold at night, you’d put another dog on the bed – it was that kind of thing.”
