At a Glance
- Tasks: Pitch your sustainable food or farming idea and gain access to land, investment, and expertise.
- Company: Join Kingsclere Estates' innovative circular community focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Access to 2,000+ acres, shared resources, and a supportive network of like-minded businesses.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, from food to fashion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sustainable agriculture sector while growing your business.
- Qualifications: Innovative ideas, good business sense, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Got a sustainable food, farming or business idea? Pitch Up! for land, investment and expertise at Kingsclere Estates circular community. The 2025 applications season runs from 1–30 November, but NEW for this year, you can tell us you're interested at any time.
Since starting at Kingsclere Estates in 2021, Pitch Up! has grown with Partner farms across the UK – from Scotland to Cornwall. Find out more on the pitchupandgrow.com website, as well as Kingsclere Estates Instagram and the Pitch Up! Instagram account. Please spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested!
“Pitch Up! was just the leg-up we needed to get going. Being able to work alongside an established farming business with so much knowledge and experience to tap into has been invaluable to us. We can share labour, skills and capital, and have great people to bounce ideas around with.” Rodrigo Navarro, founder of Wandering Feathers (Pitch Up! 2024)
Read on to discover the Pitch Up! opportunity at Kingsclere. “In nature there is no concept of waste. Everything is food for something else.” Ellen MacArthur Foundation on regenerative natural systems.
After four generations of conventional farming, Kingsclere Estates is heading in a bold new direction. We’re turning our backs on commodity agriculture to regenerate our environment and build a progressive ‘circular community’. And we’re looking for like-minded people with innovative sustainable business ideas to join us.
For the last decade, we’ve been busy regenerating the estate’s soil, increasing biodiversity and adopting a renewed approach to stewardship of the land to secure full Organic status for the crops, dairy and eggs produced here. Disrupting the norms of commodity farming production cycles through innovative mobile approaches – such as The Roaming Dairy and Wandering Feathers – we and our partners on the estate are already seeing the benefits of thinking differently, creating flexible infrastructures that can move across the land to improve both soil fertility and the quality of our produce as they go.
Now we want to invite more people in and increase the positive impacts – and abundant opportunities – of this approach. Through Pitch Up! we’re on the lookout for more environmentally-focused partners to come and make the most of the estate’s plentiful space, fertile land and inspiring ethos.
We’ve been blown away by the interest in – and breadth of entries for – our first four Pitch Up! applications seasons from 2021–2024. From radio and TV coverage to entries spanning everything from a cheesemaker to a shoe brand, turkeys to natural soaps, foraging to firewood to oat milk, the possibilities and appetite for innovative, sustainable mixed land use in our circular community are really exciting. Now the word is spreading even further, we can’t wait to see what this year’s Pitch Up! brings.
What? We’re offering businesses and start-ups selected through Pitch Up! a wide mix of support, including:
- Land – pasture, fields and woodland – on our 2,000+ acre estate in Hampshire
- Industrial units and office space
- Raw ingredients, by-products and waste from farmers, growers and producers in our community to use for your products
- Low overheads
- Shared running costs
- Minimised risk
- Shared workload
- Business advice, support and shared industry knowledge
- Administrative and accounting services
- Marketing and design support, with media and press opportunities
- Introductions to customers, industry stakeholders and investors
- Roadside retail opportunities, with 17,500 cars per day passing Kingsclere’s 2-mile frontage on the A339
- A closely connected community of like-minded businesses for sharing ideas, problem-solving, connections and collaboration
Who? We’re looking for innovative ideas, good business sense and people with shared values, who we know we’ll be glad to have around. We imagine the majority of you will be businesses or commercial-ready start-ups in the agriculture, food and beverage, and environmental sectors – but we don’t want to limit it to that. We’re also open to hearing from people with ideas in the leisure and tourism, wellbeing, skincare and textiles/ fashion sectors – and beyond. Essentially it’s about your commitment to circular economy thinking and positive environmental impact.
Successful Pitch Up! applicants will show:
- A compelling business/ product proposition
- An understanding of the Kingsclere vision, and a passion to play a part in bringing it to life
- Good business sense and financial acumen
- Consideration for how your business would feed into the whole estate system at Kingsclere – not just thrive on its own
- Willingness to adapt to flexible infrastructures that could be mobile, moving across different parts the estate at different times
Pitch Up! Circular Agri-Startup Launchpad employer: Kingsclere Estates
At Kingsclere Estates, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation in agriculture. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration among like-minded individuals, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to a regenerative community. With access to extensive resources, expert guidance, and a supportive network, joining Pitch Up! means becoming part of a pioneering movement towards a circular economy in the heart of Hampshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pitch Up! Circular Agri-Startup Launchpad
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Kingsclere Estates often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Pitch Up! Circular Agri-Startup Launchpad
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Kingsclere Estates does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsclere Estates
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Kingsclere Estates will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Kingsclere Estates.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Kingsclere Estates.
