13 February 2015

Smiths Gore GWCT Shoot Benchmarking survey now open

Now that the 2014/15 season is over, Smiths Gore and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust have launched their annual Shoot Benchmarking Survey. It is the only survey that allows shoots to understand their performance better as well as seeing how it compares with similar shoots. It is free to take part, completely confidential and all participants receive a personalised report of their performance.

David Steel, Head of Sporting at Smiths Gore comments:

“Our benchmarking can help in-hand, syndicated and let shoots of all sizes. Last season’s results gave shoots a clear indication of areas for improvement and refinement, including gamekeeper salaries and benefits, fixed costs, return rates, costs per bird released and prices charged per bird shot.

“Since 2009, hundreds of shoots have benefitted from taking part, and we hope that many more shoots will participate this season. Their personalised report includes benchmarks only available to participants.”

Roger Draycott, Head of Advisory Services at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, adds:

“Shoots take part in the survey for a number of reasons. Private shoots want to check that their costs are under control and shoots that let days out want to check how their charges compare with others. The survey provides useful information on how shoots sell days, the pricing model they use, and once costs are taken away from income, how their bottom line compares with others.

“It is important the sector can demonstrate that there is good environmental care in place on shoots so we have included questions on habitat management and wild birds, to provide a better understanding of the conservation work shoots are doing on the ground.”

The deadline for completing the survey form is 24 April; it can be completed online at www.smithsgore.co.uk/shootbenchmarking or a paper form can be requested by calling David Steel on 01200 411051 or emailing david.steel@smithsgore.co.uk.

In addition all participants will be invited to an exclusive seminar, site visit and BBQ at the GWCT’s Allerton Project farm on 3 September 2015, hosted by expert GWCT and Smiths Gore staff.

 

Key benchmarking from the 2013-14 season survey:

Price charged per pheasant (average)                                 £34 (exc VAT)

Cost per bird put down (average)                                        £13.76 (exc VAT)

Gamekeeper salary (average)                                             £17,000 plus benefits

59% of let shoots made a loss

The results also show the economic realities of running shoots nationally.

Key facts about the 2013-14 season survey:

100 shoots took part

They shot over 2,700 days

1.2 million birds put down

END

Further information from:

Issued by:

Caroline Robinson

Press Office

t 01733 866561

e caroline.robinson@smithsgore.co.uk

 

Notes to Editors:

Smiths Gore is a multi-disciplinary firm of rural property consultants with 32 offices in the UK with staff and partner numbers exceeding 500 and associates in the USA, the Caribbean and the Far East. The firm is following a dynamic but considered growth agenda with strategic acquisitions. In 2014 the firm acquired Sale & Partners (Northumberland) and Hives Planning (Berkshire). Rural property is the core of our business. We manage over 2 million acres across the UK for many of the most important landed estates, farmers, institutions and government bodies. We provide services in estate management; forestry; environmental sustainability; sporting and farm management; commercial property; planning and development; research; architecture and building surveying; sales; lettings and acquisitions; minerals and telecommunications. For further information, please visit www.smithsgore.co.uk.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact
Morag Walker, Head of Media
Telephone: 01425 651000
Mobile: 07736 124097