Cookie Consent by TermsFeed
Michael Mack - The Rural Consultant image

With a foundation as a trained agricultural economist and over twenty five years of experience, I specialise in guiding businesses, families, and charitable organisations through complex challenges. As an independent consultant, I work collaboratively to develop strategies that add real value, whether diversifying income streams, addressing family dynamics, planning for succession, or securing critical grant funding.


My clients include respected names such as the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, the Department for Education, A D Harvey, World Wildlife Fund and the Prince's Charitable Trust. A recipient of the prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship, I had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge systems and processes for the next generation of farmers, further enhancing my insights. While I operate independently, I benefit from the expertise of the Anglia Rural Consultants network.


Since 2019, I have served as CEO of The Family Mediation Trust, leading the charity through a merger, navigating Covid-19, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Under my leadership, the trust has supported a growing number of clients each year, improved staff conditions, and consistently delivered a surplus. In 2024, The Family Mediation Trust was recognized as the Legal Aid Provider of the Year, a testament to our commitment to accessible and impactful services.


My dedication extends to advocacy and governance. I chair the Family Mediation Legal Aid Action Group, working to protect legal aid for low-income families, and sit on the Legal Services Board Consumer Panel. I am also the founding member of the Succession Alliance, fostering collaboration among UK experts in succession planning.


Outside consultancy, I’ve served as a magistrate for over 19 years, contributed to the Family Mediation Standards Board, and acted as a trustee for the Norfolk Viking Foundation.

The Succession Alliance
The Succession Alliance is a UK-wide collaboration of independent specialists in farm succession planning and family business transition. The Alliance was established to promote best practice, raise standards, and ensure farming families have access to trusted, people-focused advice during critical periods of generational change.

Founded and chaired by Michael Mack—The Rural Consultant, Nuffield Scholar, and experienced succession facilitator—the Succession Alliance brings together professionals who share a commitment to improving outcomes for farming families.
The Alliance aims to:

  • Champion a human-centred approach to succession, alongside legal and financial planning.
  • Encourage collaboration among coaches, consultants, and sector specialists.
  • Provide a national voice to influence policy and promote public understanding of the challenges of succession.
  • Develop shared tools, training, and quality standards for those advising on family farm succession.
Through coordinated effort and shared values, the Succession Alliance helps ensure that farm succession planning is handled with clarity, care, and confidence.

https://www.successionalliance.com/