Hartpury Annual Report July 2025

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Hartpury University Annual Report and Financial Statements > 2024/2025

Our most recent annual research conference, themed Research in Practice, showcased cutting-edge studies and encouraged collaboration to address real-world challenges. Presentations spanned equine welfare, sports performance, environmental sustainability, human–animal interactions, and agricultural veterinary innovation. The new annual lecture series has also been a welcome addition to the calendar, engaging the local community and highlighting the research taking place right on their doorstep. Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm was featured in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy: Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan as a key institution driving innovation in agri-tech. This recognition underscores Hartpury’s commitment to supporting the UK’s transition to net zero and driving growth in the agri-tech sector. The Digital Innovation Farm is now recognised as a vital contributor to regional economic development and a key player on the global stage. It has been particularly rewarding to see our agriculture students and staff featured in national media, including two appearances on BBC Countryfile. These students are helping to bring farming to a wider audience, demonstrating how they continue to tackle the challenges facing modern agriculture.

Our financial performance in 2024/25 exceeded budget expectations, delivering a surplus before other gains and losses of £4.2 million. Generating a surplus is fundamental to ensuring that Hartpury maintains the financial capacity to invest in infrastructure, sustain and enhance its existing asset base, and deliver its long-term strategic ambitions. The 2024/25 overperformance was primarily due to the receipt of non-governmental grants, which are recognised when performance-related conditions are met. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the trusts and individuals who have supported Hartpury through capital initiatives, such as the Veterinary Research Centre, helping to ensure our facilities remain fit for purpose and continue to support industry-leading teaching and research. Even with a positive operating result, the external landscape presents significant challenges, particularly within the higher education sector, which continues to face funding constraints, increasing regulatory requirements, and evolving student expectations. Hartpury remains committed to delivering lean value, prioritising resources to enhance the student experience through investment in facilities and the provision of high quality teaching.

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