About Us
- Home
- About Us
We Are Sentry
On your farm. By your side.
With over 50 years experience in the agricultural sector, Sentry is a unique rural solutions business that has a reputation for working in close collaboration with its farming and rural business clients.
Sentry has a rich heritage. Originally founded in 1972 by an American insurance company, our first farming operations were on land owned by pension schemes but over time, this was extended to contract farming for private individuals.
Today that has expanded to private, investment and overseas landowners and operators utilising a broad suite of agreements.
Being an employee-owned business is unique and our employees have the opportunity to own share capital in the business, driving their interest in company success.
Our objective is to deliver forward-thinking solutions that help clients sustainably manage their businesses whilst protecting the environments in which they operate.
How We Operate
On your farm. By your side.
We always maintain a pragmatic focus on the business.
We advise on and deliver the best solutions, at the best time for the success of your business, your land and your future.
We focus on sustainable, simple and straightforward, helping your enterprise grow whilst protecting the environments in which we operate.
And because farming is a generational business, we build relationships for the long-term. For many of our clients we have become trusted advisors and an integral part of their farming family.
In essence, we farm, we consult and you grow.
How We Get Results
We farm, we consult and you grow.
We pride ourselves on our track record of creating advantage for our clients.
As day-to-day farmers our proactive approach on the land supports positive results all year round.
As trusted advisors we focus on being one step ahead in the rural sector, anticipating seasonal change, environmental responsibilities and changes in regulatory practice.
This unique blend of deep farming know-how and our forward-thinking advice means we are adept at spotting and evolving opportunities for success.
As an employee-owned business we are invested in the people who are invested in you. From Farm Managers to Data Analysts, Procurement Specialists to Bookkeepers, Machinery Operators to Sustainability Consultants, we have a diverse and specialist team of over 60 people who proactively and collectively work to ensure that your business success continues to grow season after season.
Paul Christian
Managing Director
Paul joined Sentry in 1988 as a Trainee Farm Manager having studied at Shuttleworth Ag College. After spending 7 years leading the company’s management team in Eastern Europe and running diversification projects in the UK, he left in 2010 to be involved in consultancy and business development.
Paul returned in 2018 as Managing Director since then he has led the development of employee, customer, and stakeholder relationships. Paul’s biggest satisfaction is seeing employees develop and thrive in the inclusive environment the company has created.
Contact Paul about...
- •New business
- •HR and employee development
- •Pension trustee chair
- •Overall responsibility for all actions of the company
- •Accountable to Shareholders and Board
Rebecca Arkley
Finance Director
Rebecca qualified as a Certified Accountant in 1994 and joined Sentry as a Farms Accountant in 1995. In 2002 she attended the Worshipful Company of Farmers Advanced Agricultural Business Management Course and subsequently headed up the developing Advisory Team. Rebecca joined the Sentry board in October 2016 and was promoted to Finance Director in April 2018.
Contact Rebecca about...
- •Financial procedure and compliance
- •Pension process
- •Company Secretarial including SIP, EBT and Company Shares
- •Advisory clients; Financial services
- •IT
Alec Smith
Business Solutions Director
Alec is a Director at Sentry, one of the UK’s leading agricultural management and consultancy businesses. With a deep passion for profitable, progressive farming, Alec specialises in strategic business planning, farm management and helping clients navigate complex agricultural challenges. His strengths lie in problem-solving, negotiation and developing future-proofed business models that drive resilience and growth. Alec leads Sentry’s consultancy division and works closely with farmers and landowners to maximise returns, manage risk and unlock new opportunities across the rural sector.
Contact Alec about...
- •Advisory and Professional Services
- •Grain Marketing
- •Health & Safety NEBOSH
- •Product Procurement
- •Farm/Estate Management
- •Farming Agreement Structures
George Thomas
Associate Director
George is a Senior Land Agent at Sentry, he graduated from the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester with a degree in Rural Land Management in 2014 and moved from Kent to Suffolk in 2015 to start his career with Sentry.
George qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2017 and has spent 9 years working for landowners predominately in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex but has clients on a national level.
He provides professional advice on a wide range of matters affecting rural businesses including landlord and tenant matters, utilities, property and estate management and environmental schemes.
In January 2025, George was promoted to Associate Director.
When not advising clients George is Suffolk County Chairman of The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust where he organises events to generate fund raising to support conservation efforts across the country.
Contact George about...
- •Utilities and infrastructure
- •Landlord and tenant advice
- •Property and estate management
- •Environmental management
John Hall
Senior Farm Business Advisor
John joined Sentry in 2011 and is a Senior Farm Business Advisor for the Midlands region. With 20 years’ experience in farm management, property and estates he has deep experience in helping identify and shape strategies for future growth. Working by your side to gain greater understanding of each farm business, John is well placed to help increase margins on your farm.
Contact John about...
- •Business Management Advice and Support
- •Regenerative Agriculture
- •Project Planning
- •Farm Appraisal and Due Diligence Consultancy
- •Diversification and Added Value Advice and Support
"An important aspect of being a member is access to the Sentry buying power for nearly all inputs. I find the connection to a national farming company very reassuring in these difficult and uncertain times."Richard Nunn, member since 2004