H&H Land & Estates, one of the North’s leading Chartered Surveyors, Agricultural Land Agents and Valuers, has this week welcomed Matthew Vickers as a Graduate Rural Surveyor.  

Originally from a County Durham farming family in Weardale, Matthew now lives and helps farm with his father in the Lake District National Park, near Ullswater.

He is an Old Barnardian (Barnard Castle School pupil), who went on to graduate this year from Harper Adams University after studying Rural Enterprise and Land Management.  

Having spent a placement year working for Compton Estates as a Trainee Land Agent in Northamptonshire, Matthew gained first-hand experience into landlord/tenant matters and how to work effectively with either party.

Working from the Kendal office of H&H Land & Estates, he will now work towards his APC and full membership of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Central Association of Valuers.  

In welcoming Matthew to the team, Colin Tomlinson Managing Director of H&H Land & Estates said: “Matthew has really impressed us with his understanding of the rural sector and his eagerness to develop his skills.

"We are committed to supporting the next generation of rural surveyors here at H&H Land & Estates, and I have no doubt that Matthew’s enthusiasm to learn, will make him a real asset to the team as we continue to expand the business.

"We’re looking forward to supporting Matthew as he continues to progress his career.

“As a Graduate Rural Surveyor, Matthew will work across all divisions of the rural and commercial divisions and specialist areas of the company.

"This will include valuations, farm business consultancy, property sales and lettings, development advice, compensation claims, landlord and tenant matters and GIS mapping.” 

Having completed his university dissertation on the future of British agriculture without the provision of the Basic Payment Scheme, Matthew realised that to remain financially viable as an agricultural unit after 2027, alternative streams of income would be required on his family’s beef and sheep farm.

As a result and despite the financial implications and necessary capital expenditure, to future proof the business, a new farming enterprise is being established on their holding. 

Considering his new role, Matthew commented: “I am passionate in supporting those within the agricultural industry as I am aware of the daily, contemporary difficulties currently being faced by so many.

"With the removal of the Basic Payment Scheme due to Brexit, many farmers across the UK will struggle, and there is no doubt some may cease business altogether.

"I am determined to ensure this does not happen within the Lake District and wider areas in which H&H Land &Estates operate and will do what I can to provide as much help as possible to those who need it. 

“I am excited to learn from the experienced individuals within H&H Land & Estates and I am really looking forward to getting stuck into my new role and providing advice and help to those who are worried about the future without their direct payment from the EU.”