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HEXHAM AND NORTHERN RURAL

HNR continued to grow and expand its customer base throughout 2009 through a year on year increase in the workload carried out in all departments but particularly; planning, stewardship, rent reviews and land sales.

SOLD; LOCK STOCK AND BARREL……

2009 proved to be another successful year for HNR building once again on its growing reputation of being one of the leading agents for the sale of land and farms in the North East. Noteworthy sales included the auction of 251 acres of arable/grassland at Newbiggen, Lanchester, the further sale of 99 acres at The Middles, Waskerly and 61 acres of grassland at Dyke Nook, Consett by private treaty. Another high point of the year was the sale of the 800 acre hill farm of Puncherton, Harbottle, where in addition to the farm sale the firm also conducted the valuation and sale of the entire sheepstock and on-farm dispersal of farm machinery reinforcing its expertise and ability to handle the sale of any farm .…lock, stock and barrel.

UPLAND ENTRY LEVEL STEWARDSHIP

With SDA and SDA Moorland farmers soon to receive their final HFA payment, Natural England are currently in the process of launching its replacement; the Uplands Entry Level Stewardship Scheme. This new scheme will have a similar application process to that of the present Entry Level Stewardship Scheme and a payment rate of £32/ha on SDA and £15/ha on SDA Moorland. HNR have been told that the first application packs will made available in late February and in order to achieve the earliest 1st July start date and a subsequent payment on 1st December, completed forms must be submitted by 1st May. HNR have already requested existing client’s UELS application forms to ensure the best possible chance of completing and submitting them in time to achieve the earliest possible start date.

EVENING SEMINAR

On Thursday 25th February HNR are hosting a FREE evening seminar in conjunction with a firm of local Solicitors and Accountants at the Tynedale Function Suite. The theme of the seminar is one of how to maximise the benefit of using a professional in your business. A wide variety of topics will be discussed on the night from UELS by HNR to Tax Credits from Patricia J Arnold and a talk from Gibson & Co Solicitors entitled “Widow takes all? Not at all!” This should be a very worthwhile evening for all farming businesses. If you wish attend the evening and have not already received an invite then please contact our offices for availability.

ENTITLEMENT TRADING 2010

HNR are currently trading all types of English entitlements for sale. Please contact our offices if you wish to buy or sell any entitlements.