A major rural property agency for Cumbria and the north of England has announced a rebrand.

H&H Land and Property has rebranded as H&H Land & Estates, incorporating three rural land and property agencies in Cumbria - Michael CL Hodgson, H&H King and the recently acquired Smeatons.

H&H Land & Estates is part of H&H Group PLC and compromises nine offices, 65 employees and dozens of services for property and landowners across the North of England and Scottish Borders.

H&H Land & Estates has its head office and base for the forestry, development, environmental and planning departments at the Borderway Mart, in Carlisle.

The company said it had evolved and grown in recent years and now has departments covering agricultural services, development and planning, auctioneering, land, farms, rural and residential sales and lettings.

Managing director Colin Tomlinson said: “After consultation we have chosen a name which embraces all areas of the businesses - H&H Land & Estates - to unify all areas under one brand with a strong identity.

“Choosing to rebrand is never a decision made lightly but in doing so we are responding to the increasing complexity of the land and property sector, the changing face of land agency work, and the increasing diversity of customer requirements.

“In looking at our vision we are acknowledging our roots, the needs of clients, the changing marketplace and the demands of the industry.

“A farming or rural business may wish to develop environmental schemes, may need advice on farm diversification, or succession planning.

“It may be considering grant applications, renewable opportunities or utility claims.

“An owner may have land to let, may be looking for a tenant, or may have a cottage to let.

“The list is long and never has it been more important that as rural agents we ensure that we provide the appropriate platform of support.”

He said H&H Land & Estate’s business divisions across Cumbria, the north east of England and Scottish Borders could now provide all these services.