THE calendar of sales is ramping up as Borderway Mart in Carlisle prepares for a busy time of year.

And according to H&H Group CEO, Richard Rankin, in his weekly diary, the activity is reassuring, even if the Rosehill premises can’t quite return to the full buzz of the auction mart just yet.

Apologies, but last week’s diary was dropped because of problems of space, but Richard is back sharing the message that you’re still farming so they are still selling! “Borderway Mart has a full week of both sheep and cattle sales and Lockerbie, Kirkby Stephen, St Boswells, Wooler, Broughton and Middleton-In-Teesdale marts all have a variety of sales lined up for a busy week,” says Richard.

“Our property teams are busy gearing up to ensure we are ready to get things going again promptly and more importantly safely for our all staff, buyers and sellers. Subject to safety restrictions, it is hopeful farm visits can be picked up again and valuations and sales can recommence for our land agency, hopefully towards the end of the month. On the lettings side we haven’t really stopped for enquiries so that has been a very positive sign! Linked so closely as it is to the economy, we would all like to see the property market return to business-as-usual as soon as possible.”

“As our marts, estate agencies and indeed everything else start to return, health and safety is very much at the forefront of our minds. H&H Safety, H&H Insurance Brokers’ health and safety support service for rural businesses, is in line with recent developments, offering businesses who are planning to re-open, some advice and useful tips to ensure that they have put reasonable measures in place to protect employees, suppliers and customers against the risk of Covid-19.”