ARMITSTEAD Barnett have announced the appointment of Mark Barrow who joins as Partner to expand and strengthen their professional team in Cumbria, operating principally out of their Kendal office.

Mark, a qualified Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers, has over 10 years’ experience in rural property and estate matters having previously headed a team of rural surveyors within the South Lakes and Cumbria.

Mark, who originally practised in Carlisle, moved south to Kendal five years ago to be closer to his Upper Eden Valley client base and to grow his former employer’s business interests across south and west Cumbria.

Richard Furnival, Rural Professional Partner, comments “Mark joins the company at an exciting time, when we are looking to strengthen and grow our presence within Cumbria.

“With his wealth of knowledge in all rural property and estate matters we are delighted to have him onboard and completes the formidable lineup in our Kendal office alongside John Hughes and Emma Hodkinson.”

Hailing from a farming family near Appleby in the Eden Valley, Mark continues to support his family and therefore understands and has experienced both the pressures and opportunities available to a farmer and those choosing a similar lifestyle in today's ever-changing landscape.

Mark is also a Trustee for Eden Rivers Trust.

Prior to qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor and fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers Mark was employed as a Farm and Environmental Advisor completing numerous Higher-Level Stewardship, Basic Payment Scheme and grant applications.

His Honours degree in Environmental Land Management and practical farming background put him in an excellent position to advise clients on the transition away from CAP to the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and Sustainable Farming Scheme.

In the last few years, he has worked closely with farming businesses and Natural England catchment sensitive farming officers to deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of Countryside Stewardship and capital infrastructure grants.

As a qualified RICS registered valuer Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in producing valuations for probate and secured lending purposes. He is also a seasoned pro in regards to both land and farm sales and has held numerous management instructions.

Mark is available on 07976280114 email mbarrow@abarnett.co.uk or for a broader discussion depending on individual circumstances for a free face to face (Covid-19 permitting) or phone discussion.