Press Release Archive News

New Recruits Strengthen Utilities Teams in Kendal and Northwich

New Recruits Strengthen Utilities Teams in Kendal & Northwich

Bell Ingram has strengthened its Utilities division with the appointment of six new staff members across its Kendal and Northwich offices. The expanded teams will ensure the firm continues to meet client commitments while driving new opportunities in the utilities and renewables sectors.

The new recruits bring a wealth of academic knowledge, practical experience, and fresh perspectives to the business:

  • Stephen McNally, Land Agent (Northwich): Stephen is an experienced Land Agent with over 13 years’ expertise in consenting overhead electricity distribution networks, FTTP broadband, and IoT telecommunications infrastructure. His career has seen him work extensively across the utilities and renewables sectors, delivering complex land access agreements, overseeing title deed verification, and managing stakeholder engagement from initial route planning through to reinstatement.
  • Malachi Fisher, Graduate Surveyor (Northwich): Malachi supports clients across Cumbria, with a particular focus on utilities and renewables. A First-Class Honours graduate in Agriculture from the Royal Agricultural University, he is now completing an MSc in Real Estate at the University of the Built Environment, working towards RICS accreditation.
  • Edward Ecroyd, Graduate Surveyor (Kendal): Edward joins the Kendal office, supporting clients across Cumbria. A graduate in Rural Land Management from the Royal Agricultural University, he brings both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience from working on agricultural and sporting estates in the Lake District. He is progressing through the RICS APC process via the Land & Resources pathway.
  • Jack Smith, Apprentice Surveyor (Northwich): Based in Northwich, Jack is studying Real Estate at the University of the Built Environment through their RICS-accredited apprenticeship programme. With a focus on utilities and renewables, Jack is committed to building his surveying career and will achieve MRICS status on completion of his apprenticeship.
  • Grace Cameron, Graduate Surveyor (Kendal): Grace has recently graduated with a BSc in Real Estate from Northumbria University. Now working towards becoming a chartered surveyor, she has a particular interest in the reuse of historic buildings, bringing both energy and a fresh perspective to the Kendal team.
  • Alan Smyth, Land Agent (Kendal): Alan brings significant experience in forestry, infrastructure, and agriculture to his new role. A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire with a BSc (Hons) in Forestry and Land Management, his career has included project management for national estates, senior leadership in vegetation contracts, and running a pedigree sheep enterprise in Cumbria. His breadth of expertise enhances the firm’s ability to deliver complex utilities projects.

Already, both Alan Smyth and Grace Cameron have delivered on challenging client deadlines and received excellent feedback, highlighting the immediate impact of the new cohort.

Commenting on the appointments, Neal Salomon, Partner in charge of Utilities and based in Northwich, said: “The utilities and renewables sectors are growing rapidly, and it’s vital we have the right people in place to support our clients’ evolving needs. These appointments strengthen our teams in Kendal and Northwich, ensuring we can deliver on our commitments while also exploring new opportunities across the North of England.”

Andrew Thompson, Senior Associate and head of the Kendal office, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Edward, Grace, and Alan to Kendal. Each of them brings a unique mix of skills, energy, and local knowledge which will be invaluable to our clients. Their appointments demonstrate Bell Ingram’s ongoing investment in both experienced professionals and the next generation of surveyors.”

Operating across the north of England and Scotland, Bell Ingram’s Utilities teams act for all major utility companies in the UK. Their services span acquisitions and disposals, compulsory purchase, land referencing, wayleave agreements, compensation and claims, and expert witness work. The teams also provide GIS mapping, stakeholder engagement, and property advice – ensuring utility and infrastructure projects are delivered smoothly from planning to completion.

Press Release Archive News

Simon Hetherington Appointed Partner In Charge of Bell Ingram’s Morpeth Office

Simon Hetherington MRICS Appointed Partner In Charge of Bell Ingram’s Morpeth Office

Bell Ingram is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Hetherington MRICS as Partner in charge of the firm’s Morpeth office, taking over from long-standing Partner Steve Parlett.

Simon brings more than 25 years of experience as a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor and joins the firm with a strong track record in the infrastructure and utilities sectors – a key focus for Bell Ingram’s Morpeth office. His career includes senior roles with National Highways and private consultancy, delivering infrastructure projects, land acquisition strategies, estate rationalisation, and stakeholder engagement across the UK.

His background aligns closely with the Morpeth team’s ongoing work in the Pipelines and Utilities sector, where Bell Ingram provides specialist land and property services to infrastructure providers, utility companies, and landowners throughout the North East and beyond.

Simon says: “I’m pleased to be joining Bell Ingram and to take on the role of leading the Morpeth office. The firm has a long-standing reputation for excellence in rural and infrastructure property services, and I’m particularly excited to support and grow our utilities and pipelines offering across the region.”

Mark Mitchell, Managing Partner at Bell Ingram, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the partnership. His knowledge of infrastructure and utility-related property issues is an ideal fit for our Morpeth office’s continued growth in this area. We also want to thank Steve Parlett for his years of exceptional service as Partner. While he has retired from the Partnership, we’re very pleased that Steve will continue his association with the firm in a consultancy role.”

Simon will be based at Bell Ingram’s Morpeth office, leading the team as they continue to deliver high-quality consultancy services across the pipelines, utilities, and rural sectors.

  • Simon (centre) is pictured with Managing Partner Mark Mitchell (left) and Senior Partner Malcolm Taylor (right).

Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Bell Ingram Appoints New Farm Management Consultant Richard Scrivener

Bell Ingram Appoints Richard Scrivener as Farm Management Consultant

Bell Ingram is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Scrivener as Farm Management Consultant, based at the firm’s Perth headquarters.

Richard works across the organisation to provide farmers and landowners with strategic support and expert advice. His role is focused on helping clients to maximise efficiency, improve profitability, and achieve their long-term business objectives.

With academic credentials in both Sustainable Land Management (University of Cumbria) and Business Management (University of the Highlands and Islands), Richard combines a strong understanding of rural enterprise with a passion for sustainability and conservation. Alongside his professional work, he also runs his own conservation farm, specialising in rare and native goat breeds that are at risk of extinction.

Richard says: “I’m thrilled to be joining Bell Ingram and to have the opportunity to support farmers and landowners across Scotland. My focus is on delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients to grow their businesses while protecting and enhancing the land for future generations.”

Mark Mitchell, Managing Partner at Bell Ingram, adds: “Richard’s technical ability, business acumen and passion for conservation make him ideally placed to bolster our farm management offering. We’re confident that his addition will bring tangible benefit to our clients in delivering commercially successful and sustainable farming enterprises.”

As part of his consultancy role, Richard will:

  • Undertake farm business reviews and health checks, benchmarking performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Prepare investment appraisals, feasibility studies and risk analyses.
  • Advise on grant funding, subsidy applications, and environmental compliance.
  • Support farm diversification projects and new enterprise development.
  • Provide input on agronomy, livestock systems, crop rotations and nutrient management.
  • Oversee operational management and liaise with contractors where required.
  • Deliver regular reporting and performance monitoring to ensure businesses remain resilient and responsive to market conditions.
  • SAF advice and submission / help with rural payments.

For more information about Bell Ingram’s farm management services, please visit www.bellingram.co.uk

  • Richard is pictured above with Managing Partner Mark Mitchell.

Commercial, Design Case Studies

Modern Scottish Sporting Estate – Design & Project Management

Modern Scottish Sporting Estate – Design & Project Management

Brief

A modern Scottish sporting estate required support to design, manage and deliver a building project from conception through to completion. The client sought expert guidance on design, permissions and construction oversight to ensure the project was delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

Process

Bell Ingram Design worked closely with the client to bring the project to fruition, providing a comprehensive service which included:

• Developing the project scope and design in consultation with the client.
• Producing full design drawings and managing the planning application process.
• Running a tender process to select suitable contractors.
• Overseeing on-site works, responding to client alterations and resolving issues as they arose.
• Completing a full snagging inspection and signing off the project once works were finalised.

Outcome

The project was delivered to specification and completed to the client’s satisfaction. By combining design expertise, planning knowledge and on-the-ground project management, Bell Ingram ensured a smooth process and a successful result, giving the estate confidence in the long-term value and quality of the finished work.

Land Management Case Studies

Sustainable Estate Income through Hydropower

Sustainable Estate Income through Hydropower

Brief

As part of an estate’s strategy to diversify income and harness renewable energy, Bell Ingram was tasked with delivering a hydroelectric scheme from concept through to commissioning. The aim was to create a sustainable long-term revenue stream while making best use of the estate’s natural resources.

Process

Bell Ingram provided full project management and consultancy throughout every stage of the development, including:

• Identifying and evaluating the most suitable sites for hydro generation.
• Overseeing the competitive tender process to appoint design and construction engineers.
• Working with the client to agree scope and budgets.
• Running the full tender process for the construction company.
• Supervising planning applications and managing the construction phase in collaboration with consulting engineers.
• Overseeing commissioning and providing ongoing operational support through monthly monitoring, FIT submissions and energy import/export reporting.

The success of the initial hydro project led to Bell Ingram being appointed to deliver a second scheme on the estate, providing the same comprehensive consultancy service.

Outcome

The two schemes now generate 85kW and 95kW, producing a combined annual income of around £160,000 for the estate. As well as supporting financial resilience, the projects demonstrate how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into estate management to create long-term, sustainable benefits.

Forestry Case Studies, Land Management Case Studies

Net Zero Forestry Project – Scotland

Net Zero Forestry Project – Scotland

Brief

A major landowner required expert guidance to design and deliver a forestry planting scheme as part of its commitment to Net Zero. The project needed to balance commercial objectives with regulatory compliance and community engagement, ensuring both environmental and social value.

Process

Bell Ingram provided full consultancy and project management, working closely with the client and stakeholders throughout every stage of the scheme. This included:

• Agreeing the scope of proposed planting with the client.
• Applying to Forestry Land Scotland for planting approval.
• Selecting and instructing contractors.
• Supervising planting works on the ground, including collaboration with community groups involved in engagement initiatives.
• Signing off works on completion and submitting grant claims.
• Providing ongoing supervision and management of the sites to ensure long-term success.

Outcome

The forestry scheme was successfully delivered, creating new woodland to support the client’s Net Zero ambitions while also engaging and benefiting the local community. With Bell Ingram’s ongoing management, the sites will continue to provide both environmental and social value, demonstrating how professional estate management can drive sustainable outcomes.

Land Management Case Studies

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Highland Estate Management

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Highland Estate Management

Brief

A prominent Highland estate required ongoing professional advice and support across a wide range of management issues. The client sought guidance on both day-to-day operational matters and longer-term strategic planning, including succession and renewable energy opportunities.

Process

Bell Ingram provides a dedicated employee delivering factoring services on the estate three days per week, ensuring the smooth running of operations and prompt attention to management issues. In addition, Bell Ingram works closely with the estate owners and trustees to deliver high-level consultancy, including:

• Specialist inheritance tax (IHT) and valuation advice to support succession planning and estate strategy.
• Attending on-site meetings with wind farm companies to advise on the re-powering and extension of existing schemes, as well as potential new standalone wind farm developments.
• Providing general estate management support, combining practical day-to-day oversight with strategic long-term planning.

Outcome

The estate benefits from Bell Ingram’s hands-on involvement and professional expertise, ensuring efficient management and positioning the estate to maximise opportunities. With robust IHT advice, proactive management of renewable energy projects, and regular on-the-ground support, Bell Ingram helps secure both present-day stability and future sustainability.

Farm & Estate Sales Page, Property Case Studies

Case Study: North Barns & Coltrannie Farms, Bankfoot

Case Study: North Barns & Coltrannie Farms, Bankfoot

Client: Private Landowner
Sector: Residential Estate Agency / Rural Property Sales
Location: Bankfoot, Perthshire

Challenge:
North Barns and Coltrannie Farms, located on either side of the A9 just north of Bankfoot, had been managed as a single farming operation despite being held under separate ownerships within the same family. The client, who had lived on the property since childhood, had decided to retire and instructed Bell Ingram to handle the sale. A key challenge involved the recent compulsory purchase of land to accommodate a new bridge over the dualled A9 – a structure designed to maintain safe access between the two holdings for agricultural machinery.

This added complexity to the preparation of sale and title plans, requiring careful interpretation of boundary changes and accurate documentation to support marketing and registration.

Solution:
Working closely with colleagues in our Forfar office, the Residential Agency team in Perth prepared the farms for market to coincide with the 2024 Royal Highland Show – a strategic decision to ensure visibility during a peak sales period.

One of the main challenges was producing precise sale plans due to the land adjustments linked to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Our in-house GIS team played a critical role in resolving this, meticulously mapping the revised boundaries and creating both the marketing plans and Land Registry-compliant Title Plans for submission to The Keeper. This ensured full legal accuracy and gave prospective buyers a clear understanding of the offering.

Outcome:
Marketing commenced two weeks prior to the Highland Show to maximise exposure. Despite the presence of a public footpath on the property, which made viewings harder to track, strong buyer interest led to a closing date being set just four weeks later.

Acceptable offers were received for both farms, with local buyers securing each holding. As neither required the traditional four-bedroom farmhouse included in the offering, it remained on the market separately and was successfully sold a few months later.

The coordinated efforts of our agency and GIS teams helped secure positive outcomes for the client while reinforcing Bell Ingram’s long-standing reputation in the Angus and Perthshire farming communities. Many of our agents come from agricultural backgrounds and understand the unique needs of farm sales – bringing a level of insight and trust that continues to make a difference for clients.

Press Release Archive News

Exceptional Country Home with Development Potential Hits the Market

Exceptional Country Home with Development Potential Hits the Market

Bell Ingram is delighted to present The Old Sawmill, a distinctive country house set in over two acres of gardens and grounds in the peaceful hamlet of Moneydie, just north of Perth. This exceptional property is available for offers over £880,000, with an additional 3.5 acres of woodland available by separate negotiation.

Nestled in a tranquil rural setting west of Luncarty village, The Old Sawmill enjoys the best of both worlds – peaceful countryside living with swift access to the A9 and all the amenities of nearby Perth.

Completed in 2015, the property boasts a striking and thoughtfully designed layout, centred around a private internal courtyard accessible from multiple points within the home. Externally, it showcases Denfind natural stone, Siberian larch cladding, a pitched slate roof, and Nordan timber double-glazed windows and doors – combining quality craftsmanship with natural materials that blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the home features expansive oak flooring and impressive 2.7-metre ceiling heights throughout. The standout main public room benefits from a dramatic vaulted ceiling, while high-quality fixtures and fittings are used throughout, including American white oak doors and facings.

The landscaped grounds extend to just over two acres, primarily laid to lawn with mature flower and shrub borders. Outbuildings include stables, kennels, and a large polytunnel with power and water supply. Full, in-perpetuity planning consent has been granted for the construction of two additional dwellinghouses – offering exciting development potential.

In addition, 3.5 acres of mature woodland are available via separate negotiation. Two paddocks with a field shelter, under separate ownership, are located adjacent to the property and may be available for lease from the neighbouring farmer.

The property benefits from mains electricity and water, supplemented by free-standing solar panels. Heating is provided via a ground source heat pump, and drainage is managed by a septic tank.

Estate Agent Carl Warden commented: “This is a truly unique home that blends beautifully into its rural surroundings. Its thoughtful design, additional development opportunities, and peaceful setting with easy access to Perth make it a standout property in the market.”

For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121.

Our people

Carl Warden

Carl Warden

Partner
Estate Agency
Tel: 01738 621 121

About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

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