Getting to know Bell Ingram: I wanted to work for a firm that really values its staff says John Kennedy
John Kennedy joined Bell Ingram’s Land Management Team as an Assistant Land Agent earlier this year. Based in our Forfar office, he graduated from SRUC in Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons) Agriculture followed by a Masters in Land Economy at the University of Aberdeen. John is involved in a variety of work including rural estate and farm management, while working towards his APC and CAAV exams.
John says: “I am from the Island of Coll in the Inner Hebrides where my family has a farm. My Dad’s always talking about retirement, but he’s been talking about it since he was 50 and now that he’s 61 he’s busier than ever. We’ve got about 500 sheep and 60 cattle at the moment and also diversified into a bit of house building and contracting. You’ve got to be resourceful when you live on a small island!
“Since I wasn’t going into the family business straight away, I was looking for a role that would open doors for me in terms of my professional development, and I wanted to work for a firm that really values its staff. With my background on the farm I also wanted a career within a rural business that offered the opportunity to get outside and work with others in the rural and agri sector.
“I joined Bell Ingram’s Forfar office in February having completed my BSc (Hons) Agriculture at SRUC Edinburgh and a Masters in Land Economy at Aberdeen University. Since then, I’ve been assisting Partner and Head of Land Management Malcolm Taylor and have been involved in rural estate and farm management, valuations, property sales and letting, and compensation claims. This experience is invaluable as I work towards my APC and full membership of RICS and CAAV.
“The best thing about being a Land Agent is the balance between being in the office and on the ground, in fact there’s rarely a week when I’m sitting at the desk from 9-5. No two days are ever the same, and it’s extremely satisfying to build up good relationships with your clients and do the best work for them.
“There are many reasons to join Bell Ingram but for someone at my stage in the profession I’d single out the excellent training. The company offers a programme of support to enable APC trainees to progress in the profession and reach their full potential. Being a larger firm, we can also access regular in-house webinars and talks from colleagues and industry professionals.”
Our people
John Kennedy
Associate, MRICS
Rural Land Management
Tel: 01307 462 516
About: John is a RICS Chartered Surveyor working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of rural estate and farm management. John joined Bell Ingram in 2021 and is a graduate of SRUC in Edinburgh with an Honours Degree in Agriculture followed by a Masters in Land Economy at the University of Aberdeen. Interests: Rural Land Management, MRICS Registered Valuer.