Team Members Archive

Richard Garland.

Partner

Background and Experience.

Richard is a Chartered Surveyor and Associate Town Planner specialising in the understanding and delivery of value through development projects. He has been with GFW since 2006.

Development valuations and understanding of the planning system are at the core of his work. Richard excels in understanding and explaining complex situations to provide clear advice, having first understood the client’s needs. As a result Richard is currently a trusted advisor for commercial schemes in excess of £30m and residential schemes in excess of £150m.

Qualifications.

FRICS – Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Associate MRTPI Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
VRS Registered Valuer
RICS Independent Expert Determiner

Key Skills.

Planning and Development

Extensive consultancy experience across the residential, commercial, energy and agricultural sectors at all project stages and scales from planning promotion, feasibility, through consent to construction.

Experienced in project management of EIA and sub EIA planning applications from position of lead consultant as well as dealing with high profile and/or controversial applications, including managing press, public and stakeholders.

Thorough understanding of planning legislation and policy, with a particular emphasis on applying knowledge to an understanding of risk on value of development projects.
Key Skills.

Development Agreements

Significant track record of delivery through a wide variety of development agreements, including Option Agreements, Planning Promotion Agreements, Joint Ventures and Conditional Contracts.

Experienced in sites under multiple ownership through development agreements, including land equalisation and infrastructure delivery and has specialist knowledge of Agricultural Holdings Act Legislation (Case B) interaction with
development projects.
Key Skills.

Valuation

Expertise in development property valuation, including valuation of large and complex sites. Has a robust understanding and application of RICS Red Book Valuation principles and determination of Market Value. Particular specialism in
interpreting specific valuation methodology from development agreements into robust valuation output and overage and restrictive covenant valuations.
Key Skills.

Negotiation

A respected negotiator in all circles, with a track record of significant delivery of results. Adopts a style based on understanding all relevant detail, agreeing a strategy with clients and holding a robust position. Experienced and talented
advocate including arbitration, expert determination and planning determination.
Key Skills.

Expert Witness

Experienced expert witness notably with regard to planning consultancy, development valuations and establishing market value.
Key Skills.

Independent Expert Determiner

Qualified Independent Expert Determiner, handling instructions on a wide range of disputes, with primary area of practice being development valuation, purchase price and Market Value disputes, overages and planning disputes.

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Robyn Peat.

Chairman

Background and Experience.

As Chairman, Robyn provides support to the Equity Partners whilst providing a range of land, property and business professional advice across the North East.

Qualifications.

FRICS Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
RICS Registered Valuer
Member of RICS Arbitrators Panel
Member of RICS Expert Panel
Member of CAAV Panel of Arbitrators
Member of RICS ADR Panel of CPO and Telecom disputes

Key Skills.

Valuations

Specialist in the valuation of all types of rural and business property assets for a wide range of purposes including taxation, planning and development, acquisition and restructuring purposes. Particular experience in valuing complex property interests.
Key Skills.

Telecoms

Expert in Telecom code agreements and 54 Act renewals by negotiation and at Court / Tribunal. Have acted as Arbitrator and Expert determinations and as Expert Witness in contested applications for landowners including major site owners and infrastructure providers across the UK. A member of the RICS Panel of Telecom Disputes as an evaluative mediator and independent determiner.
Key Skills.

Planning and Development

Expert in identifying potential developments for strategic portfolio acquisitions. Appraises development sites in context of valuation and viability, ranging from small scale agricultural sites to major green belt release and urban infrastructure projects including energy schemes. Negotiates option, promotion and joint venture agreements and complex site assemblies including the impact of reserved minerals.
Key Skills.

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

An expert in facilitating mediation, a member of the RICS Arbitration Panel and Expert Panel, a member of the CAAV Panel of Arbitrators with a nationwide experience in arbitration in the roles of advocate, expert witness, and arbitrator. Specialist in quantifying value and negotiation of restrictive covenants and claw-back / overage matters. A member of the RICS Panel of Compulsory Purchase Disputes and Telecom Disputes as an evaluative mediator and independent determiner.
Key Skills.

Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

Evaluation and processing of compensation claims as a result of compulsory acquisition for major highway and infrastructure projects, including Betterment and Blight. A member of the RICS Panel of Compulsory Purchase Disputes as an evaluative mediator and independent determiner.
Key Skills.

Landlord / Tenant Matters

Fully conversant with all landlord and tenant legislation with particular emphasis on agricultural tenancies. Effective negotiator and mediator. Recognised for building functional landlord and tenant relationships. Setting up of appropriate legal arrangements that minimises disputes or litigation.
Key Skills.

Estate and Property Management

Wide experience across a diverse range of estate property types including traditional rural estates and commercial, residential and retail portfolios.
Key Skills.

Acquisitions

Experience in identifying and acquiring property for individuals and businesses in the rural, residential and commercial sectors.

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Sally Hart.

Partner

Background.

Sally is one of two Managing Partners, is the Head of Agency & Lettings and is also responsible for overseeing the Business Support Team.

Working closely with the teams across all offices to focus on the development of business strategies Sally ensures that results are aligned to the business development and growth plans.

View over river towards Durham Cathedral

Experience.

Sally has experience across a wide range of business areas including strategic management and marketing.

Joining GFW as the Head of Communications Sally was soon invited to join the board later being promoted to Operations Director.

Sally became an Equity Partner and most recently Joint Managing Partner.

Elliot Taylor.

Partner

Man on quad heading down country track with collie ahead and cows in adjacent field

Background and Experience.

Elliot Taylor is an Equity Partner at GFW leading a rural team of highly skilled Rural Surveyors and Farm Consultants, delivering property and business consultancy advice across the North of
England.

Elliot is a Member of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and a Professional Member of the Institute of Agricultural Management with over 25 years’ experience in the academic and commercial sectors. Elliot provides professional advice covering all areas of strategic business management for rural businesses. His areas of expertise include farm and estate management, strategic business planning, whole farm business appraisals and business restructuring. Other areas of expertise include joint venture management as well as advising on all aspects of environmental land use and woodland management through the Environmental Land Management Schemes.

Preceding his appointment at GFW, Elliot specialised in farm business, agricultural enterprise, environmental, supply chain and rural economic research at Newcastle University. His research portfolio has been scrutinised at the highest level, covering such areas as the economics of upland farming, agricultural resource use, strategic decision making and factors preventing rural economic growth.

Elliot also takes an active role in the management of his family farming business alongside his father and brother and is passionate about all things farming, the countryside and his local community.

Qualifications.

BSc (Hons) Agricultural Business
Management – Wye College University
of London
FASAg – Fellow Advisor of the Society of Agriculture

Key Skills.

Business Planning and Succession

Elliot works closely with clients to help them to fulfil their business and personal objectives. He provides advice on areas such as implementing new enterprises, developing diversification projects, succession planning, and retirement planning as well as whole business reviews and restructuring. Elliot works with clients to develop a successful business strategy by reducing risk and making the most of the opportunities available.
Key Skills.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Elliot is highly experienced in the preparation and interpretation of farm budgets, cash flow forecasts and accounts analysis. Elliot can provide clients with a thorough understanding of future profitability and cash availability, as well as monitoring key
performance indicators during the year.
Key Skills.

Joint Venture Management

Elliot is highly experienced in the preparation and management of contract farming agreements for both arable and livestock farms.
Key Skills.

Accessing Capital Funding

Elliot can provide expert advice to access funding for areas such as farm/land purchases, finance restructuring, infrastructure projects and diversification opportunities.
Key Skills.

Farm Business Tenancy Opportunities

Elliot is skilled in preparing and submitting tender application by offering a valuable and bespoke service including attending farm viewing days, advising on rent levels and the preparation of forecast budgets as well as writing detailed tender applications.
Key Skills.

Family Succession

Elliot is highly experienced in helping farming businesses develop their long-term succession plans to enable the next generation to continue farming.
Key Skills.

Rural Grants

Elliot can provide tailored advice in the application process and delivery of rural grants. He can help develop project ideas, secure funding, and aid the successful implementation of largescale projects.
Key Skills.

The Environment

Elliot fully understands the current environmental schemes available to protect and enhance biodiversity on farms. Elliot offers advice on farming in a sustainable way whilst taking advantage of the schemes that are available. Elliot has an in-depth knowledge of the environmental schemes available for farmers and land managers. Elliot helps clients choose the right scheme for their farm and guides them through the application process
until the agreement is in place.
Key Skills.

Natural Capital

Elliot can help farmers understand the value of these assets both to their farming businesses and to the wider public. Elliot can help clients determine what natural assets they have, what benefits they produce, what they are worth and what they cost to maintain.
Key Skills.

Rural Property Sales and Acquisitions

Elliot utilises his market knowledge and specialist skills to deliver farm agency services for rural clients. He understands that all client’s needs are different and therefore marketing strategies are always tailored to the individual client and their objectives.
Key Skills.

Woodland and Forestry

Elliot alongside his team can advise on all aspects of woodland and forestry management including valuations, marketing, maintenance, and establishments.
Key Skills.

Farm Management

Elliot works closely with landowners in managing their farming businesses with a clear understanding of their aims and objectives. He and his team can offer a bespoke day to day farm management service providing advice tailored to individual situations and needs.

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Andrew Entwistle.

Partner

Background and Experience.

The son of a Northumberland vet; Andrew furthered his career in the Midlands before returning to the North East in 2000 where he joined GFW. Andrew became an Equity Partner in 2006.

For 11 years, Andrew sat on the Global Valuation Standards Board (GVSB) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) representing the rural faculty. The GVSB oversaw the production of the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Standards (The Red Book).

Andrew is valued by clients for his sense of integrity, his technical
expertise, and his ability to deliver results in complex matters.

Qualifications.

FRICS – Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
FAAV – Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers
Dip. Surv – Diploma In Surveying, College of Estate Management, Reading
BSc (Hons) Countryside Management, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Bond Solon Expert Witness Training
RICS Registered Valuer

Key Skills.

Specialist Valuations

Specialist in the valuation of all types of property assets for a wide range of purposes including taxation, matrimonial, security, planning, negligence, acquisition and restructuring purposes.

Particular experience in valuing complex property interests and large scale development projects including determination of land value under option agreements. Also proficient in appraisal and valuation of renewable energy projects.
Key Skills.

Strategic Business Management

Project managing wealth transfer mechanisms and succession planning for families and businesses, with emphasis on establishing current and future value to ascertain / mitigate tax liabilities.
Key Skills.

Expert Witness and Dispute Resolution

Preparation of expert witness reports compliant with civil procedure rules for all judicial courts on a wide array of purposes including boundary disputes/boundary determination. Court experience from Upper Tribunal to High Court level and
experience in providing Public Inquiry testimony. Experienced in landlord/tenant arbitration proceedings acting in the role of advocate.
Key Skills.

Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

Lead in providing strategy for protecting property interests under the shadow of compulsory purchase, formulation of effective claims and mitigation, track record of being lead Expert in valuation matters following Compulsory Purchase proceedings referred to Upper Tribunal.
Key Skills.

Restrictive Covenants

Recognised nationally for his expertise in s84 LPA matters Andrew frequently receives instructions in regards to quantifying value and negotiation of restrictive covenants and overage matters. Has appeared in a number of high profile Upper Tribunal (Land Chamber) hearings in the role of Expert.
Key Skills.

Landlord / Tenant Matters

Fully conversant with all landlord and tenant legislation with particular emphasis on agricultural tenancies. Effective negotiator and mediator. Recognised for building functional landlord and tenant relationships. Setting up of appropriate legal arrangements that minimises disputes or litigation.

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Notable Cases.

1
Re Tate’s Application [2013] UKUT 289 (LC)

Discharge of restrictive covenant – compensation
2
Barker v Pinsent Masons LLP and others [2017]

Valuation of profits from development land
3
West Park Developments v Clark Weightman Ltd [2017]

Valuation of land subject to “hope value”
4
Father’s Field Developments Limited v Namuals Pension Trustees Limited [2021] UKUT 169 (LC)

Discharge of restrictive covenant – compensation
5
Cairns and Moore v The Committee of Painshawfield and others [2023]

Modification of Restrictive Covenant – valuation

Rhys Jones.

Partner

Close up of a construction vehicle indicator light

Background and Experience.

Rhys is a Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer who works within the Development team from our Newcastle office.

Rhys joined the firm in 2018 and works as a development surveyor. He provides specialist development consultancy on matters including agency, strategic land, valuations, title defects, and the release of mines and minerals reservations.

Qualifications.

MRICS – Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
VRS Registered Valuer

Key Skills.

Development Agency

Leads the development agency team and represents landowners from Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders on the sale of land to both regional and national housebuilders.

Provides expert development agency advice on sites ranging in size from self-build plots to new settlements and has been involved in over 2,000 plot sales in the last two years.
Key Skills.

Strategic Land

Proven track record of identifying strategic land and working with landowners through the planning and development process to point of sale.

Experienced with development agreements including Option Agreements, Promotion Agreements, Joint Ventures, and Conditional Contracts.
Key Skills.

Valuations

RICS VRS Registered Valuer and undertakes valuations for all purposes including secured lending, legislation and tax. He is experienced in valuing all types of developments including complex development sites with large scale phasing and equalisation.
Key Skills.

Feasibility and Viability Appraisal

Provides consultancy advice on feasibility and viability appraisals.

He has robust understanding of the application of RICS Financial Viability in planning and NPPG viability.
Key Skills.

Restrictive Covenants, Overage Advice and Title Reviews

Preparation of specialist valuations under section 82 of the Law of Property Act 1925 and overage calculations. Provides advice on valuation clauses within overage agreements.
Key Skills.

Mines and Minerals

Proven track record of negotiating the release of mines and minerals reservations which impede on development.

Works closely with his clients to give consultancy on the strength of the reservation and advice on whether the mineral owners have a claim to loss or trespass.

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Jessica Clark.

Partner

Man constructing a new fence alongside a hedge within rural field

Background and Experience.

Jessica joined GFW in 2007 from a rural background and having attended Newcastle University. She lives on a working farm in which she is actively involved.

Jessica is Northumberland based where she has worked in a wide variety of jobs with a wide variety of clients. She is approachable, outgoing, and hard-working.

She works as easily with other professionals, such as solicitors and accountants, as she does with everyone in the rural community.

When meeting clients for jobs, her in-depth knowledge of rural businesses allows her to create additional value for the clients as she adapts her expertise to problem solve.

Qualifications.

BSc (Hons) Rural Studies – Newcastle University
MRICS – Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
FAAV – Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers
RICS Registered Valuer

Key Skills.

Valuations

Specialist in the valuation of all types of rural and business property assets for a wide range of purposes including taxation, planning and development, acquisition and restructuring purposes. Particular experience in valuing complex property interests.
Key Skills.

Estate and Property Management

Wide experience across a diverse range of estate property types including traditional rural estates and commercial, residential and retail portfolios.
Key Skills.

Purchase and Sale

Selling land and property privately and on the open market as well as carrying out acquisitions on behalf of clients.
Key Skills.

Landlord / Tenant Matters

Fully conversant with Agricultural Holdings Act, the Agricultural Tenancies Act and the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides all landlord and tenant guidance with particular emphasis on agricultural tenancies including farm worker’s dwellings, advice in relation to rent reviews, termination of tenancies, end of tenancy matters, disputes and succession.

Provides advice on tenancies and licence agreements in relation to agricultural, residential and commercial property acting for both Landlord and Tenant.

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Partner.

Elevation drawings of a modern residential property

Background and Experience.

Originally from the Wirral, Mark spent nearly two decades living and working in Edinburgh before relocating to the North East, where he is now based in Tynemouth. His career has spanned both England and Scotland, giving him a strong understanding of differing planning environments, local authority structures, political influences and the commercial drivers behind development.

This broad geographic experience enables Mark to provide balanced, practical advice informed by both regional insight and a wider market perspective. Having established strong roots in the North East, he is known for a pragmatic, collaborative approach and a focus on achieving successful outcomes for clients.

An aerial image including a CGI augmentation depicting a residential development scheme

Qualifications.

MRTPI – Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Key Skills.

Strategic leadership

Proven ability to lead planning services, shape organisational change and deliver high performance teams.
Expert planning judgement

Deep knowledge of planning legislation development management, appeals and major applications.
Negotiation & stakeholder management

Strong track record of securing outcomes with clients, developers, councillors, and planning authorities.
Analytical problem solving

Logical thinker able to untangle complex planning issues, policy, and organisational challenges.
Project & contract management

Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary projects, resilience contracts, financial reporting, and quality assurance.
Communication & engagement

Confident presenter at committees, public consultations, examinations, and stakeholder forums.

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Senior Associate.

Background and Experience.

Tamsin began her career in 2013 as an Assistant Surveyor at Arch Northumberland while simultaneously studying for a part‑time Real Estate BSc (Hons) at Northumbria University, successfully balancing full‑time employment with academic study.

She has since gained extensive commercial property management experience across several leading North East firms, including Sanderson Weatherall, Naylors, and Bradley Hall. With a strong specialism in service charge budgeting and multi‑site management, Tamsin has managed diverse portfolios ranging from industrial estates to large retail and mixed‑use schemes in the North East. She achieved Chartered Surveyor status in 2022 after completing the RICS APC.

Qualifications.

MRICS – Member of Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyors
BSc (Hons) Real Estate

Key Skills.

Property Management
- Over a decade of experience in commercial property management across industrial, retail, office, and mixed‑use assets.
- Skilled in preparing, managing, and reconciling complex service charge budgets and maintaining compliance with RICS guidelines.
- Proven ability to oversee day‑to‑day operations, contractor management, H&S compliance, lease obligations, and tenant relationships.
- Experience managing high‑profile city centre assets and large multi-let schemes.
Landlord and Tenant
- Experience in lease renewals, rent reviews, and negotiation of lease terms on behalf of landlord clients.
- Strong understanding of landlord and tenant legislation and commercial lease structures.
- Skilled at liaising with tenants, solicitors, and agents to progress transactions efficiently.

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Senior Associate.

Background and Experience.

James has extensive knowledge and experience within the Built Environment, both in residential and commercial sectors. As a Chartered Building Surveyor, James has acted for a range of clients from private individuals to international organizations.

Qualifications.

MRICS – Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Drone image of Alnwick town centre and including Alnwick Castle

Key Skills.

James is skilled in a broad spectrum of roles under the Building Surveying label. Calling on his knowledge, he is able to act on a number of services and exercises additional specialist skills (software and drone work) on many instructions.

He provides:

Residential Building Surveys (Level 2 and 3)
Commercial Technical Due Diligence Surveys
Project and Development Monitoring
Project Management
Dilapidations
Schedules of Condition
Drone Surveys
Refurbishment/Extension Design and Tendering
Contract Administration
Measured Surveys
Insurance Reinstatement Cost Assessments
Construction (Design and Management) regulations 2015
Planned Preventive Maintenance
Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Environment and Legal Issues (Housing Disrepair etc)
Defect letter / Snagging Surveys / Targeted Surveys

Richard Garland.

Background and Experience.

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Robyn Peat.

Background and Experience.

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Sally Hart.

Background.

Experience.

Elliot Taylor.

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Andrew Entwistle.

Background and Experience.

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Notable Cases.

Rhys Jones.

Background and Experience.

Qualifications.

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Jessica Clark.

Background and Experience.

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Partner.

Background and Experience.

Qualifications.

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Senior Associate.

Background and Experience.

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Senior Associate.

Background and Experience.

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