Team Members Archive

Partner.

Background and Experience.

Simon is a Chartered Surveyor specialising in commercial property and has worked in the property industry since 2007.

Simon has a broad experience of managing commercial property matters having started his career working in Commercial Agency in the North East before moving client side at Greggs PLC where he spent 15 years as a Senior Property Manager growing and managing the Greggs estate.

Qualifications.

MRICS – Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
MSc – Real Estate Management, Northumbria University

Key Skills.

Property Management

Simon has broad experience in property management from many years of acting in-house for a large national occupier. This includes rent collection, service charges, dilapidations claims and landlord and tenant matters.
Strategic Asset Management

Simon has extensive experience on advising on strategic asset management matters including acquisitions, disposals and regears.
Commercial Property Agency

Simon has experience of acting for both landlord and tenants in the acquisition and disposal of both freehold and leasehold properties.

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Associate Rural Surveyor.

Background and Experience.

Heather joined GFW in 2024 having previously worked as a Rural Surveyor in Northumberland for over three years. She grew up on a Cumbrian dairy farm and continues to be actively involved in the farm outside of her work as a Land Agent.

Heather is based in the Newcastle office where she works on a variety of projects for clients throughout northern England.

Qualifications.

MSc Rural Estate Management – Royal Agricultural University
MRICS – Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Probationary Member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
BSc Business Management – Liverpool John Moores University

Key Skills.

Energy

Heather plays an active role in renewable energy projects across the Northeast, with a strong emphasis on solar farm development. She provides expert guidance to landowners on leasing land to solar developers, ensuring that each agreement is tailored to the client’s specific objectives, including current agricultural operations, tax considerations, and long-term strategic plans. Recognising the long-term nature of solar leases, Heather takes care to ensure that clients have a comprehensive understanding of how their lease will operate—from the granting of planning permission through to eventual decommissioning.
Estate and Property Management

Extensive experience managing a diverse portfolio of property types, including traditional rural estates as well as residential and commercial assets.
Landlord and Tenant Matters

Comprehensive expertise in the Agricultural Holdings Act and Agricultural Tenancies Act. Heather delivers clear and accurate guidance on landlord and tenant issues, with a particular focus on rent reviews, end-of-tenancy matters, dispute resolution, and succession planning. She also advises on new tenancy and licence agreements for agricultural, residential, and commercial properties, acting on behalf of both landlords and tenants.
Compulsory Purchase & Compensation

Heather represents numerous landowning clients affected by Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs). Her responsibilities include responding to statutory notices, negotiating accommodation works, agreeing sales by consent or claims under CPO compensation, and advising on potential reductions in the value of retained assets.

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Associate .

Background and Experience.

Rob has over ten years of experience in the renewable energy and low carbon industry. Based in our Newcastle office, he services clients across the north of England, helping landowners, businesses and developers unlock opportunities within the clean energy sector.

Qualifications.

Non-Domestic Energy Assessment (NDEA)

Key Skills.

Energy

Rob is an energy and renewables specialist with extensive experience across wind, solar, and other renewable technologies. He supports both landowners, and investors on a range of projects within the clean energy sector, involved in all stages from initial feasibility to managing operational assets.

Rob provides consultancy advice to a wide range of clients within both the rural and commercial sectors. His expertise includes option and lease negotiations, project management, energy efficiency and carbon reduction, along with strong technical knowledge of renewable energy generation.

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.

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.

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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Elliot Taylor.

Partner

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

Jessica Clark.

Partner

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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Kelsie Inglis.

Business & HR Coordinator

Background and Experience.

Kelsie is GFW’s Business & HR Coordinator, providing essential support across the firm and ensuring the smooth running of day‑to‑day operations.

She joined GFW in July 2022 as a Business Administration Assistant, where she supported the wider Business Support Team across Finance, Marketing, HR and Operations. Her proactive approach and ability to work seamlessly across departments quickly made her a valued and trusted member of the team.

An integral part of both Business Support and the broader GFW team, Kelsie is responsible for coordinating HR processes, supporting internal communications, assisting with recruitment activity, and helping maintain consistent business operations. She plays a key role in keeping systems running effectively and ensuring colleagues have the support they need.

Kelsie is committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace and takes pride in supporting colleagues across the organisation.