Like many of your businesses, we at D&R have taken to the challenge of Covid-19 and restructured our own business. Firstly, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Finlayson as CEO in October. Linda was previously our Chief Operating Officer. As part of this restructure, I become Senior Director and Robert Shearlaw will continue as our Non-Exec Chairman.
We have also redefined and streamlined our service offering, aligning our services with specialist teams so that more than ever, you will have one of our designated experts supporting you with the services and advice you are seeking. This new ‘Director lead’ approach is designed to ensure excellent customer service as we move forward. There is no doubt that the rural world faces many more challenges, but if we all work together we can survive and thrive. Martin Hall, Senior Director
Ian Austin – Director – Head of Utilities, Energy & Infrastructure
We are experiencing increased activity across the entire department. Sustainable energy developers are highly active in what is a rapidly evolving market; recent case law has seen the telecoms market continue to evolve; utility providers are looking to catch up on lost time with major investment planned; housing developers and promoters remain interested and competitive in their desire to acquire strategic land deals. Taking advise is crucial to maximise value and it is likely contributions will be made to professional fees.
Niall Milner – Director, Head of Property & Forestry
Whether housing, commercial, agricultural, minerals, tourism, or forestry we treat all client property like our own to ensure that clients get the best from what they have. In addition to the core offerings of Property Management and Forestry we can also help clients with mapping, lettings and accessing environmental and carbon schemes to allow every aspect of a property to contribute positively to client’s businesses.
George Hipwell – Director, Head of Rural and Agency
The Rural & Agency Department provides expert advice on a range of topics, including valuations, purchase and sale work, landlord & tenant matters, and dispute resolution. We support clients to take strategic business decisions, be that expansion, diversification or focussing on efficiencies. There are some great opportunities for proactive businesses – with historically low interest rates, a fall in the supply of farmland on the open market, new landlord and tenant legislation or future agri-environmental support.
Derek Bathgate – Director
Based in Ayr, Derek continues to develop our services across South West Scotland. He is Lead Director for Sustainable Energy and Telecoms within which he has vast expertise and experience.
Chris Edmunds – Director
Based in our Cockermouth office, Chris is continuing to deliver our services across Cumbria and the Scottish Borders. He is Lead Director for services in Forestry & Woodland Management and Environmental support – services that are particularly strong in this region.
