Management framework

Ian is the Chairman on the PFK board as well as a practicing Chartered Accountant who also owns and manages numerous agricultural and property assets. Ian is a significant shareholder and well-known throughout the agricultural and wider community and brings a wealth of experience to our non-executive Board, gained within a long and varied career.

Ian was formally the Chairman of H&H Group PLC and currently Chairs PFK’s Audit Committee.

Bernard is a Non Executive Director on the PFK board with over 30 years of professional experience in the motor industry, including senior roles with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Pendragon.

Bernard specialises in business improvement; he also continues to operate a global automotive consultancy practice, delivering award winning projects for some of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Now approaching four decades in dairy farming, Robert oversees the management of three dairy businesses across Cumbria and Northumberland. Robert is a 2012 Nuffield Scholar, a past NFU county chairman and has also served a full term as a NED on the First Milk Cooperative board. Recently Robert was appointed as chairman of The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF). Married to Jackie with four grown up children, away from the day jobs he enjoys, Formula one, running, cycling, skiing and fell walking.

Derek is a non-exec director of PFK.

His career in stockbroking extended some 50 years with James Sharp & Co serving some 20 years as senior partner of the firm established in 1885.

He and his family have been substantial shareholders in PFK for many years as well as investments in several other cattle auctions.

Amongst his charitable interests, he serves as an ambassador for the North West Air Ambulance.

He was awarded the OBE in the 2020 New Years honours for service in Politics and Charity.

BSc(Hons) MRICS

Andrew is a Chartered Surveyor with 30 years experience in Surveying and Valuing property throughout Cumbria and The Lake District National Park.

Originally from Keswick Andrew undertook an Honours degree in Building Surveying at Leicester returning to Cumbria to work for Colleys Surveyors and Valuers.

After running his own practice for 15 years Andrew joined PFK in 2012 as Head of Survey and Valuation. His day to day work involves the survey and valuation of a range of property types for a wide variety of local regional and national clients.

John has been involved with property all his professional life, with over 41 years experience in the sector as a Chartered Surveyor and managing agent of several Estates.

He is passionate about looking after our clients and building strong, long term relationships acting on behalf of the client, providing support and clarity to many difficult issues. His considerable experience means he is happiest when involved in strategic overviews on managed Estates and farms, progressing them to achieve better returns or favoured outcomes, such as with capital projects. He has a deep understanding of rural property matters and is often appointed to act as a court appointed Expert, also acting in arbitrations and appeals. He is able to support our clients and staff on a wide range of issues.

Married to Lois, he spends his leisure time sailing, and flying – he holds a microlight licence.

Born and raised in Durham, Julie has been based in Cumbria for the past 24 years working as a Chartered Surveyor. A farmer’s daughter, she has a good understanding of the agriculture sector and rural property in general.

Her work primarily revolves around private client matters, dealing predominantly with landlord and tenant issues, valuations, and planning and development. She is a qualified rural Arbitrator and sits on two dispute resolution panels receiving appointments for a wide range of matters; she also acts and an Expert for a variety of issues including planning Appeals. In addition, Julie chairs a national property committee on rural matters.

She enjoys her role inspiring our young team, providing training and support, and in her downtime, likes nothing more than watching her football team and flying – she has a private pilot’s licence.

Originally from Carlisle, Lynne began her Estate Agency career in the late 1980’s at Tiffen King & Nicholson Estate Agents in Carlisle.

Lynne has previously worked for Nottingham Property Services and more recently at Cumberland Estate Agents as the sales & lettings manager, overseeing 10 branches.

Lynne joined PFK as the Head of Estate Agency in early 2019 and has a wealth of experience and a passion for the business.  Her day to day work involves overseeing the Estate Agency arm of the business and driving forward the largest of PFK’s departments.