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With climate pressures, rising fertiliser costs, and the drive for sustainable farming, herbal lays (mixes of grasses, legumes, and herbs) are becoming more popular in UK agriculture. They offer practical farm benefits as well as environmental gains, with extra value from Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments that help boost farm resilience. Financial Incentive: The SFI…

In today’s ever-changing agricultural landscape, building resilience into your farm business has never been more important.  Market volatility, climate uncertainty, changing consumer expectations, and policy shifts mean that relying solely on traditional income streams can leave even the most experienced farmers vulnerable.  Diversification and the introduction of new income streams can play a critical role…

Client Type: Private LandownersLocation: Penrith to Scotch Corner, North of EnglandSector: Infrastructure / RoadsImplemented by: Development Consent Order (DCO) Project Overview The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project is one of the UK’s largest infrastructure upgrades, involving over 50 miles of road improvements between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner. The scheme includes the conversion of remaining…

Nationally we have experienced a very dry spring and start to summer, which has resulted in poor grass growth and concerns regarding conserved forage. In any livestock enterprise, success hinges on the quality and availability of feed. Typically, feed is the largest input cost on farm and therefore plays a pivotal role in farm profitability…

In today’s unpredictable farming environment, being resilient is no longer just a nice to have, it’s essential for long-term success.  Farmers across the UK are facing a combination of market volatility, changing climate patterns, and increasing input costs.    Against this backdrop, finding ways to protect yields, maintain profitability, and reduce risk has never been more…

We’re proud to have facilitated the sale of a listed building in Newcastle, helping secure its future in the city. Standing proudly on the Quayside and dating back to the 1800s, 26 Sandhill is a four-storey sandstone structure, home to a cinema supported by National Lottery funding, a gallery, a Thai restaurant, and an apartment…

Cereals 2025, held in association with BASE-UK, saw GFW Partner and Farm Business Consultant Elliot Taylor deliver a compelling and practical session ‘Robust Soil for a Robust Business.’ In a climate of uncertainty for British agriculture, Elliot’s message was clear, regenerative agriculture isn’t about ideology, it’s about building financially resilient, profitable businesses by making better…

Farmers can take cautious encouragement from the outcome of this week’s Spending Review, even as food and farming failed to get a direct mention in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech.  Defra has now confirmed it has secured what it calls a “strong financial settlement” for the sector. In a climate of uncertainty and concern over potential…

In an announcement made late last week, the government has stated that councils are to be given new powers to speed up the delivery of new homes. Developers that fail to deliver new homes within an agreed timeframe could see a ‘delayed homes penalty’ issued per unbuilt unit, which reportedly is to be paid directly…

The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project aims to transform the entire 80km stretch between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner into a dual carriageway. This initiative seeks to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity across the North of England.  Recent Developments:  March 2025: Archaeological investigations commenced near Brougham, Brough, Kirkby Thore,…

As the lighter nights and warmer weather approaches, it’s time to look to the Spring and Summer selling period. If you’re considering bringing your farm to market, allow some time for pre-sale preparedness. Beginning the process sooner rather than later allows the process to be much smoother from the offset, more successful in the long…

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill published on 11 March 2025 has immediately led to headlines such as “Plans to make it easier for Councils to seize land for housing”. The press is saying that the Government plans to make it easier for Councils to use compulsory purchase powers to purchase land without paying for “Hope…

In a move that has left farmers and environmental advocates dismayed, the UK government has announced an unexpected halt to new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, despite having championed it as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. The decision, cloaked in a message of “resetting priorities,” is being widely interpreted as a betrayal…

North East property consultancy GFW is set to expand its team in 2025, with a strong focus on recruitment across its Rural and Commercial sectors as part of its commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting regional growth. Last year, the firm strengthened its workforce with the addition of 20 new hires and ten key promotions, including Lesley-Ann…

Thinking of selling? Partner and Head of Residential Sales and Lettings at GFW Lindsay French shares her five top tips for selling in the current market. 1. Pricing Strategy It’s so important in a post covid market to be realistic with your price and have a strategy with your agent to finely balance the best…

At GFW, a thorough understanding of values has been at the heart of our work for over 45 years. Recent changes in legislation, valuation guidance and technology mean that approach is more important than ever in providing client advice.   The swathing of IHT reliefs for Agricultural Property Relief on farming assets and Business Property Relief…

The North East property market is entering 2025 on a wave of change, shaped by shifting legislation, evolving buyer behaviour, and new opportunities across key sectors. Following the far-reaching implications of last year’s budget, our land and property experts share their predictions for how property markets across residential, rural, commercial, and development will adapt, or…

We are thrilled to announce that our Alnwick office have won The British Property Lettings Award for Alnwick! After being shortlisted in October and following a round of mystery shopping, the judges have named GFW worthy winners for their 2024-2025 GOLD award. “GFW Alnwick have just won The British Property Lettings Award for Alnwick. Their…

As uncertainty looms over Britain’s farming industry in the wake of policy changes and a challenging economic landscape, GFW explores what lies ahead for UK farmers. While expert outlooks often paint a bleak picture, GFW believes there is a critical, often overlooked element driving the industry forward: the enduring passion of farmers. Unlike many other…

Consultation on the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) ended on 24th September. The proposed planning reforms and term ‘grey belt’ have been a hot topic amongst consultants and developers over the past couple of months, with recent statements making headlines reflecting the Labour Party’s promise to ‘get Britain building again’. The…