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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…

FETF 2024: Round 2 With promises in spring that the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024 funding will have multiple application windows, we are expecting another round of FETF applications opening in the near future. Despite awaiting clarification from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) regarding the certainty of this, be prepared, if you are wanting…

Building layout is crucial to maximise dairy cow health and welfare, ultimately increasing productivity. There are funding streams in place which can help farmers with the purchase of products for dairy sheds that can help improve cow health and welfare. Utilising these opportunities will keep fixed costs low while enhancing the dairy production system and…

With the new scheme offerings available and the potential for options under the extended Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to improve grassland and incentivise incorporating livestock as part of the management of the arable rotation, many farmers are considering if their boundaries are up to scratch. Through the Countryside Stewardship Standalone Capital Grant Scheme funding is…

Managing Existing Woodland It can often be difficult to take the time to analyse aspects of your farm business that aren’t directly bringing in revenue especially with increased pressure from tight margins, unpredictable weather and uncertainty surrounding farm funding. Woodland is a key asset present on many farm holdings,often disregarded. While woodland does not directly…

In recent years, a seismic shift has been taking place across the UK countryside. A “Rural Revolution” is underway, powered by new legislation, government policies, and the urgent global imperative to address climate change. This transformation spans across energy, national infrastructure, telecommunications, and environmental protection, offering unprecedented opportunities for UK farmers and landowners to reshape…

It’s just a few days now until the Government announce their first Budget on 30 October 2024. Whilst the Government have confirmed their pledge not to increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance, there are potential changes to taxation policies which could have significant impact, particularly in relation to Capital Gains Tax, Agricultural Property Relief,…

With the recent RICS announcement on updates to its Standard on Compulsory Purchase and Statutory Compensation, Andrew Entwistle, Partner and Head of Valuations at GFW, explores the implications for both landowners and public authorities. Drawing on over 24 years of experience at GFW and 11 years serving on the RICS Valuation Standards Board, Andrew offers expert…

We sat down with Robyn Peat, Chairman at GFW, to discuss the firm’s long-standing expertise in providing Dispute Resolution and Expert Witness services, and the unique value these services bring to the North East. Robyn has over 40 years of experience as an Expert Witness and Arbitrator and is also an accredited member of the RICS…

Specialist property consultancy, GFW, has bolstered its team significantly with 12 new hires. Driving forward as a key player in the industry, these appointments align with GFW’s continued plans for growth, as one of the largest professional services firms in the North East. With a strong foothold across the North of England and six offices…