A new land agency has opened its doors, offering a one-stop shop for everything to do with rural business and property in Cumbria and the North East.

Northern Rural has an expert workforce with years of experience in transactions involving smallholdings and estates, country dwellings, farm dispersal sales or valuations for probate, to name just a few of the specialisms the new company will provide.

Northern Rural has been launched by well-known property organisation the Finest Group in collaboration with the former Hexham and Northern Rural chartered surveying and land agency division of Hexham and Northern Marts.

Northern Rural remains based in the mart offices, conveniently situated just a short distance from the A69, and on the edge of Hexham town centre.

Ryan Eve, chief executive of the Finest Group, which includes Finest Properties and Finest Equestrian, said: "This is a very exciting development in our journey towards being recognised as the leading specialist in rural property and business in Cumbria and the North East.

"I'm delighted to be able to take forward the very strong sector expertise that Hexham and Northern Marts has provided, and offer a one-stop shop on all things to do with rural business and property - everything from selling an estate to letting grazing land or advising on farm tenancies.

"The existing team have amply demonstrated their skills and expertise necessary for this challenging sector, and I am confident that we will continue to enjoy a successful relationship with all our customers."

Robert Addison, managing director of Hexham and Northern Marts, added: "We're delighted to be involved in this joint venture with Finest Properties. It plays to the strengths of both our organisations and we're looking forward to working with all the rural businesses in Cumbria and the North East."

Northern Rural, the exciting new name in chartered surveying and land agency work, offers:

Property sales and lettings

All types of property are handled, from barns requiring restoration to land, cottages, country homes and commercial farms.

Valuations and surveys

Valuations for all purposes including inheritance tax, capital gains tax and insurance valuations. Fully qualified chartered surveyors within the company can prepare Red Book valuations for security purposes and expert witness reports for dispute resolution.

Landlord and tenant

Staff at Northern Rural specialise in the preparation of farm business tenancies, contract farming agreements, profit of pasturage (grazing), and farm business appraisals as well as providing advice on matters relating to Agricultural Holding Act tenancies.

Basic Payment Scheme

Northern Rural provides farmers and landowners with advice on all matters relating to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) including cross compliance, land and mapping and other Rural Payments Agency issues, as well as being happy to complete BPS applications and help with record-keeping requirements. Farm dispersal sales

In addition to the sale of rural properties, Northern Rural can provide the complete package by conducting the on-farm dispersal sale of both live and deadstock.

The above list is not exhaustive. For more information, please contact 01434 607028.