Leading Cumbrian estate agency MD steps down

The managing director of a leading Cumbrian estate agency has stepped down from his role.

Colin Tomlinson, who has led H&H Land & Estates since 2018, will now become a consultant director for the firm.

Mark Johnson will become the firm’s new managing director.

Mr Tomlinson has worked in Kendal for over 45 years and is a well known figure within the industry. In his new position, he will take a hands-on role, including conducting property auction sales, managing estates, land and property, and professional valuations, as well as continuing in a mentor role.

Mr Tomlinson will work closely with Rachel Bagshaw, associate director and head of land agency South Lakes, to expand and grow the specialist estate management, land agency and woodland team based in H&H Land & Estates’ Kendal office.

Mr Tomlinson said: “I will still be very much involved in the business, but I felt now was the time to pass on the baton and allow someone else to take the reins. My energy will be focused on the auctions, estate management, and working with clients, which are the aspects that I truly love within the industry. I will fall back into a consultancy capacity and concentrate on the South Lakes land and property agency and the South Lakes estate agency.

“I will be taking on this new role in the short-term as it is vital for myself, the team, and the company that during this period of change we retain a welcome presence for our clients, and provide a continuity in our services that our clients rely upon.”

Mr Johnson said: “Colin has created a great platform within the company for us to continue to grow, and help our clients as they have to deal with significant impacts as a result of the ever changing landscape in land management and property. His knowledge will be invaluable as we support our customers into what can only be described as a new era for both the farming community and land managers, coupled with the increasing demand for property and the way that is procured.”

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group, said: “As a business that is continuing to grow and evolve in these changing times, the advice offered by Colin during the next chapter for the company will be a real asset. Colin is well respected in the industry and has, for many years, been the driving force and the face of the H&H Land & Estates branch of the H&H Group. He has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the market, and I would like to thank him personally for agreeing to work with us in a consultative role.”