Trustees

I first met Mr 'Dick' Harrison in 1981 when he invited me for a job as a trainee auctioneer, "bullock wallopper". I duly got the job and completed a pre-college year before going to the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. After completing my course in Rural Land Management, I returned to Harrison and Hetherington, embarking upon a career as a trainee Land Agent/Auctioneer.

I continued my employment for 25 years rising to become senior auctioneer and Sales Director.

In 2010 I moved across the Pennines to take up a position as Managing Director of Hexham and Northern Marts.

Mr 'Dick' was a great inspiration to me as a young person. I always admired his manner and foresight and was greatly honored to be appointed secretary of the Dick Harrison Trust, which was established soon after  his untimely death.

I was secretary for 25 years and have enjoyed being involved and meeting over the years many excellent prospective Land Agents and Auctioneers.

I was recently appointed as a Chair of the Trust and look forward to working with my co trustees.

Following a spell of work experience with Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway Mart in 1988, I was lucky enough to receive a small award from The Dick Harrison Trust, which was given to help with the purchase of equipment and books relevant to my study. I enrolled on a course in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, where I studied Rural Estate Management.

I graduated in 1992 and completed my APC with Penrith Farmers & Kidd’s Plc in 1994, I then spent two years working for Fisher Hogarth in Kendal, and subsequently 7 years working within CSH in Bywell and Haltwhistle.

I am currently a director of YoungsRPS in Northumberland where I have worked since 2003

I became a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in 1997 and returned some of my knowledge to the profession by acting as an Examiner in the Northern Group of Agricultural Valuers. I became a Fellow of the RICS in 2014.

I have been a Trustee since 1998 and really enjoy the opportunity to meet applicants; although they range in age, stage of their career, personal interests and background they all share a passion for the rural landscape.

Being Dick Harrison’s younger daughter, I am well aware of his love of the countryside and the value he placed on education and personal development. Dad had a philosophy of ‘giving back’ so I am pleased to continue this ideal in his name. In 2023 I retired from a 30-year career at University of Central Lancashire, where I had worked in student and academic staff development. I now feel privileged to have the opportunity, through the Trust, to encourage those with enthusiasm for auctioneering and land agency.

I am Dick’s Grandson and have heard from so many people about his passion for this industry and the countryside in general. I’m proud to be involved in the trust and to have the opportunity to meet and provide support to so many ambitious young people and I’m sure many of them will go on to have amazing careers. I strongly believe that education and personal development are key to a successful life and so am delighted to have the opportunity to help as many students as we can.

Away from the trust I am a chartered accountant, qualifying at KPMG in 2013. Previously I worked at Parkdean Resorts for a number of years which gave me the opportunity to travel to many of their sites around the country and gain a real appreciation for the beauty of the countryside. I am currently employed as a financial controller in the energy sector.

As Dick Harrison’s granddaughter I am fully aware of his love of the countryside, teamed with his passion for education for all.

I studied Economics at Leeds Becket University, and now work as a Human Resource Advisor for a large Med-tech company.  I know I could not possibly perform my current role without having been taken out of my comfort zone and challenged through my degree, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and living independently.  I think everyone should have the chance to reach their potential.

I am proud to have this opportunity to support this amazing and worthwhile Trust. I hope through the dedication of the Trustees and the enthusiasm of the candidates we can continue this initiative, and support as many young people as possible, in reaching their potential.

I am Senior Director with Davidson & Robertson, Rural Surveyors and Consultants, where I have worked all of my professional life. We have offices across Scotland and the north of England. Brought up in Cumbria I studied Land Management at Harper Adams. I am now based in Edinburgh.

I was fortunate to be an early recipient of The Dick Harrison Trust just after it was set up which helped my studies with the purchase of books and equipment (which I still use for reference today). I am a huge advocate of education and supporting the next generation into the valuation profession, and am honoured to now be a Trustee furthering these causes.