Strong Turnout for Crucial Bluetongue Vaccination Meeting

We were pleased to welcome approximately 175 farmers to our recent event – a powerful demonstration of Bagshaws’ ability to bring the farming community together in response to a pressing issue.

A particular highlight of the evening was the collaborative effort from four rival veterinary practices, who came together to deliver a joint presentation. Such cooperation is rare and greatly appreciated, showing a shared commitment to the well-being of our livestock industry.

The bluetongue vaccination dilemma remains complex, with many questions still unanswered. As such, a clear path forward is uncertain, and individual farmers will need to make decisions based on their own circumstances and risk assessments.

We sincerely thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening a success.

AMC Success: £120K Loan Secured by Ivor Lowe for New Cattle Shed and Silage Clamp

We’re proud to highlight a recent success story from within the Bagshaws team as part of AMC’s outstanding performance in June 2025.

AMC recently reported that June marked their highest monthly lending volume of the year so far, with 48 new loans completed. This activity represented more than £10 million of new lending delivered to clients across the country in just one month.

Among these completions, AMC chose to spotlight a notable achievement from within their Agent network. A special thank you goes to Ivor Lowe of Bagshaws, who secured a £120,000 loan for one of his clients. The funding was used to develop a new cattle shed and silage clamp, supporting the client’s continued growth and infrastructure development.

Thanks to Ivor’s expertise and the efficiency of the AMC process, the loan moved from sanction to drawdown in just two months—a fantastic outcome for all involved and a clear demonstration of the benefits of working with experienced professionals in agricultural finance.

With a strong pipeline of applications already in progress, AMC anticipates continued momentum in the coming months. Here at Bagshaws, we’re committed to supporting our clients through the entire process, from planning and application to completion and beyond.

If you’re considering a project—whether it’s infrastructure, diversification, or expansion—your local Bagshaws office is ready to help. With decades of experience and a trusted partnership with AMC, we’re well-placed to help turn your plans into reality.

To find out more about AMC finance or to speak to a member of our team, please get in touch with your nearest Bagshaws office. We’re here to help you succeed.

Updates at Bakewell Market!

We’re pleased to announce a refreshed leadership structure to guide Bakewell Market into the future.

🔹 Alastair Sneddon – After an incredible 40 years as a Partner at Bagshaws and an impressive 47 years in the rostrum at Bakewell Market, Alastair Sneddon is taking a well-earned step back from the Partnership. Alastair’s dedication, knowledge, and unmistakable presence have left a lasting legacy across the agricultural and livestock community. While this marks the end of an era, we’re pleased to share that Alastair will continue to lend his expertise as a Consultant, working three days per week.

🔹 Ivor Lowe will be overseeing the Market. A seasoned auctioneer and long-time team member, Ivor brings deep experience and commitment to the role. Ivor will continue to be assisted by Alastair Sneddon.

🔹 Oliver Hiles steps up as Market Manager, taking charge of the day-to-day running of the Market, staff coordination, client liaison, marketing, and auctioneer training.

🔹 Peter Oven takes on the role of Market Operations Manager, ensuring smooth operations, contractor coordination, and top-tier Health & Safety standards.

🔹 Our fantastic auctioneering team—Ivor Lowe, Mark Elliott, Meg Elliott, Holly Swift, and Tash Hall—will continue with the support of Alastair.

We’re excited about this next chapter and confident these changes will bring strength, continuity, and fresh energy to Bakewell Market.

Thank you for your continued support.

Capital Grants 2025 – What you need to know

📍 Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell

🗓️ Tuesday 15th July | ⏰ 7:30pm

🎟️ Hosted by: Bagshaws, NFU & CSF

Capital Grants for 2025 are NOW OPEN – but act fast! 🕒

These funding opportunities are limited and available only until the money runs out – meaning early applications are crucial.

Join us for an informative evening to learn:

✅ What funding is available

✅ How to apply

✅ What you’ll need to qualify

✅ How to maximise your chances

Whether you’re thinking of stone wall restoration, hedgerow laying, concrete yard renewal or covers for slurry stores – this is your chance to get the support you need.

✨ Light refreshments provided.

👩‍🌾 All farmers and land managers welcome.

📌 No need to book – just turn up and get informed.

Spread the word – let’s make sure no one misses out!

An Evening on the Farm – A Wonderful Community Event

Bagshaws were proud to support ‘An Evening on the Farm’ on Wednesday, 25th June – a fantastic event hosted by the Brocklehurst family at Broadroods Farm, Ashford in the Water.

The event was exceptionally well attended, with around 250 people joining us for an enjoyable evening. Guests took part in a guided walk through the beautiful surrounding fields, followed by a hog roast supper and an engaging stock judging competition.

All funds raised from the evening are being donated to two excellent causes: the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy, both of which provide vital support to farming families and the rural community.

Bagshaws would like to extend sincere thanks to the Brocklehurst family for their generosity in hosting the event, and to everyone who attended and contributed to its success. It was a wonderful demonstration of community spirit and support for two important charities.

Higher Level Stewardship – Payment Rate Increase Announced!

Good news for land managers! The government has confirmed an increase in HLS payment rates across 157 options, aligning them more closely with Countryside Stewardship & Sustainable Farming Incentive payments.

Payments will rise by 34.4% of the difference between the current HLS rate and the equivalent CSHT/SFI action.

Effective from 1st January 2025 – the uplift will be reflected in the 2025 claim, paid in December. Check the full list of updated rates here

Any Problems? Contact the Farm Office Services at Bakewell on 01629 812777

Thinking of Diversifying Your Farm Business? Now’s your chance to try something new!

Up to £10,000 in business development grants are available through High Peak Borough Council, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Use it for capital or revenue projects – with a preference for capital investment!

Deadline: 15th June 2025 – don’t miss out!

For friendly help and advice contact the Bakewell Office on 01629 812777 today.

Are you ready for the biggest change in housing and letting legislation in 35 years?

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), although not yet finalised, is expected to pass into law by the end summer. Intended to give tenants greater protection, it spells the end The end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and Assured Shorthold Tenancies, also known as ASTs.

Its not all doom and gloom for Landlords—there’s more to the new Renters’ Rights Bill than just tougher rules. It can actually help Landlords too-

Here’s how:

• Fair rent changes – Rent can only go up once a year, with a transparent process.

• Simplified tenancies – One clear tenancy type replaces ASTs. Less admin, more clarity.

• Faster dispute resolution – A new ombudsman handles complaints without going to court.

• Better property standards – The Decent Homes Standard brings consistency across rentals.

While it means a few more responsibilities, it also creates a more stable, fair market for everyone.

If you’re looking for support with renting or managing your properties, get in touch with us to discuss your needs

Bury & Hilton Leek Office: 01538 383344

Overhead Electric Lines

Numerous clients have contacted us to say they have received letters from agents acting for national grid regarding the capitalisation of wayleaves for overhead electric lines on their land.

For some decades we have acted for clients against electricity companies in seeking “the right” amount of compensation for electric lines on land. Here are a few things to be aware of:

    1. Your existing wayleave is likely a personal agreement between you and the electricity company. Most can be terminated it which can lead to claims for compensation against the electricity company. The matter is not straightforward because companies do have powers under the Electricity Act 1989 but nonetheless there is a route to compensation.

    2. The deal that they are offering may well be good and may suit you, but there are other heads of claims to take into account.

      3. Your existing wayleave agreement may not give the electricity company the right to install fiberoptic cables for commercial use. If it does not, then this could be viewed as “another deal on another day”. We would suggest that you need to be careful to make sure that it is not moped up in the deal that they are offering.

      4. If you have houses or for example barns with potential for conversion near to the lines, you are almost certainly going to be entitled to a further claim for injurious affection for any perceived diminution in value of your property due to the presence of the overhead lines. Some years ago, the press was loaded with articles about the negative health impacts of electromagnetic forces and such publicity can seriously impact the value of properties near to pylons and electric lines. Make sure that the offer that you receive fully reflects this.

      5. Is there any other development potential on your land? If there is, then granting a permanent easement is probably not a good idea unless there is a robust “lift and shift” clause in it and/or a clause for future compensation in that eventuality.

      6. Your existing wayleave will probably specify the number of conductors that the electricity company has the right to keep over your land. If it does, beware that any new agreement does not give them carte blanche to upgrade their existing equipment with more conductors being used to carry more electricity. The National Grid network in the UK is currently undergoing a major expansion program in the pursuit of cleaner energy, so make sure you aren’t giving away any future negotiating position by allowing electric companies to do whatever upgrades they want on your land.


      We would be very happy to talk to you. Our consultant Roger has settled many hundreds of claims against electricity companies around the UK over the years and has a substantial database of claims evidence. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries

      Roger Bedson: 07785537209

      Or your local Bagshaws Office

      🎉 Celebrating Success! 🎓

      We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news — Holly Swift, our very first Bagshaws apprentice, has officially passed her APC and is now a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor!

      Holly has shown incredible dedication, perseverance, and professionalism over the past six years, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.

      👏 Huge congratulations, Holly! Here’s to an exciting future ahead.

      Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025  

      Farmers, growers, foresters, and contractors in England will be able to apply for grants between £1,000 and £25,000 to boost productivity, manage slurry, and enhance animal health and welfare.

      The application window opens on the 29th May 2025 and closes at midday on the 10th July 2025. A total of £46.7 million is available across three themes:

      • Productivity
      • Slurry Management
      • Animal Health & Welfare

      Eligible applicants must be registered in England with the Rural Payments Agency and possess a Single Business Identifier (SBI). Applications are competitive, and each business can submit one application per theme.

      For more information on the eligible items, or for help with an application, contact our Farm Office Services team now on 01629 812777.