It’s all change at Mitchells in Cockermouth following a series of staff promotions, the appointment of a new lead livestock auctioneer and a change in chairmanship of the company.
Chairman Ian Powley has decided to retire after nine years serving on the board of Mitchells and five years at the helm as chair during which time he has steered the company through the challenges of Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine war.
Ian said: “When I was first asked to become chair, the other directors said it would be ‘no bother’! Of course, none of us could have predicted the challenges of Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine war further down the road, but it’s been a tremendous experience rising to those challenges and I’d like to sincerely thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment which has made that happen.
“It’s been an honour chairing Mitchells and a pleasure leading the company’s 150th birthday celebrations last year. Now the time is right for me to hand over the running of this great company to my successor.”
Ian will be succeeded at the end of August by one of Mitchells’ existing directors, Stephen Revell, who said he was looking forward to helping steer the company to continued success.
He said: “I am very pleased to become chairman at this exciting time for Mitchells – we need to ensure we have sustainable businesses working for our customers and that we are fit for the future.”
Stephen is a major landowner and longstanding shareholder of the company with a strong interest in fine art and furniture.
In addition to his chairmanship, he will also be stepping up to support Mitchells’ land agent Ian Wood, farm and environment advisor Sandy Brown and estate agent Jemma Brown, who have been promoted to lead the three parts of the Land Agency Division.
Stephen will be supported by director and farmer Andrew Nicholson who becomes vice chair in recognition of his role overseeing Mitchells’ livestock division and strengthening relationships with the farming community.
Andrew Wright has been promoted to head up Mitchells livestock division and will continue to be involved with larger farm sales
A new lead auctioneer with deep local connections, Bradley Thompson will be joining Mitchells very soon from L&K North West Auctions in Kendal.
Bradley said: “I’m looking forward to this fantastic new challenge at Mitchells as lead auctioneer. I’m excited to work with new customers, as well as some familiar faces! Thank you to the Directors at Mitchells for giving me this opportunity to help make the market thrive.”
Other initiatives at the company include the establishment of the Mitchells Forum, a regular discussion group for farmers and others to focus on developments and issues affecting the future of farming in the area and how best to positively influence that future.
Mitchells’ company director and farmer Rachael Millard will be taking the lead on convening the new forum.
