The Team

Each one of our members of staff is committed and passionate about helping your business

  • Livestock Team

    • Adam Day MRICS FLAA - Managing Director NWA and Mart Manager

      Adam Day MRICS FLAA

      Adam joined the company in August 2010 to head up the livestock department in Kendal and Lancaster.  Previously he was a Director and Auction Manager of Cockermouth Market. A qualified Land Agent he is also a National Council member of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and is Chairman of the Cumbria Association of Livestock Auctioneers



      He lives near Penrith and is married with two children.

      Telephone: mobile 07785 542738, Kendal 01539 816210 (direct) or Lancaster 01524 599708 (direct)
    • Gary Capstick FIA (Scot) - Auctioneer

      Gary  Capstick FIA (Scot)

      Gary is one of our senior auctioneers selling at both Kendal and Lancaster.  He works part-time (although an auctioneer's work is never done) and he also farms in Ingleton.  He is respected as being one of the best auctioneers in the northwest.  Gary sells the prime stock at both auctions and the store cattle at Lancaster, which is now gaining the reputation as being the best weekly store cattle market in the North.  Gary also undertakes a large number of annual stock valuations for our customers.

      Telephone: 07970 830518
    • Matthew Probert BSc (Hons) - Auctioneer and Graduate Land Agent

      Matthew Probert BSc (Hons)

      Matthew joined the company in 2009 having graduated from Harper Adams College.  He is now working towards full membership of the RICS.  Matthew sells at both auctions and is the lead auctioneer for the Lancashire Holstein Club sales as well as selling pigs at Kendal, commercial dairy, calves, stirks and breeding sheep.  Matthew lives in Abbeystead, Nr Lancaster.

      Telephone: 07760 557932
    • Richard Gardiner - Fieldsman

      Richard Gardiner

      Richard joined the company after the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak as a fieldsman for Kendal.  Over the years Richard has developed his role and takes an active role with the North of England Mule Sheep Association, Ambleside Fair Committee, other breed societies, Penrith Show, he organises the many show events attended by the company and is the first point of contact for any customer wishing to market their stock on a deadweight basis or farm-to-farm.  Richard lives near Penrith and is married with two children.

      Telephone: 07713 787510
    • George Harryman - field officer

      George  Harryman

      George joined the team in April 2011. He brings with him a wealth of experience from farming in the Lake District and working in Auction Marts. he is a renowned sheep breeder including top quality Herdwick Sheep.

      Telephone: 07759 278741
    • Kath Robinson - Senior Auctioneers Clerk

      Kath Robinson

      Kath tries to ensure that each sale at both Kendal and Lancaster run like clockwork, the paperwork, the computers, the office staff, she is a fun-loving member of the team.  Kath is married to George and lives at Crooklands Nr Milnthorpe.

      Telephone: 01524 63308
    • Colin Pye - Auctioneers Clerk

      Colin Pye

      Colin has worked for the company since leaving school and works at both Kendal and Lancaster Auctions, he keeps the paperwork right and sorts out any issues on the day.  Colin is married and lives in Lancaster.

      Telephone: 01524 63308
    • Margaret Cardwell - Auctioneers Clerk and Secretary

      Margaret  Cardwell

      Margaret has worked for the company for many years and not only works at both auctions on sale days, but also provides secreatarial support for the manager and puts together the weekly newsletter and keeps the website up to date; an invaluable member of the team.  Margaret is engaged to be married and lives in Burton.

      Telephone: 01524 63308
    • Brenda Wood - Auctioneers/procurement clerk

      Brenda Wood

      Brenda has worked for the company for many years but took on a full-time role with North West Auctions in 2004, working alongside the office staff on a sale day and assisting with stock procurement for the auctioneers on other days. 

      Telephone: 01524 63308 (office) or 07730 369221 (mobile)
    • Jackie Stephens - Auctioneers Clerk

      Jackie Stephens

      Jackie mainly works at the Kendal office but can sometimes be found at Lancaster.  Jackie also works for our sister company 1818 Auctioneers in the Antiques Saleroom - we like staff who can multi-task...

      Telephone: 01539 720603
    • Marilyn Wilson - Clerk

      Marilyn Wilson

      Marilyn works in the Lancaster office on a Friday, often to be found behind the main office counter chatting away with the customers, always ensuring a warm welcome and a laugh.  We say 'every office needs a Marilyn'.

    • Barbara Capstick - Clerk

      Barbara Capstick

      Barbara is that vital link between the office and the yard staff at Kendal, she makes sure your paperwork is right and she is often to be found waving the EID wand around at Kendal - dont worry she is fully trained...Married to Stephen who also works in the yard at Kendal

    • Barbara Dixon - Clerk

      Barbara Dixon

      Barbara works at our Lancaster office and assists on sale days, she is married to Robert who also works in the yard at Kendal and Lancaster

    • Kath Parker - Clerk and Yard Staff

      Kath Parker

      Kath works in both the office and in the yard on sale days.  Mainly working at Lancaster but she will also call in at Kendal when additional help is needed.  She is fully trained with the EID readers (we are glad someone is!).  She is married to Ted who also works at Lancaster and Kendal in the yard

    • Margaret Batty - Clerk

      Margaret  Batty

      Margaret works at our Lancaster market on Fridays.

    • Heather Haston - Clerk

      Heather Haston

      Heather works in the Lancaster office on a Monday morning where things can be extremely hectic

    • Jill Harper - Clerk

      Jill Harper

      Jill works part-time for both auctions covering for holidays and busy sales.  Jill also works in the antiques saleroom from time to time.  She is often called upon at short notice to help out at any of the sales.

    • Malcolm Robinson - Consultant

      Malcolm  Robinson

      Malcolm joined the L&K team in 2009 as a consultant having spent many years as the company's corporate bank manager.  Taking early retirement in late 2008 Malcolm then took on a role with our company which is varied but will concentrate now on the financial business plan for the group.

    • Emma Armer - Financial Assistant

      Emma Armer

      Emma works part-time alongside our company secretary, Katie Black, assisting with the preparation of financial information for the board, doing credit control for the group and keeping a watchful eye on health and safety matters.  A real all-rounder.  If you need to contact Emma she works each Monday and Wednesday and also Friday mornings.  She lives in Tebay and has a young son.

      Telephone: 01539 816211 (direct)
    • Katie Black ACIS - Company Secretary

      Katie Black ACIS

      Katie joined the company in 1994 shortly after qualifying as a Chartered Secretary.  Katie has many varied roles in the company including financial, administration, personnel, shareholders, directors meetings, health and safety and more recently has been very involved in the company's plans for the relocation of Kendal mart.  She is married with two young children and lives on the family's farm in Staveley, Nr Kendal.

      Telephone: 01539 816212 (direct line)
  • Yard Staff

    • John Baines - Lancaster Yard Foreman - Full Time

      John Baines

      John is the yard foreman at Lancaster and works full-time.  He runs a tight ship and organises the staff, making sure we are there to help you load and unload your stock easily.  If you need to organise an early or late delivery/collection just contact John who will do his best to assist.

      Telephone: 07812 995497
    • John Capstick - Kendal Yard Foreman

      John Capstick

      John has worked for Kendal as foreman since 2007 and was formerly yard foreman at Sedbergh Auction.  John is a reliable no-nonsense foreman who can be contacted on his mobile if you need help organising delivery or collection of stock from Kendal.

       

      Telephone: 07976 646035
    • Raymond Robinson - Yardman

      Raymond Robinson

      Raymond Robinson works at both Kendal and Lancaster Auctions.  He is renowned for his skill in counting sheep and can probably recognise most of our Kendal customers sheep markings - very clever Raymondo!  He farms at Crooklands.

    • Robert Dixon - Yardman

      Robert Dixon

      Robert is possibly our longest serving member of yardstaff.  He works at both Kendal and Lancaster and is married to Barbara who also works part-time on the office at Lancaster

    • Stephen Capstick - Yardman

      Stephen Capstick
    • Raymond Taylor - Yardman

      Raymond Taylor
    • Peter Slater - Yardman

      Peter Slater
    • Alan Lambert - Yardman

      Alan Lambert
    • Danny Escolme - Yardman

      Danny Escolme
    • Neil Strickland - Yardman

      Neil Strickland
    • Alan Baines - Groundsman

      Alan Baines

      Alan keeps Lancaster auction grounds looking ship shape, we think he does a pretty good job

    • David Birkett - Yardman

      David Birkett
    • Natalie Pye - Yardman

      Natalie Pye
    • Paul Armer - Yardman

      Paul Armer

      Paul works at Kendal and Lancaster Auctions and is the contact for our Machinery Sales.  Please contact Paul on 07831 801034 with any entries or queries regarding machinery sales.

    • Eddie Ridding - Yardman

      Eddie Ridding

      Eddie works at Kendal Auction and is one of the longest serving members of staff at Kendal.  He also farms at Selside, Nr Kendal.

    • Kath Parker - Clerk and Yard Staff

      Kath Parker

      Kath works in both the office and in the yard on sale days.  Mainly working at Lancaster but she will also call in at Kendal when additional help is needed.  She is fully trained with the EID readers (we are glad someone is!).  She is married to Ted who also works at Lancaster and Kendal in the yard

  • Professional Staff

    • John Hughes FIA (Scot) Est FLAA - Land Agent Auctioneer and Valuer

      John Hughes FIA (Scot) Est FLAA

      John Hughes has worked for us for many many years (he wont tell us how many!), so there's not many people he doesnt know and is now taking up his new role as head of M B Hodgson & Son, promoting the professional services of our Rural Land Agency.  John aims to be around at each main auction sale in Kendal and Lancaster and will be based at MBH in Lancaster.  John lives in Quernmore just outside Lancaster with partner Ann.

      Telephone: 01524 599700
    • Michael Mashiter FRICS FAAV - Rural Surveyor and Land Agent

      Michael Mashiter FRICS FAAV

      Michael is now relishing his new semi-retiremed status, so we only make him work three days per week for our sister company M B Hodgson & Son.   Michael is one of the country's leading arbitrators for landlord and tenant disputes and so is the person to approach first when you think you may have an issue and need advice.

      Telephone: 01539 816215 or mobile 07713 787511
    • Adam Day MRICS FLAA - Managing Director NWA and Mart Manager

      Adam Day MRICS FLAA

      Adam joined the company in August 2010 to head up the livestock department in Kendal and Lancaster.  Previously he was a Director and Auction Manager of Cockermouth Market. A qualified Land Agent he is also a National Council member of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and is Chairman of the Cumbria Association of Livestock Auctioneers



      He lives near Penrith and is married with two children.

      Telephone: mobile 07785 542738, Kendal 01539 816210 (direct) or Lancaster 01524 599708 (direct)
    • Matthew Probert BSc (Hons) - Auctioneer and Graduate Land Agent

      Matthew Probert BSc (Hons)

      Matthew joined the company in 2009 having graduated from Harper Adams College.  He is now working towards full membership of the RICS.  Matthew sells at both auctions and is the lead auctioneer for the Lancashire Holstein Club sales as well as selling pigs at Kendal, commercial dairy, calves, stirks and breeding sheep.  Matthew lives in Abbeystead, Nr Lancaster.

      Telephone: 07760 557932
    • Gillian Ellis - Secretary

      Telephone: 01539 733555
    • Cheryl Hutchinson - Secretary

      Telephone: 01524 599700
  • Farm Advisory Services

    • Rodney Coward - Farm Advisory Services Manager

      Rodney  Coward

      Rodney joined the company to set up a brand new department which we call Farm Advisory Services, in 2006.  With a background in banking and then as Group Secretary for the NFU in Ulverston for 20 years, Rodney prides himself on providing a no-nonsense service to our customers in a very cost-effective way.  Rodney lives in Allithwaite and is married with two grown sons.

      Telephone: 07717 548966 direct tel 01539 816213
    • Lisa Kelsall MRICS - Rural Surveyor Farm Advisory Serives

      Lisa Kelsall MRICS

      Lisa joined the company in August 2010 to work alongside Rodney Coward in the Farm Advisory Services department.  Lisa qualified as a Chartered Rural Surveyor in November 2009 and has re-located back to Lancashire having worked in Essex to complete her qualification.  Lisa lives in Garstang and will be based at the Lancaster Office.

      Telephone: Mobile 07795 048511 or Office 01524 63308
  • L&K Group Directors

    • John Drinkall - L&K Group Director and Chairman

      John Drinkall

      John is the Chairman of L&K Group Plc. 

      John runs a large dairy and sheep farm on the Abbeystead Estate near Lancaster with his three sons.  He is totally committed to the Auction Mart business and was instrumental in bringing the two businesses of Lancaster Auction and Kendal Auction together in 2005. 

    • Trevor Wilson - L&K Group Director

      Trevor Wilson

      Trevor is also a director of M B Hodgson and Son Limited and is currently heading up the team involved with the relocation of Kendal Auction

    • John Geldard - L&K Group Director

      John Geldard

      John Geldard joined the L & K Group board as a non-executive member in 2005 after nine years as a member of Lancaster Farmers' Auction Mart board of directors.

      John farms in partnership with his wife, Rachel and sons, Richard and Charles at Low Foulshaw, Levens, near Kendal.  The 500 acre grassland farm carries a commercial suckler herd, a nucleus herd of Stabiliser cattle, flocks of pedigree Charollais and Lleyn sheep and a free range poultry unit.  John is a director of his off-farm diversification enterprise, Plumgarths, a local sourcing hub located in the family's converted traditional stone building at Kendal.

    • Monica Lee - L&K Group Director

      Monica Lee

      Monica Lee has a smallholding in Wyresdale and has rare breed sheep, and is a Director of L & K Group plc as well as Chair of M B Hodgson and Son. 

      She is Chair of Governors of Cawthorne's Endowed School, Abbeystead and a Trustee of the Cawthorne Educational Trust, and the Abbeystead Parish Hall Trust.  Monica is also a Chartered Psychologist and is at the forefront of Human Resource Development and Management thinking and was the first female to be made Professor of HRD in the UK.  She has lectured in the US, India, and Asia and been actively involved in developments in Russia and Central Europe.  She is Visiting Professor at Northumbria University and a life-long Member of Lancaster University.  She has written extensively and the Academy for HRD have created the Monica M Lee Award for research excellence in her name.

    • George Robinson - L&K Group Director

      George Robinson

      George has been on the National Judging Panel with the Holstein Friesian Society for more than 30 years and has judged at most of the major agricultural shows in the UK & Ireland.  George is also a director of North West Auctions Limited

      He lives on the family farm Crooklands, Nr Milnthorpe.  The farm ceased milk production in 2004 when George's sons decided to pursue other careers. George joined the Kendal Auction Mart Board in 1998.  He is married to Kath.

    • James Dixon - L&K Group Director

      James Dixon

      James was appointed Director of L & K Group in April 2008 and is a well known farmer and businessman in the Lakeland area. 

      He has recently completed his term as Chairman of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society and is also involved with the North West HGQ Beef initiative.  He lives and farms in Selside, near Kendal.

    • Alan Bargh - L&K Group Director

      Alan Bargh joined the board of L & K Group Plc in April 2008 and runs his family farm in Heaton with Oxcliffe, Morecambe, Lancashire. 

      He is another well known and well respected businessman and is a welcome addition to the L & K Group Board of Directors

    • Stuart Cornthwaite - L&K Group Director

      Stuart Cornthwaite has been a non-executive director for L& K Group Plc since its formation in 2005 and previously as a director of Lancaster Farmers' Auction Mart Co Limited since 2002. 

      He is the Managing Director of haulage firm S J Bargh Limited.  He lives with his family near Lancaster.

    • Katie Black ACIS - Company Secretary

      Katie Black ACIS

      Katie joined the company in 1994 shortly after qualifying as a Chartered Secretary.  Katie has many varied roles in the company including financial, administration, personnel, shareholders, directors meetings, health and safety and more recently has been very involved in the company's plans for the relocation of Kendal mart.  She is married with two young children and lives on the family's farm in Staveley, Nr Kendal.

      Telephone: 01539 816212 (direct line)