Following the passing of Nick Utting, the Trustees of the Dick Harrison Trust have unanimously appointed Robert Addison as Chairman.

 Robert brings to the role exceptional continuity, experience and personal commitment, having been involved with the Trust since its inception. He served as Secretary to the Trust from its creation in 1988 and has been a Trustee since 2019, giving him deep knowledge of the Trust's purpose, values and beneficiaries.

 The Dick Harrison Trust was founded in 1988 in memory of the much-admired auctioneer Dick Harrison, former Managing Director of Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Carlisle. The Trust was established to commemorate Dick's life and outstanding service to the profession, and to support students pursuing careers in livestock auctioneering and rural land management, particularly those with links to Cumbria, Northumberland, and Scotland.

 On his appointment, Robert Addison said, "It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to take on the role of Chairman of the Dick Harrison Trust. This is a Trust that has meant a great deal to me for many years, and one whose values I strongly believe in."

 "I would like to pay particular tribute to Nick Utting for his exceptional dedication and commitment, not only to the Dick Harrison Trust, but to farming and rural communities more broadly, and to the next generation of farmers, auctioneers and land agents across the North of England. Nick's passion, integrity and generosity of spirit have left an enduring legacy."

 "He leaves very big shoes to fill, and I am hugely grateful for the foundations he has laid. I look forward to building on his work and continuing the Trust's mission to support and encourage young people entering our industry."

 Robert farms with his family at Kings Meaburn, Cumbria, and has spent his entire professional career in auctioneering and land agency. After leaving school in 1980, he was interviewed by Dick Harrison and offered a position with Harrison & Hetherington Ltd.

 In 1981, Robert went on to study at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, graduating three years later with a Diploma in Rural Estate Management. He then returned to Harrison & Hetherington as a graduate, working closely alongside Dick Harrison and the team at Borderway Mart.

 In 2010, Robert moved to Hexham and Northern Marts, where he became Managing Director, overseeing significant development and expansion of the business to its current position.

 Alongside his professional and farming commitments, Robert has long been involved in sport, particularly rugby. He captained the Upper Eden Rugby Team in his youth and has continued to support the game through coaching youth teams, reflecting his long-standing commitment to developing the next generation.

 The Trustees are confident that Robert's appointment will ensure the continued strength and relevance of the Dick Harrison Trust, and that his leadership will honour both Dick Harrison's legacy and Nick Utting's remarkable contribution.