Bicknell wields over 29 years' experience working within the agricultural sector, managing supply and operations for national sugar producer British Sugar plc.

He also has an extensive background in practical farming and estate management, with proven aptitude in day-to-day management across arable (harvesting, establishment, planning, buying and selling), livestock (planning, grazing plans, feed management), as well as stewardship, financial forecasting and workforce management.

The geographic remit of Bicknell's duties will be primarily focused on the East Anglia and Cambridge regions.

With the recent news that farmers in England may be excluded from post-Brexit nature funding under plans being considered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), a key part of Bicknell's role will be to help Bidwells' clients navigate this shifting landscape - offering guidance on farming resilience and the transition to more nature-friendly practices.

Guy Bicknell, Partner, Rural at Bidwells, said:

"Bidwells' diverse and dynamic rural client base, which includes some of England's largest landowners and institutions, makes this opportunity particularly compelling. Joining a fast-growing firm with bold ambitions to become the world's most sustainable property consultancy marries with my extensive experience in land and agricultural management and I am well-equipped to support Bidwells' clients through this challenging and transitory period for farm holding communities."

Giles Dobson, Partner, Head of Rural at Bidwells, said:

"Guy brings with him immense experience in practical, hands-on farm management as well as industry knowledge and a deep contacts book. His hire forms part of a wider strategic push to expand Bidwells' accomplished service offering across key business areas, with our Rural Division forming an integral part of this as we deepen and advance our client service offering."