Strengthening Rural Services in Bridgwater

We are delighted to announce that Ian Walker is joining the firm as a consultant for any rural/development matters and will be based at our Bridgwater Office. To many, Ian does not need any introduction, having formerly worked, managed and owned Tamlyns for some 48 years, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge with him to Cooper and Tanner.

Ian, a farmer’s son from Bridgwater, schooled at Brymore decided that he wanted to become an auctioneer and land agent, following a talk from a senior auctioneer at his local Young Farmers Club. At the age of eighteen, Ian joined Tamlyns and by the age of 19 managed their estate agency department and expanded their lettings portfolio and in 1977 he set up and managed Tamlyns’ antique furniture sale rooms.

During the course of his professional life, Ian has been involved in all aspects of land agency and auctioneering duties, including negotiating and selling large scale development sites to developers throughout Somerset and the south west, undertaking valuations of estates, properties and land, providing and advising on all types of agricultural and business tenancies, negotiating and settling compensation claims with various utility authorities, offering planning advice to farmers, landowners and home owners, managing and giving estate management advice. Ian enjoyed conducting property auctions, charity auctions and selling sheep at Highbridge Livestock Market. One of Ian’s favourite parts of his job was undertaking farm dispersal sales – as you never knew what you were going to be asked to sell; he recalls one sale where he was asked to sell the machinery, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, sheep dog and even the farm ferrets.

Managing Director Nick Oliver commented: “We are thrilled that Ian has decided to join Cooper and Tanner as a Consultant; Ian’s experience and knowledge will be a great new asset to our rural professional team, being based in Bridgwater all of his working career, Ian will allow Cooper and Tanner to continue to grow and flourish in the area, allowing us to give valuable advice to new and old clients in the area.”

You can contact Ian here.