H&H - Key Persons
Craig has been involved in farming for most of his life and after completing his degree in Business and Economics at Durham University, he returned to Cumbria to join the family business. The farm is in the region of 400 acres, has a noted pedigree herd of Limousin cattle and is also in the business of egg production, being home to 64,000 free range hens.
Craig and his family have been involved with H&H Group for many years and he is looking forward to being involved with such a large and diverse business. Craig commented that with so many changes, especially within the agri-sectors, it is more important than ever to keep abreast of the latest developments. The new green agenda and digital developments will provide huge challenges and opportunities, and he is aiming to do all he can to help the H&H Group of Companies, customers and shareholders strengthen the position of the company and maximise potential.
Job Titles:
- Non Executive Board Director
John joined the H&H Group Board in May 2019 with over 40 years' experience in the Building Society industry, joining Cumberland Building Society in 1997 before being appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2002.
John was delighted when asked to become a Group Board Member as H&H is well known to him, is extremely well respected and a successful business.
John is a former Governor of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith and is a volunteer driver for the Fellrunner Community Bus service.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Non Executive Director
Lynne grew up on a mixed livestock farm and is married to a dairy farmer and is currently working as a business growth consultant for food and drink businesses.
Starting out as a bank cashier, Lynne became a bank manager at just 22, to become one of the country's youngest female bank managers. She went on to set up and run for almost two decades, her own multi award-winning business - Country Puddings Ltd - setting up her business from her farmhouse kitchen.
Job Titles:
- Trustee of the Eden Rivers Trust
Mark studied dairy manufacturing at Reaseheath College and worked for a large milk processing cooperative who operate globally. Initially specialising in delivering cost and efficiency projects, Mark has gone on to become a qualified health and safety practitioner prior to joining H&H in April 2023. Mark draws on his experience in both the manufacturing and agricultural sector to maintain the safe working practices within the auction marts, printers and wider business. He has embraced the opportunity to work in a diverse range of business in a rural setting and the specific challenges that brings. Mark runs a suckler herd of cattle at his farm near Annan and spends any spare time with family or on a mountain bike.
Job Titles:
- Non Executive Director
- Chairman of the Board of the Network Rail Certification Body
A physicist by training, Neil Hannah, from Penrith, was managing director with over 30 years' experience in the management of public, private and foundation businesses, in both the manufacturing and service sectors.
Neil brings an in-depth understanding of business and corporate governance in particular and is keen to support and advise the Board in three main areas; legal compliance, strategy, and to bring an external expert eye to the decision-making process.
Neil is also Chairman of the Board of the Network Rail Certification Body and a Non-Executive Director of the British Board of Agrement (which certifies construction products) and is on the board of the Fellrunner Village Bus community bus service.
Neil was delighted to join the Board of H&H as he feels Cumbria faces a number of challenges and it will be exciting to contribute to a local company that influences so much that we do - from the food that we eat, the environment we live in and the places we stay.
Job Titles:
- Group Marketing Manager
- Member of the Group Services Team
Nina is a highly organised and competent marketing manager with over 30 years' generalist experience in medium/large companies and a proven track record of successful marketing campaigns, introducing new brands, utilising PR / event management and communication skills.
She thrives on the challenge of working within a busy environment with a focus on making a difference and embracing new technologies (where possible!) which makes the Group Marketing role a perfect one for her, as no two days (or hours) are the same! Nina moved up to Cumbria from Northamptonshire in 2013 having worked for the H&H Group initially on a freelance basis from 2009.
Nina loves the Cumbrian countryside outdoors - whether biking or walking her dogs.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive
- Member of the Group Services Team
Richard joined what became Deloittes, qualified as a Chartered Accountant before moving into Corporate Finance and involved in transactions from small management buyouts to multi-national corporate acquisitions.
He moved to Cumbria, was made Corporate Finance Partner in 2006 running his own teams and offices; along the way advising a multitude of businesses - working with Boards of Directors and business owners to develop strategies through to making life changing decisions.
Richard commenced his CEO position in July 2018, enjoying the many challenges this presents.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Group Services Team
- Group Financial Accountant
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant down south, Roger relocated to Cumbria in 2002. Initially working within accountancy firms and then latterly in a couple of well-known local businesses, Roger gained a wide range of experiences and knowledge, developing his skillsets as an Accountant.
Roger joined H&H Group in 2016 and leads the Group Services Finance team. Every day poses different challenges, but the team meet them all head on, striving to do the best for the group of companies whilst living the company values, and ensuring that H&H is a fun and rewarding place to work.
Roger loves the outdoors and makes the most of the wonderful countryside in Cumbria with his family - whether on a bike, in a kayak or on foot.
Steve started work with H&H at Borderway in 1986, working in the yard. This ended with the onset of FMD in 2001, when he took over running the family farm Kinkry Hill, just south of the Scottish border.
Steve has a family dairy unit with a pedigree British Blue herd, and also sits on the British Blue national council.
Entrepreneur, farmer and businessman, Toby Mounsey-Heysham was born and bred in Cumbria. He farms Castletown, near Rockcliffe, Carlisle, a mixed farm with store cattle, suckler cows, sheep and an arable enterprise. He has also created a pod building and wedding/event business, Castletown Woodland Weddings, in partnership with Kirkup Butchers of Longtown.
From a strong commercial business background, Toby has founded and run a variety of enterprises across the UK. Currently Managing Director of Pinnacle Power, which designs, builds, operates, and finances low carbon energy networks, he also jointly founded Solway Construction and was a non-executive director of a Cumbrian Fibre Broadband company, Grain Connect.
Toby was honoured to be invited to join the Board and is look forward to working with the Board team members to help drive the H&H Group to an even more successful future.
Will joined the H&H Group Board in October 2018 and is a highly respected farmer and businessman, farming beef cattle and crops at Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. He is the third generation of Hamilton's to use the St Boswell's Auction Mart, which he first attended as a young child; Will aims to sell most of his cattle through the mart still to supply local butchers.
Over the years, Will has served on a number of UK and Scottish farming societies and committees.