When hard work doesn’t go unnoticed…

The past couple of weeks have been tough.
Chains under pressure.
Deadlines tight.
Plenty of moving parts.

But while things have felt intense, Julie our Sales Negotiator has been quietly holding it all together.

Constant updates
Reassuring vendors
Keeping chains intact
Solving problems before they become disasters

 

And the results?
Over the last two weeks alone she’s received:

A box of chocolates
Two beautiful bunches of flowers
And a bottle of something to celebrate

That’s not luck. That’s trust.

It’s a reflection of the care and persistence she puts into every transaction – Well done Julie.
From the rest of us here at Brecon, we’re proud to have you on the team.

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Small Grants Efficiency – Now Open

Small Grants Efficiency

Grantiau Bach Effeithlonrwydd

 

Open now in Wales – Applications close 27th February 2026.

For more information and assistance in making an application contact: | Am fwy o wybodath a chymorth i wneud cais cysylltwch â:
𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01547 528621
𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01544 230316
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01938 531000
𝗛𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝘆𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01497 820778
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01874 610990

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Management Training Day

Management Training Day

 

Everyday is a school day and last week was no exception when our Management team were at our head office in Ludlow.

We enjoyed an engaging day of structured learning from Danton HR. Enhancing our skills, knowledge, competence whilst developing new skills.

Standing L-R: Peter Elkington, Duncan Roke (Danton HR), Joanna Wall, Nicola Roke (Danton HR), Zoe Herbert, Tracy Roberts, Dom Sumner & Phillip Blackman-Howard.

Seated: Geraint Jones & Patrina Davies.

 

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Fine Art Sale Report

Fine Art Sale Report – 22nd January 2026

 

McCartneys Portcullis Auction Room reports a typically smaller sale of 350 lots for January. However, results were very buoyant generally with enthusiastic bidding both in the room and on the internet platforms.

Join us for the next sale on 19th February 2026 – Entries are invited on 3rd, 4th & 5th February between 9.00am & 4.30pm.

McCartneys | Fine Art

 

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Our first Evening of Advice at Ludlow

An Evening of Advice – A Topical Farming Update

 

We were delighted to host our first Evening of Advice at the Ox Pasture, Ludlow. The event offered a valuable overview of recent and upcoming Inheritance Tax changes, explored from both a solicitor’s and accountant’s perspective.

Guests also enjoyed a light-hearted and insightful case study from the renowned John Uffold, highlighting the importance of accurate record-keeping and valuations.

The evening concluded with an update on this year’s English grants and schemes from Josh Balsdon, alongside an insightful overview of the new Renters’ Rights Act, presented by Joanna Wall, which is due to be implemented in England from May 2026 for let properties.

 

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Appointment as Official Auctioneers

Appointment as Official Auctioneers for the British Spotted Pony Society

 

McCartneys is delighted to announce its appointment as Official Auctioneers for the British Spotted Pony Society.

This exciting collaboration will see a dedicated showcase of quality spotted ponies within the September Equine sale at Worcester, bringing together the Society’s breed expertise with McCartneys’s long-established experience in equine auctioneering. The partnership aims to provide an excellent platform for vendors and purchasers alike, promoting the British Spotted Pony to a wide audience.

The sale on Saturday 27th September 2026 will feature a strong selection of spotted ponies, reflecting the breed’s versatility, quality and growing popularity, and will be fully supported by the British Spotted Pony Society.

Commenting on the appointment, Phillip Blackman-Howard, Head of McCartneys Equine said:
“We are proud to have been appointed Official Auctioneers for the British Spotted Pony Society and we are delighted that yet again a Breed Society has decided to use our Equine division as an excellent professional outlet for their members. This exciting opportunity will showcase the quality of British Spotted Ponies within our September Horse Sale.”

Further details regarding entries, schedules and sale arrangements will be announced in due course.

For more information, please contact:
Phillip Blackman-Howard
01584 813764 or 07815 743478
Email | McCartneys Equine

BSPS Logo

 

 

Mart Safe Training

LAA Mart Safe Training – Livestock Markets

 

We feel Drover training is vital at our Livestock Markets because it ensures animals are handled calmly, safely, and efficiently, protecting both livestock and the people working with them.

Courses run by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) provide Drovers with the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour, reduce stress, and maintain high welfare standards. At McCartneys, this training supports safe working practices, smooth market operations, and a professional environment that reflects the high standards expected by farmers, buyers, and the wider industry.  With thanks to Gwyn Williams from the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association for putting together another informative and productive day of learning and development.

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Auctioneer Qualifications

Graduation and awards ceremony at Harper Adams University

 

Congratulations to Lloyd Humphreys and Tom Pritchard for achieving a Certificate in Higher Education in Livestock Market: Operations & Management, and fellowship status to the Livestock Auctioneers Association.  The four-year programme concluded with a graduation ceremony at Harper Adams University on Monday 5 January.

Tom Pritchard, associate partner and livestock auctioneer at Brecon and Kington Livestock Markets, McCartneys LLP, said:

“The course has helped me understand the importance of the work done before and after a sale. Ensuring you have the right buyers, staff and facilities is just as important as the sale itself, as is maintaining strong relationships with buyers and sellers afterwards.”

“I have made a lot of friends from all over the UK who I know I can call on for advice or help if needed. It has given me an insight into how farming and the marketing of livestock is done in other areas.”

Email | Tom Pritchard

Email | Lloyd Humphreys

 

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(Photo courtesy of LAA)

 

First Equine Sale of 2026

Brecon Equine Sale 17th January 2026

 

We have an entry of 70 Horses & Ponies for our first equine sale of the year. As always, there is a wide and varied selection on offer, ranging from youngstock and riding ponies through to all-rounders and leisure horses, and we are confident there will be something to suit everyone.

We would like to thank both our vendors and buyers for their continued support of our equine sales here at Brecon and very much look forward to welcoming you on Saturday for what promises to be a positive start to the 2026 season.

The canteen will be open as usual CASH ONLY.

Brecon Market Office 01874 622386

Pre-sale viewing available via Facebook and Marteye.

Our next catalogued sale will be held on Saturday 21st February 2026. Entries will close on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at midnight – Click HERE for entry information.

General Photo 4

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When hard work doesn’t go unnoticed…

The past couple of weeks have been tough. Chains under pressure. Deadlines tight. Plenty of moving parts. But while things have felt intense, Julie our Sales Negotiator has been quietly holding it all together. Constant updates Reassuring vendors Keeping chains intact Solving problems before they become disasters   And the results? Over the last two […]

Read more
Read more

Small Grants Efficiency – Now Open

Small Grants Efficiency Grantiau Bach Effeithlonrwydd   Open now in Wales – Applications close 27th February 2026. For more information and assistance in making an application contact: | Am fwy o wybodath a chymorth i wneud cais cysylltwch â: 𝗞𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01547 528621 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01544 230316 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 01938 531000 𝗛𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝘆𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: […]

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Our 2026 Collective Land & Property Auction dates are now confirmed   Join us at The Salwey Arms, Wooferton, Ludlow. Contact us to enter property or register interest. McCartneys | Offices  

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Management Training Day

Management Training Day   Everyday is a school day and last week was no exception when our Management team were at our head office in Ludlow. We enjoyed an engaging day of structured learning from Danton HR. Enhancing our skills, knowledge, competence whilst developing new skills. Standing L-R: Peter Elkington, Duncan Roke (Danton HR), Joanna […]

Read more
Read more

Fine Art Sale Report

Fine Art Sale Report – 22nd January 2026   McCartneys Portcullis Auction Room reports a typically smaller sale of 350 lots for January. However, results were very buoyant generally with enthusiastic bidding both in the room and on the internet platforms. Join us for the next sale on 19th February 2026 – Entries are invited […]

Read more
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Historic Architecture

There’s something quietly powerful about historic architecture. Not just the way it looks, but the way it feels. These buildings weren’t designed to impress at speed. They invite you to slow down—notice the hand-cut stone, the uneven glass, the worn thresholds shaped by centuries of footsteps. Every detail carries memory, craft, and human touch. What […]

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Our first Evening of Advice at Ludlow

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Read more
Read more

Appointment as Official Auctioneers

Appointment as Official Auctioneers for the British Spotted Pony Society   McCartneys is delighted to announce its appointment as Official Auctioneers for the British Spotted Pony Society. This exciting collaboration will see a dedicated showcase of quality spotted ponies within the September Equine sale at Worcester, bringing together the Society’s breed expertise with McCartneys’s long-established […]

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The Big Breakfast – Brecon Market

The Big Breakfast – Saturday 7th February 2026    

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Topical Farming Updates – An Evening of Advice

Topical Farming Updates – An Evening of Advice Expert speakers. Key rural updates. Practical guidance. 27 Jan (Ludlow) | 29 Jan (Worcester)6:00pm | Refreshments from 5:30pmCall 01588 672385 to book your place.  

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