Our Team
Director and Sole Principal: Kate Rankine MRICS FAAV
I graduated from the University of Reading in 2014 with a First-Class degree in Rural Property Management before spending 8 years in the Savills Northumberland team, gaining significant estate management experience working for a range of private, charitable and institutional clients.
I was thrilled to qualify as a rural Chartered Surveyor and a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) in autumn 2016, gaining the highest mark in the north of England in the CAAV exam.
During my years at Savills, my skills and experience grew, along with clients’ confidence in me, enabling me to become a trusted advisor to a portfolio of clients.
I have significant experience in all aspects of rural estate and property management ranging from developing strategy and financial management to landlord and tenant matters, insurance, compliance and health and safety, across agricultural, residential, forestry, commercial, energy and environmental assets.
I have managed estates across Northumberland, Cumbria and County Durham, ranging from upland estates with significant environmental and statutory designations to lowland estates with arable ground and grassland, coupled with development opportunities and urban fringe challenges.
In 2022, I was awarded a Certificate in Trusts and Estates (distinction grade) by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), verifying my understanding of trusts, probate, estate and trust accounts and capital taxation.
In 2024, I was awarded an Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (distinction grade) by STEP, which I studied to enable me to further support my clients with capital tax and succession planning.
I achieve personal fulfilment through delivering a proactive and efficient land agency service to clients. Rankine Rural is allowing me to accomplish this, and I am thoroughly enjoying working with my growing portfolio of clients, being completely in control of my business and the service on offer.
“Rankine Rural is an exciting challenge for me, and I continue to develop existing relationships as well as building new ones, with landowners, professionals and occupiers across the region” Kate
My Way of Working
I take time to understand my clients, their values and how best I can help them prosper in the rapidly changing rural world. Rural estates are multi-faceted businesses as is the service I provide, supporting multi-generational visions for the long-term and detailed delivery of actions in the short-term.
My business is built on relationships and relies on continuing excellence in the quality of service; my constant aim is to anticipate clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.
I enjoy working with clients who share my passion for rural property, for getting things right and for seeking continuous improvement.
Kate Rankine
Consultant: Michael Orde
I spent over 40 years as a rural Chartered Surveyor becoming a partner of Smiths Gore in 1995 and a director of Savills in 2015, specialising in providing strategic oversight for rural estates together with advice on business structures, management & governance as well as succession & capital tax planning. I also supervised multi-disciplinary teams in their delivery of complex projects, both for the firm and for clients. I was involved in running Smiths Gore for 14 years on its executive committee and the firm’s Northumbrian Offices, for 20 years. I left Savills in 2022 and continue to offer strategic support, as beneficial, to Kate and her clients.
I have also developed a portfolio of non-executive and trustee roles including on the boards of the Northumberland National Park Foundation, Groundwork NE & Cumbria, the Soil Association Land Trust, Durham Diocese Closed Churches Uses Panel and Northumbria Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements, alongside running Lord Crewe’s Charity and an upland grazing farm partnership.
Having worked with Kate since she left University, I am delighted to be able to support her in Rankine Rural Limited, confident that she has the experience, professional expertise and drive to deliver clients’ needs and expectations in an effective manner.
Michael Orde
Administrator: Brigitte Robson
I moved to rural Northumberland from my native Leicestershire in 1988 and spent many years gaining extensive experience as an administrator/PA/secretary in various business disciplines. I was drawn to rural estate management by my passion for the countryside and a keen desire to support rural communities where I lived and worked.
I was office manager and secretary to Michael at Smiths Gore (then Savills) from 2004 to 2016, where I first worked with Kate in the early days of her career. It was a demanding and varied position, where I acquired further valuable experience of rural estate practices and property management.
When Kate asked me to provide administrative support for her rapidly growing workload, I jumped at the chance. Remembering the enthusiasm, professionalism and high standards Kate always demanded, I knew this would be a challenge I would enjoy and it's great to be part of the team again.
I enjoy building close working relationships with clients and manage my time efficiently to achieve cost-effective outcomes in line with Rankine Rural's ethos.
Brigitte Robson