Improved livestock sales drive profits at H&H Group

Profits at auctioneer and land agency firm H&H Group lifted to a new record high in the past year, with most of the increase coming from the livestock trading business Harrison and Hetherington.

H&H Group is made up of several businesses, including Harrison & Hetherington, H&H Land and Estates and H&H Insurance Brokers.

Pre-tax profits totalled £1.72m for the year ending 30 June 2025, up from £422,000 in 2024.

See also: Exceptional beef trade holds at £6.60/kg amid tight supplies

Turnover at the group was also higher, lifting marginally to £19.87m, while the operating profit increased to just shy of £3m.

Chief executive Richard Rankin said: “This year’s strong results mark a significant moment for H&H Group, reinforcing the effectiveness of our long-term strategy and positioning us for continued growth in a changing rural economy.”

A final dividend payment of 20p per share will be made to shareholders, in addition to an earlier 8p dividend.

Auction business                                              

Harrison and Hetherington operates seven auction marts across the North of England and Scottish Borders.

In the company’s annual report, chairman Will Hamilton said the value of cattle and sheep increased significantly in 2025, contributing to a record £293m throughput, but the farmstock team have also increased numbers traded and therefore market share.

“This is an excellent achievement when the national sheep flock and beef herd are reducing,” he added.

“The trading restrictions due to the bluetongue virus were overcome successfully with little impact on the bottom line in this trading year.”