Senior appointment in York targets rural and renewables growth
Wilkin Chapman Rollits has expanded its York office with the arrival of Holly Gibson as a senior associate, in a move the firm says will deepen specialist legal support for the region’s agricultural and rural economy. Gibson, who joins from SJP Law, brings experience across agricultural property, renewables and development work in Yorkshire.
The appointment underscores the firm’s stated ambition to grow its footprint across York and North Yorkshire, where farming, land management and diversification projects remain central to many local livelihoods. The firm said Gibson’s sector knowledge and regional connections would help address the evolving needs of farms, estates and rural businesses — from land transactions and tenancies through to energy and development agreements.
“Holly is a fantastic addition to our York office and our agriculture team. She brings specialist expertise in agricultural property matters, alongside a strong understanding of the issues facing rural businesses and landowners across the region. As we continue to develop our presence in York and North Yorkshire, Holly's experience and connections within the agricultural sector will be invaluable.”
Gibson is also sponsorship secretary for the Ryedale Show, one of North Yorkshire’s best-known agricultural fixtures. Wilkin Chapman Rollits confirmed it will sponsor and exhibit at this year’s show on 28 July, placing the new hire at the intersection of professional advice and the county’s farming community at a key moment in the rural calendar.
“I'm delighted to have joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits and to be part of a highly respected team with a strong reputation and a passion for the agricultural sector. Agriculture is at the heart of many rural communities, and I look forward to supporting farmers, landowners and businesses with the opportunities and challenges they face.”
Focus on land, diversification and energy
While the firm did not disclose caseload details, the areas highlighted — agricultural land, renewables and development — reflect ongoing activity across the countryside. For many landowners, specialist legal advice is often needed to navigate:
- Property and tenure — including sales and purchases of farmland, boundary and access matters, agricultural tenancies and succession planning.
- Diversification and development — agreements for commercial uses, conversions and rural enterprise projects linked to changing market conditions.
- Renewable energy — land options and leases for schemes such as solar and other low-carbon projects, where contractual terms and long timelines require careful scrutiny.
Firms with a dedicated agricultural practice can help align legal risk with operational realities on farms and estates, where seasonal pressures and supply chain factors often shape decision-making. In North Yorkshire, the cumulative effect of these projects can be significant for local employment, infrastructure and the environment.
Local presence and sector links
Wilkin Chapman Rollits said the appointment is part of a broader effort to build its presence in York and the wider county. The firm’s decision to support and attend the Ryedale Show provides a visible platform for engagement with clients and stakeholders from across the rural economy, at a time when many are weighing investment, diversification or estate management decisions.
Gibson’s role at the show and her background in agriculture-focused legal work suggest an emphasis on practical, on-the-ground advice for clients who balance land stewardship with commercial pressures. The firm highlighted her network within the sector as an asset for connecting specialist legal services with real-world needs, from small family farms to larger enterprises.
At-a-glance: the appointment
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Senior Associate, Agricultural Property |
| Office | York |
| Previous firm | SJP Law |
| Specialisms | Agricultural property, renewables, development |
| Sector ties | Sponsorship Secretary, Ryedale Show |
| Upcoming event | Wilkin Chapman Rollits to sponsor and exhibit at Ryedale Show on 28 July |
What this means for rural clients
For farmers and landowners around York, access to locally based specialists can streamline deals and reduce delays where agricultural considerations differ from standard commercial property practice. The firm’s expanded expertise may assist with transactions involving farmland, wayleaves, and site agreements associated with new infrastructure or green energy schemes, as well as development proposals linked to rural diversification.
With the Ryedale Show drawing together producers, suppliers and advisers, attendees can expect the firm’s team to be on hand to discuss current issues and opportunities. The combination of sponsorship and exhibition presence provides a touchpoint for those seeking guidance on upcoming projects or compliance requirements.
Gibson’s appointment adds capacity at a time when many in the countryside are examining long-term plans for their holdings. The firm’s emphasis on agriculture suggests a continued focus on the region’s rural economy, aligning professional services with community priorities across York and North Yorkshire.
