Machinery
Open Day
Ben Burgess managing director Ben Turner (left) cutting the ribbon with North West Cambridgeshire and former government minister Shailesh Vara MP. Tools, sundries, clothing and toys are displayed along with garden machinery in the retail store.
...from previous page
available for storing larger machines or for product handovers and training, with five large bays, each with its own roller door for access. “Since moving in to the new premises we have increased the team size from 11 to 22 of which 12 are in the workshops, and we plan to take on at least another 2 staff later this year.” Two of the new workshop staff recruited are apprentices and Tim said that this fits well with the dealer’s ambitions for the future including ensuring those with enthusiasm and interest in agricultural machines can have the opportunity to develop their skills with structured training and guidance. The official opening was by North West Cambridgeshire and former government minister Shailesh Vara MP, who had supported the planning
application and he complimented its architecture, position and appeal. “Ben Burgess is going from strength to strength and engaging the next generation in this business,” he said.
Next generation Ben Burgess managing director Ben Turner, is keen for the company to not only expand, but also support anyone with an interest in the industry. He said, “It is often the case that business events like this are restricted to those in the commercial world and not open to the general public, children and families. Here at Ben Burgess we wanted to ensure that as many as possible could join us and enjoy the great atmosphere and food. By doing this; we hope to inspire the next generation to learn more about the agricultural, grounds care and construction industries.”
Confidence for the future Attending the opening was farmer and contractor Jon Eayrs. “The new
depot is just what was needed to maintain premium service backing up premium products,” he said. “As well as extra workshop space, additional room for more secondhand equipment will make it easier for us to look at and consider options when anything is needed. We started dealing with the team in 2000, so have known quite a few of the staff for many years, and they are all friendly and easy to deal with. We worried that as the business grew personal service would be lost, but that hasn’t happened. The larger parts stores and a bigger service team ensure even better service for our farm and our grass cutting and agricultural contracting operations, so we look forward to working with John Deere products and Ben Burgess in the future.” Tim added: “Customer comments at the event were extremely positive and feedback confirmed the view that Ben Burgess is here to stay with its long-term investment in the industry. This building and our expanding team reassures users that we have the capability to look after their needs for the future.” ■
Members of the Ben Burgess team at the open day l-r: Michael Casanova; Mark Cox; Holly Drew; Richard English; Simon Worboys; Ollie Owen; Dominic Truman; Joe Aspden; Alan Amey, Gemma Cook, Martin Underwood, Ben Conway, Ed Dawson, Neal Hussey, Rupert Greest; Robert White; Craig Kay; David Mason; Tim Vacher; Paul Thomas; Brandon King; Martin Fuller; Stuart Jones; Anthony Mottram and Hollie Cruickshank.
Jon Eayrs, pictured (right) with Ben Burgess GroundsCare Equipment sales representative Paul Thomas, is a farmer and contractor based near Huntingdon. Trading as Nightingale Grass he offers a grass cutting contracting service specialising in amenity areas and sports grounds and also works with his father on the family farm trading as Hilgrave Farming from where an agricultural contracting business is offered in conjunction with a neighbouring farmer. John Deere machinery includes a 6215R tractor and two combines, all bought through Ben Burgess. “For both grounds care and agricultural products the backup is excellent and the depot is local too, which helps. Sales, parts and service staff are all friendly and always helpful and quality products are stocked,” he commented.
Young open day visitor Annabelle Pike is pictured trying out a Roberine flail mower.
Local beer from Norfolk-based Woodforde’s Brewery proved popular; served at the event and presented to visitors in commemorative bottles marking the occasion.
96 www.farmersguide.co.uk July 2019
94-105 July.indd 96
24/06/2019 16:12