RNS' Chris Driver (centre) with Neil Jackson (left) and Russell Button, partners at Yorkshire and Humber Machinery Specialists.Supported by RNS' agricultural team, business partners Russell Button and Neil Jackson formed Yorkshire and Humber Machinery Specialists to supply top quality root crop brands and crop protection applications.
Their impressive portfolio has been boosted further by becoming the UK's second dealership for Belgium manufacturers Dewulf.
Russell said he and Neil had worked together in the business since school, building up a huge amount of knowledge and experience before deciding to set up on their own.
“We just felt there was an opportunity,” he said. “It has been a lot of hard work but we are delighted with how the business is growing.
“Our thanks to Adrian Ingleton, Chris Driver and the agricultural team at RNS who have been with us from starting up.
“They have offered great help and support.
“Like ourselves, they have developed a huge amount of knowledge and experience in the sector and we have always been confident in the advice offered.”
The business specialises in supplying equipment for root crops, particularly potatoes and carrots.
“Our focus is on the planting, harvesting and storing of these crops,” said Russell. “The crop protection side is an important part of the business, supplying crop sprayers and crop protection equipment.”
As well as Dewulf, the Beverley firm is also agents for ScanStone potato systems, Agrifac crop sprayers, Horstine granular applicators and Gainsborough-based Chafer sprayers.
“We cover north Lincolnshire, north Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire for Dewulf.
“The UK is a huge market for the firm but, previously, it only had one other importer, based in Cambridgeshire.
“As its product range grew, customers wanted local service and support and that is what we offer. Dewulf represents 50% of our turnover.
“It is a low volume, high value industry.
“But we have a good mix between the root crop and crop protection sides of the business.
“It is about providing that localised service. If equipment is not working, crucial operating windows are missed, increasing costs. Customers want that local back up with spare parts on the shelf.
“While it has been hard work, we believe there is a lot of potential out there and we are keen to grow further.”
RNS' Chris Driver congratulated Russell and Neil on their success.
“They have built an excellent reputation with customers and suppliers in a relatively short space of time,” he said.
“It's been a pleasure to see the business show excellent growth in its three years and support Russell and Neil in their ambitious plans.”