The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2019 - Issue 63 | Page 66

66 RIPON FARM SERVICES JUN/JUL 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk RBM Acquisition Part of Ripon’s strategy for growth included the expansion of its dealer network. One of the dealerships of interest to Ripon was RBM based at Market Weighton. RBM has been a growing and successful company run by Adrian Denner very much on the same lines as Ripon, with a strong focus on custom- er service, staff development and retention. Adrian was looking to retire and an approach was made to ascertain if Ripon wanted to acquire the RBM business. It became appar- ent very early on in the discussions that the RBM business would be an ideal fit. From a geographical perspective RBM has five key locations. Market Weighton (East Yorkshire), Malton (North Yorkshire), Clarborough (Not- tinghamshire), Brigg (North Lincolnshire), and Louth (East Lincolnshire). There was also an excellent cultural fit and these depots are now well integrated into the Ripon Farm Group. Both businesses have recently celebrated 50 years as John Deere dealerships – no mean achievement. Following lengthy negotiations to secure the business and assets of RBM, Geoff was delighted and said “This acquisition repre- sents considerable investment in our business and our skilled workforce and fits perfectly with our growth ambitions. It provides us with a great opportunity to expand our reputation for delivering high quality products and ser- vices to a much wider customer base.” Geoff described it to me as like two pieces of a very large jigsaw finally coming together. As I said earlier the RBM branches increase the Ripon farm business to twelve dealerships now. Full rebranding is under way to complete the process. This acquisition also means RBM customers now have an extended choice of franchises to choose from and the extended branch network provides more opportunity for staff development and progression. Ripon Farm Services is now one of the largest John Deere dealerships and with its widespread geography, number of employ- ees, vast inventory of parts, machinery and equipment, presents a mighty task for Geoff to control, manage and develop. Geoff has al- ways been a hard worker and even now puts in phenomenal hours when many might want to take it easy. However, Geoff has always had an absolute passion for the business, its people and his customers. If you enjoy something then you don’t stop. The recent appointment of Joe Widdup to the board of directors couldn’t have come at a better time and will bring new strength and vision to Geoff and his fellow directors Stew- art Hymas and eldest son Paul Brown. There is also a strong senior management team comprising of Phil Gregg-Group Operations manager, Tim Petfield – Group Parts man- ager, Tom Jobling – Group Service manager and Richard Halsall – Group Sales manager. Joe Widdup joined Ripon Farm Services as Financial Director and comes with a considerable pedigree. He was formerly a financial director for another business giant – Eddie Stobart, looking after c2,200 trucks and c3,600 trailers! Joe was perfect- ly content, the only increasingly wearing part was the nightmare journey from Ilkley to Warrington and back every day. Joe was excited by the vision and potential of Ripon and after due discussions, Stobart’s blessing and a successor in place, Joe bid farewell and now only has a 40-minute journey to work. 2019 has got off to a great start and all is now set for Ripon Farm Service’s next chap- ter. I did ask Geoff how he planned to cater for all the RBM customers when it came to the renowned Ripon Farm Open event in January. “Simple” he said, “we will lay on some coaches”. Already thinking ahead and planning, that’s Geoff. ATTACHMENTS SPECIALIST UK MANUFACTURER Ripon Farm Services carry the full range of Cherry Products talk to your local depot to discuss your requirements. CONTACT US TODAY 01608 678 197 [email protected] www.cherryproducts.co.uk