The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2019 - Issue 65 | Page 60

60 ATV SPECIAL OCT/NOV 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk SEAMLESS TRANSITION FOR A GENERATION OF CUSTOMERS I recently met up with Chris Horn and his nephew Michael Hirst who are the owners of the newest ATV Business in West Yorkshire, H&H Services Holmfirth, based at Meltham Mills. This brand-new business, started from scratch in April, comes with both history and a remarkable pedigree. Both Chris and Michael previously worked for TURNER BROTHERS (HUDDERSFIELD) LIMITED, a very successful garage service business based in Holmfirth, who also since 2010 had the equally successful HONDA ATV and Quad-X acces- sory business, having very strong relationships with the farming community. Chris initially started with Turner Brothers in 2001 whilst still at school, he worked part time until leaving school in 2003 he then went full time and served a full appren- ticeship. When Turners started the Honda franchise in 2010, Chris became a fully skilled technician on Quads as well. Michael also served a full apprenticeship with Turner Brothers and worked with other major motor dealers as well. Michael is an engine and gearbox specialist, preferring the world of ATV’S and quads as he is involved with the whole machine. Chris’s ties with Turners doesn’t just lie with the motor and ATV business, both the Turners and the Horn’s are long-standing farmers UNIT J2, MELTHAM MILLS, MELTHAM, HD9 4DS [email protected] 01484 859322 H&H VEHICLE SERVICES HOLMFIRTH in the area, both having neigh- bouring farms. Chris’s father was a big dairy farmer at one time, however these days he just has 30 acres at Holmbridge. Chris has always wanted his own business. Two years ago, the Turner Brothers were thinking of selling and doing something different and they even sug- gested Chris should apply for the HONDA franchise and take the ATV business with him. This year everything came to fruition and the main business and premises were sold, one brother leaving to run a pub and the other went to focus on the family farm. Chris and Michael took the plunge in April along with the blessing of and early assistance from Turners. H&H Services are in a sizeable unit in Meltham Mills. From a standing start they have done remarkably well. As both Chris and Michael were known to Turner customers and Turners having such a good name, nearly all have simply transferred their business to H&H. As we know, farmers like continuity and people, they can trust. Not only has the servicing side been busy, sales have been strong with an already growing order book from day one. Quad-X accessories continue to be very popular as well. Chris and Michael have racked up some 7000 miles delivering new and used quads, accessories, urgent parts and picking up quads/ATV’S for service. Chris has applied for the HONDA dealership so at the moment they are HONDA special- ists but not official dealers. Even though their main catch- ment area stretches across Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds and Wakefield, they are now drawing farmers from Dent and Oldham surrounding areas, however deliveries have been country-wide down to the South Coast and up to Northern Scotland. What comes across talking to Chris and Michael is a very fresh and keen attitude coupled with a passion for the ATV business. As they are both time-served auto technicians they also offer a full service for all 4 x 4’s Land Rovers, pick-ups etc. Farmers Like a one-stop shop for keeping on the move and they’ve got one at H&H. As the business builds the plan for the immediate future is to have the site at Meltham as a dedicated showroom and offices and to build a dedicated service facility on the family land nearby. With Chris and Michael’s passion and drive, I’m sure this is just a matter of time and I wish them well. Farmers Mart will be doing a full feature on the business in the late spring. Honda ATV specialist. Part and service are available for all makes and models of ATV and UTV. We deal with well known accessories brands such as Wessex and Quad-X. For a quotation on NEW or USED ATV’s please call us on 01484 859322 now for an un-beatable price. We offer a collection and delivery service for all ATV and UTV’s. Visit our brand new showroom based in Meltham Mills.