Flexible approach is key to success

Established in October 2005 Guy Machinery was created when AGCO decided to close Gibsons Tractors of Skipton who they owned through Valtra. At the time Graham Guy was running an agricultural contracting firm in Colne Lancashire and had been a customer of Gibsons Tractors having used Valtra tractors since 1999. As a former customer when offered the opportunity to take over the franchises and customer base of Gibsons Graham Guy saw a real opportunity to develop his business interests. Today Guy Machinery are main dealers for Valtra tractors and Krone grassland management equipment and continue to work closely with sister company C & GA Guy Contractors.

Covering an area which encompasses much of Lancashire, west Yorkshire and the dales their base at Skipton auction mart is ideally placed to offer both on farm and in house service and repairs as well as supplying a wide range of agricultural machinery, construction vehicles including cranes and telehandlers. Amongst the established names they hold agencies for are Amazone fertilizer spreaders, Joskin slurry tankers, Rolland, Redrock, Dieci and San Marco International. Details of the wide range of products offered can be accessed via the company's web site www.guymachinery.co.uk .

Three experienced engineers all who have undergone manufacturer's training course are employed. They provide the technical service to farmers, able to work either on site or on farm. "The engineers provide the essential backup needed in today's agricultural environment", says Graham Guy.

As the business continues to grow Graham Guy is keen to recruit more qualified engineering staff to ensure he maintains a first class service to his customers. However the task is proving more difficult than first thought, there appearing to be a shortage of qualified personnel in this area.

As with all modern businesses a flexible approach to customers is a key element. Farmers have the option to purchase or hire equipment and tractors in the full knowledge that should anything go wrong Guy's have the expertise to put things right and most important carry a full range of spare parts.

However, as with many other businesses throughout the country they have seen the need to diversify and not surprising therefore in the show room they offer a wide range of ancillary agricultural equipment providing a one-stop shop for farmers. Being sited on the site of Skipton auction mart means that farmers attending market can combine this with the chance to purchase machinery spares and tools at one visit.

In addition the company also specialise in the sales and service of ATVs and quad bikes. This area of work was not in the game plan when they took over Gibsons. However, as Gibsons had been dealing with quad bikes it was no surprise that they had numerous enquiries about servicing and sales of quads and logically they decided to continue to be involved with them. Today they are seeing a significant increase in sales of quads for the leisure sector a side of the business which is expanding year on year.

Yet another development has been on the construction side where they are active in the sales/hire of cranes and telehandling machines.

The company works closely with the Contracting operation providing essential services to farmers, which may only be required infrequently. Contracting some work cuts out the need for expensive equipment to be lying idle for long periods. There are six key areas of contracting work which the company undertake:

• Forage harvesting

• Baling

• Slurry spreading

• Manure spreading

• Ploughing, reseeding and drilling

• Lime and fertiliser spreading.

In addition the contracting company are able to offer agricultural and construction machinery and equipment hire including the following:

• Tractors - from 100-190hp

• Telescopic Handlers - from 6-17m reach,

agricultural or construction use

• Baler - big round

• Baler - big square

• Cereal Drill - power harrow combination

• Fertiliser Spreader - spinning disc

• Flat Roll - single

• Lime Spreader - 7.5 tonne capacity

• Mowers

• Muck Spreader - 8 tonne side delivery

• Muck Spreader - 10 tonne rear discharge

• Pasture Topper

• Power Harrow - 3 metre

• Skid Steer Loader

• Slurry Tanker - 1600 gallon

• Slurry Tanker - 2000 gallon

• Trailer - 11 tonne grain/root

• Trailer - 11 tonne silage

• Trailer - 14 tonne high speed

Despite his active involvement in both the machinery and contracting business Graham Guy still farms sheep and cattle and in the little spare time he has manages a least one visit a year to Formula 1 Grand Prix.