60 YEARS OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE

Roy Belt of Lincolnshire Motors part of the Burdens Group, a New Holland Agriculture dealership based in Louth, Lincolnshire has finally decided to enjoy his well-deserved retirement after 60 years of service supplying parts to Lincolnshire farmers.

Back in 1963 and fresh from school, Roy began working for Lincolnshire Motors in Caistor, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Motors became part of the Burdens Group in 2018. Roy went on to oversee the parts department in Welton and Louth where he became a director in 1991. 

He was originally supplying parts for the Fordson tractors which were made by the Ford Motor Company in Dagenham, Essex before production moved to the New Holland plant in Basildon in 1964. Roy has worked with three generations of farming families providing a wealth of parts knowledge which has contributed to the business growth over the years.

Roy said, “I have seen many changes during my 60 years of service but the thing I find outstanding is the price of a tractors today compared to the price in 1963. Back then you could buy a Fordson tractor for £850! Nowadays some of the parts I sell can cost over £1,600.

"I remember some of the farmers that I dealt with in the 1960s who were real characters and would often bring in sacks of potatoes or apples for the staff depending on the season. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the New Holland brand during the last 60 years and I have seen many new brands come and go but the Blue Brand Heritage has remained constant.”

Roy Belt receives a presentation from Kevin Bell, director of Burdens Group

Kevin Bell, director Burdens Group commented, “Having worked with Roy myself for thirty years I know he will be missed by our own team and loyal customers equally. An ever present, only recently taking holidays, Roy has greeted generations of customers politely with a knowledge of particularly older cultivation and harvesting machinery second to none. Roy and his colleagues who joined us from school and have remained through decades of change have provided the business with a stability which keeps customers coming back to our brand."

David Rapkins New Holland business director UK & ROI added, “We thank Roy for his dedicated service over the last 60 years to the New Holland brand which is an amazing achievement. I am sure he has passed on his knowledge and work ethic to current employees at the Burdens Group. The New Holland team wish him a restful, enjoyable, and long retirement.”

Roy says he looks forward to spending his retirement enjoying a cruise around the Baltics and starting a gardening project at his new home that he has recently moved in to.