DEALERSHIP FOUNDERS STEPPING BACK

Lincolnshire dealership, Irelands Farm Machinery, have announced that an effective succession plan will safeguard the future of the company under the guidance of a new management team.

Founders, Jonathan and Fiona Ireland, have said they will step back from day-to-day management of the dealership in April and hand over the reins to an experienced young team, who are familiar with the business and have the enthusiasm required to take it forward. The positive move also involves a restructure of the hire fleet, which offers the business a chance to sell items such as tractors, telehandlers and other machinery via an auction to be conducted by Cheffins.
 
Jonathan Ireland says the decision to retire has been made easier as the existing team wants to be part of Irelands for years to come. “We are both extremely happy with the decision," he confirmed. "Most of the new management team have been with us for several years and have taken responsibility from an early age at the sharp end of the business. They have become experienced in many aspects and, most importantly, they have our trust.
 
“Following this decision, and after much deliberation, we have decided to restructure the hire side of business, streamlining and selling some of our current stock of tractors, forklifts and implements, along with machines that we had planned to replace and update later this year. The hire business will still operate, and the reorganisation of our fleet will be beneficial for the new team.”
 
Established in 1994, Irelands Farm Machinery has successfully grown into a respected dealership, selling major machinery brands such as Kubota, Bunning, Stewart, Kverneland and Spearhead among several others. It has effectively expanded its area over the years to three depots across Lincolnshire in Carrington, Sutterton and Market Rasen.
 
The sale will include 20 modern John Deere and Kubota tractors, alongside four JCB telehandlers, 16 grain and root crop trailers and implements including mowers, cultivation equipment and fertiliser spreaders; and several UTVs.
 
Oliver Godfrey, Director, and head of machinery at Cheffins, said the company should be praised on its progressive management to secure a bright future for the three depots. “This is great example of where a clear and well executed succession plan has allowed a successful business to continue supporting its customer base with an experienced new team at the helm. Holding an auction provides an effective way for the business to streamline current stock and offer the new team a fresh start.”
 
The sale will take place on Wednesday 28th February 2024 at Irelands’ Carrington depot in Lincolnshire.