What does your job typically involve?
There are two key elements really. As part of Agrovista’s Leadership Team I work alongside the business’ other Directors defining our strategy and then designing and implementing our plans. On a day to day basis my key role is to ensure all our colleagues can deliver the best customer service possible whatever their specific job. We have sales teams from Elgin in the North of Scotland to Liskeard in the South West so I’m familiar with the UK’s service station network!
What's the best part of your job?
There’s nothing better than meeting a customer and listening to how a true partnership between them and their agronomist is delivering great results. We operate in an increasingly challenging market place and I see open and honest transfer of knowledge as vital in really delivering value to our customers. Agriculture is populated with fantastic characters and, despite the occasional road bump, there is typically a work hard, play hard ethos within the industry which keeps a smile on your face!
What’s most challenging?
Farming is changing, and the speed of change is likely to increase - that’s something which I believe we all recognise. The current regulatory environment linked with the uncertain political outlook clearly poses a number of issues for both Agrovista and our customers, but it is one we’re looking forward to embracing. On a day-to-day basis our key message is about demonstrating real value; we’re constantly challenged to reduce costs, but our ethos is, and always will be, to deliver the best technical advice first and foremost. The right advice and, subsequently, product selection should always deliver the best return for each and every one of our growers – it’s not just about how much we spend!