John Deere dealer Tallis Amos now has a new sales director and there is a new general manager at BAGMA. Other people on the move news this month includes a new director at Cheffins and BDC Systems has strengthened its sales network.

Tallis Amos Group (TAG) has recruited Mark Smith as agricultural sales director (East). Mark (left in main picture) had previously spent 27 years working for John Deere at Langar, latterly as strategic account manager for the UK & Ireland.

The announcement follows recent news from TAG regarding significant expansion into Shropshire after the decision by Rea Valley Tractors (RVT) to resign the John Deere franchise.

TAG was formed in 2012 when two long standing John Deere dealerships, Alexander & Duncan and Chris Tallis Farm Machinery, joined forces. Currently operating from four depots in the West Midlands and Wales at Evesham, Kemble, Leominster and Narberth, TAG also has plans to open an additional site near Lampeter in the next couple of months.

Employing a team of 150, TAG also represents numerous other manufacturers, including Kramer, Pottinger, Sumo, Pichon, Shelbourne Reynolds, Sulky and AW & Bailey Trailers,

“We have plans to double our turnover to £120m within four years,” comments TAG managing director Ben Tallis (right in picture), who adds that this latest appointment illustrates the ambition of the company and our desire to recruit first class people to help drive this journey.

“Simon and I have known Mark for over 20 years.  His strong relationships, extensive knowledge of the agricultural industry and exceptional product knowledge make him the ideal person to help TAG deliver its next stage of continued growth.”

“TAG has a phenomenal reputation and is at an exciting point in its expansion,” says Mark Smith. ”I look forward to working with the team to help take the company from strength to strength.”

BAGMA signs up new general manager

A well-known industry name will soon be taking the reins at the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA), with the appointment of Nick Darking as new general manager.

Effective from March 13, 2023, Nick joins BAGMA on the back of more than three decades in the land based engineering sector working with a cross section of customers and dealers in the agricultural and ground care sectors.

“I am delighted to be joining the BAGMA team,” comments Nick. ”Working with a fantastic group of industry professionals and using my knowledge to further the aims and objectives that BAGMA work so passionately to achieve. I look forward to re-connecting and developing these relationships and taking the next step of my career in the industry which I love.”

Having worked with a number of BAGMA members in previous roles, the majority of Nick’s career has been with machinery supplier Redexim where he began in a hands-on role in the workshop, before a long stint in a sales and support role. Nick has also worked closely alongside leading industry associations including BIGGA and the Grounds Management Association, and has sat on the AEA’s ‘Outdoor Power Equipment Council’ for the last 10 years.

Departing BAGMA director Keith Christian says that he is pleased to be handing over the organisation to a person that has a similar industry background and an understanding of the UK dealer network.

Cheffins strengthens machinery department

Cheffins has strengthened its machinery department with the promotion of Charles Wadsley from associate to director. Having previously worked for Strutt & Parker as a farm agent, the qualified rural chartered surveyor and agricultural valuer joined Cheffins in May 2021.

Charles Wadsley

From a farming family in North Cambridgeshire, Mr Wadsley primarily focusses on machinery valuation work and both on site and vintage sales. “I have been involved in a wide range of modern and vintage auctions across the UK in the past couple of years at Cheffins,” he comments, “and have now built a strong book of contacts within the market.”

Oliver Godfrey, head of the machinery department at Cheffins, adds that Charles has been instrumental in the delivery of many of the firm’s multi-million pound on site sales. “He is now and accomplished auctioneer,” says Mr Godfrey, “and quite comfortable on the rostrum, which has proved invaluable at several sales in recent months.”

New regional sales manager at BDC Systems 

Tom Bane has been appointed as regional sales manager in the important East of England area for BDC Systems.

With existing relationships with farmers, dealers and commercial operators across the Eastern region, Mr Bane says that the chance to join the BDC team was an opportunity he did not want to miss.

Tom Bane

“Drawing on my experience across farming enterprises, and within the commercial sector, I am looking forward to being able to offer a range of grain handling solutions,” he comments.

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