A LEADING agricultural machinery supplier has appointed a marketing manager.

Sophie Allanby joins Ripon Farm Services (RFS) at an exciting stage in the company’s development.

She grew up on an arable farm just outside Malton and was actively involved with her local young farmers’ club.

She has a first class honours business degree from York St John’s University and has been in the marketing world for the past ten years in varying roles, including at the Castle Howard Estate as Communications Executive from 2018-21.

She said: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for me. RFS are one of the most respected companies in the farming sector in the UK and I am proud to be joining a close-knit and talented team.

“It will be my responsibility to develop and implement a dynamic marketing strategy that builds upon the substantial progress that Ripon Farm Services have made over the past two years.”

Richard Simpson, commercial director of RFS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sophie to our team. We are looking forward to her contribution as we develop our marketing strategy and grow our business.

"She arrives at RFS at a significant time in our development, as we look to build on our successes of the past, enhance our relationship with customers old and new and raise our profile across the region.”

Ripon Farm Services are one of the UK’s largest John Deere dealers with 11 depots, as well as three Ifor Williams trailer dealerships and a newly opened vehicle Paint and Body facility.

Last year, the company launched Europe’s largest combine harvester at the Great Yorkshire Show and earlier this year held a tremendously successful two-day agricultural machinery show in Harrogate.