Clarke and Pulman seal funding for growth

A NORTH West agricultural machinery business which supplies Manchester United, has agreed a new funding package to allow it to drive forward growth plans .

The funding for Clarke and Pulman of Burscough, Lancashire, comes as the company celebrates 10 years in business with two new hires, taking its workforce to 25.

The firm sells, hires and services agricultural and groundcare machinery. It has up to 40 machines in service around the country at any time. Two years ago it secured an agreement to become the region’s sole supplier of JCB machinery and parts.

Customers range from farms and agricultural businesses to local authorities and football clubs, including Manchester United.

The business is also now planning to move to larger premises in the area. Its new banking facilities are worth almost £1m over the last five years and include substantial working capital finance. The facilities were arranged by Ian Hardman, head of Yorkshire’s business and private banking centre in Preston.

Managing director Ged Clarke said: “From the moment the business was established in 2003, it has been our aim to become one of the UK’s leading agricultural machinery dealerships. I am proud to say, with help from our banking partners, Yorkshire Bank, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.

David Hannon, Yorkshire Bank’s head of agribusiness, said: “Clarke and Pulman has earned a first class reputation within the farming industry for its wide range of machinery, knowledgeable staff and high standard of aftersales care.”