Partner Spotlight: Rickerby Wins Trust by Knowing the Machines
Rickerby is a Carlisle-founded dealer with nearly 150 years of history and a Redexim relationship that stretches back to the early 1990s. Its ground care team is known for knowing what it sells.
From Carlisle Foundry to Ground Care Specialist
Rickerby Ltd began in 1880, making agricultural rollers at a foundry in Carlisle. Today it is a major agricultural dealer operating nine depots, with a dedicated ground care division. The business heads towards 150 years in 2030.
Rickerby has been part of the Redexim story for decades. When the Verti-Drain came to the UK through Charterhouse, now part of Redexim, Rickerby was there.
“Colleagues of mine did go to the actual launch,” says Alistair McRobert, Sales Manager.
For Area Sales Manager David Common, one reason the relationship has endured is the products. “Charterhouse always had a good reputation for quality products,” he says. He also points to a steady stream of launches. “They’ve always got new products coming out to fill a hole in the market. That’s one of the reasons we’ve stayed with Redexim.”
Knowledge That Customers Can Feel
Alistair has been with Rickerby for more than 20 years. David started with the company 43 years ago. Long service is common throughout the business. The company regularly presents 25-year service awards. Its managing director started out as a ground care apprentice 25 years ago.
Tom Alexander is the third member of Rickerby’s full-time ground care sales team, alongside Alistair and David. He joined five years ago and brings many years of experience in greenkeeping. The team is backed by around 15 technical support engineers on hand when customers need them. For Alistair, the knowledge of the sales team and the service backup behind it are critical.
“We see so many dealerships with salesmen who really don’t know what they’re selling,” Alistair says. “I’m very lucky to have guys who have been with me that long, and their product knowledge is very, very good. That does make a huge difference out there.”
David’s career shows what that looks like. He estimates he sold 12 or 13 machines in the year the Verti-Core launched.
His advice for newer colleagues is simple. “Always do what you say,” David says. “And never guess an answer to a customer’s question. If you don’t know, find out.”
From the Premier League to Local Contractors
For a dealer that began in Carlisle, football is a natural fit. Rickerby has sponsored Carlisle United. At the other end of the region it works with Newcastle United, where Alistair says there is quite a bit of Redexim equipment. Alongside the clubs, Rickerby serves lower league grounds, local contractors, golf courses and some councils.
The contractor group is the one changing fastest. Several have moved from grass cutting or agricultural work into maintaining sports turf. Two brothers in South Cumbria, long-standing Rickerby customers, began as grass-cutting contractors. They now maintain lower league football grounds, where overseeding and the Verti-Quake play a key role in their work.
Redexim’s UK National Sales Manager, Allen Whellans, sees the same strengths.
“Having worked with Rickerby Ltd, it’s clear to see why they are so successful. A driven and knowledgeable sales team, supported by a fantastic workshop network across their area, makes them a great Redexim partner. It may sound obvious, but the number of staff celebrating long-service milestones is a real testament to Rickerby and the business they have built.”
Why Customers Keep Coming Back
David puts Rickerby’s loyal customer base down to trust. “I think that’s why we’ve built up a lot of loyalty over the years,” he says. “People do trust us.”
Learn more about Rickerby at https://rickerby.claas-dealer.co.uk/