MERGER OF BORDERS AND LOTHIAN MACHINERY RINGS APPROVED
The proposed merger of Borders Machinery Ring and Lothian Machinery Ring has been approved and will offer a wider range of services to members as well as providing improved operational efficiency.
The Chairs of Borders Machinery Ring Ltd (BMR) and Lothian Machinery Ring Ltd (LMR) are pleased to announce that has been approved. This strategic move has been made to improve operational efficiency, achieve greater benefits of scale for members and to broaden the provision of services for the future.
Graham Lofthouse, BMR Chairman, said: “We are delighted the merger’s been approved and for the potential this brings; it increases combined membership to some 1,200 members, with a throughput of £11 million, giving us more negotiating power and credibility with suppliers. Importantly, it also opens new service opportunities to member businesses over the core operational area now extending through the Lothians and Borders, Lanarkshire and Northumberland. Both BMR and LMR also have strong training businesses that will complement each other too. I know the combined Board and executive team are keen to get started.”
John McCluskey, Chairman of LMR, added: “Members were highly positive about the merger. It has been a smooth process, testament to the natural fit of both Societies, good relations between the Boards and executive teams, and the support from SAOS’s Robert Logan to navigate the formal steps.”
John continued: “It’s also a moment of reflection as this marks the forthcoming retirement of our long-standing Manager, Frank Maxwell. Frank was the engine behind the establishment of Lothians Machinery Ring back in 1991, bringing members together and co-ordinating the services that we have benefited from ever since. It’s also a positive day, knowing that Frank’s efforts will continue through BMR and I’m sure it’ll go from strength to strength in the area. On behalf of members, I take this opportunity to thank Frank for his years of dedicated service.”
Machinery Rings were originally established to help farmers reduce capital costs through co-ordinated sharing of machinery and labour. The concept has since expanded to include training, and the supply of commodities, including fuel, straw, livestock feed, fertiliser and electricity to farming and other rural businesses.
A broader range of services will become immediately available, and Members should find a smooth transition. The merged Society will trade as BMR Ltd with a unified Board of Directors who formerly represented both BMR and LMR. Operational management will be led by BMR’s Manager, Michael Bayne, and supported by a combined executive team. Management tasks will be undertaken at BMR’s office in Earlston, with a presence retained in the Lothians in a suitable new location currently under consideration.
Picture: (from left) John McCluskey – LMR Chair, Frank Maxwell – LMR Manager, Michael Bayne – BMR Manager, Graham Lofthouse – BMR Chair
