The new CEO of Anglia Farmers (AF) is instilling a customer-focused approach in a drive to put members at the centre of the business.
Jon Duffy joined AF Group, which includes Anglia Farmers and its four wholly-owned subsidiaries, in March and has pledged to return value to its farmer members.
So far he has delivered on his promise, with the group reporting continued growth. Turnover increased by £3.3 million to £234.2m in the past 12 months and the business had an operating surplus of £760,360 and a net surplus of £229,821 after payments to members and tax.
This growth came against a backdrop of lower commodity prices in the agricultural sector in the past year, although commodity prices are now rising.
Anglia Farmers now has more than 3,100 UK members farming over 1.02m hectares of land. Its membership accounts for 57.4 per cent of the UK’s sugar beet, 28.9 per cent of potatoes, and 13.1 per cent of wheat crops.
Duffy said: “AF members are in a unique position, being both customers and owners of the business. I am clear in my approach that AF needs to add real value to our members in the shape of saving time and cost.
“Collective buying power is essential in our business,” he added. “Members need to collaborate with their input requirements to allow AF to negotiate deals on behalf of our customers.
“AF is entering into effective dialogue with our partners of choice for the benefit of the membership, and collaboration between members and suppliers is vital.”
In March Jon Duffy took over from Clarke Willis, who stepped down as CEO after 15 years at the helm.
Commenting on the 2016/17 annual figures, Willis said: “The AF Group has delivered another solid performance and strengthens its position as a vital link in the supply chain from input suppliers to retailers.
“I leave the AF Group business on a sound financial footing and wish it every success in the future.”
