Family firm calls it a day after 30 years

In 1968, Dick Lawson set up his garden machinery depot in the village and saw it grow from strength to strength - becoming the first port of call for many farmers in need of machinery.

But after 36 years of business, the Lawson family has decided to close the depot on October 1, and will now concentrate on developing their property business.

"After starting in a small way and working from home, we took over the village garage owned by A Hare and Son. Due to our close connections with farmers in the area, we took off from day one," said Mr Lawson.

"My wife, Eve, was the company secretary and typed numerous letters to our preferred suppliers and we acquired every agency we applied for. Soon our staff increased to 16 and the business flourished."

During 1975 and 1976, the company saw a profit increase when local farmers bought machinery to reduce their tax bills due to the high price of potatoes.

Mr Lawson said: "We had two very good years and we had to make a decision on whether to move because we had outgrown our premises.

"We gave it a lot of thought but decided to stay put at High Coniscliffe as we were well known and had a very good main road site with lots of passing traffic."

The family then expanded its sales in garden machinery when Mr Lawson's son, Philip, joined the firm as its salesman and demonstrator.

And, when Mr Lawson retired his daughter, Julia, took over the management and obtained several more agencies.

"Sadly, over the last couple of years we have found it difficult to replace staff," said Mr Lawson.

"However, agricultural engineer, Eric Clayton of Carlton, will take over the goodwill of our business, and will continue with several of the agencies that we now operate.

"Julia will also be working part-time in their new ground-care business to run alongside their John Deere main dealership."

Mr Lawson said the family hoped many of its customers would join them at an open day on Tuesday, from 2pm to 7pm.