Today, Wednesday 30th June 2021, marks the retirement of DN Sales Director, Peter Wormleighton. We caught up with Peter to discuss his long career at Dugdale Nutrition.
How did you get into a job in the agricultural sector?
Growing up I lived in rural Barton and spent a lot of time at my Grandparents smallholding, so farming was always part of my life from a young age and an area I wanted to pursue for a career.
Peter, you’ve actually worked at DN twice haven’t you?
Yes, initially after graduating from Myerscough College in 1979, I joined DN as a trainee sales representative, going on to cover the Cumbria area for 3 years.
I then re-joined the company 17 years ago, as Sales Specialist to take over the Lancashire area from Matthew Dugdale.
Let’s talk about highs and lows. What would you consider to be the highest point of your career?
I would definitely consider my appointment as Sales Director in 2017 the pinnacle of my career. It's something I am immensely proud of.
What about the lowest point?
The lowest point would be around 23 years ago when I was around 41 or 42. I suffered with my mental health and took 8 weeks off for depression.
Within agriculture itself, low points would be the quotas in 1984; along with BSE and Foot & Mouth outbreaks.
What advice would you give a Sales Specialist who is just starting out in their career?
Work hard and don’t get complacent! This will help you establish yourself and your area and then enable you to work smart. Ensure you are always well organised and plan your days.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement through your career?
I would consider developing a trading area in the Isle of Man to be up there with my biggest achievements, along with 10,000 tonnes of annual tonneage.
Who would you consider to be your biggest influences throughout your career?
Paul Bathurst from Box Clever Consultants. He has given me and my team invaluable Management, Leadership, Sales and Customer Service training and advice over the years.
Bill Hardman would be another. He has been a colleague of mine for many years, here at Dugdale Nutrition and also twice at Preston Farmers. He has always encouraged me and recommended me for positions.
Finally, I would like to thank Matthew Dugdale for giving me the opportunities here at DN.
What will you miss most about DN?
Without doubt the people. I have had the pleasure of working with some fantastic people during my career at Dugdale Nutrition.
What are you looking forward to most about your retirement?
Once COVID allows, I am very much looking forward to spending time in our holiday home in Spain; riding my bike; and travelling with my wife Christine. We are starting things off with a rail tour of the USA which we have booked for September.
Unfortunately, due to current COVID levels in the Ribble Valley area, we are unable to mark Peters retirement as originally planned with a celebratory buffet lunch at DN HQ, giving all staff the opportunity to wish him well.
Therefore, on behalf of everyone at Dugdale Nutrition, may we take this opportunity to wish Peter a very long, healthy and happy retirement and thank him for his many years of hard work and commitment to DN.
A few words from Managing Director, Matthew Dugdale:
"When we recruited Peter, to take over my sales area nearly 20 years ago as my role changed, I don’t think either of us would have predicted that I would be writing about his retirement as our Sales Director in 2021.
From the outset it was obvious that his on-farm technical ability and relationship with farmers was superb. He not only retained my customers, but grew his sales ledger to be one of the largest in the business and brought in some much-needed local tonnage. When the previous Sales Manager left the business, Peter was the obvious man to turn to. Extremely organised and well respected, he led the growth of the sales team and mentored several new entrants to the business.
A couple of years ago, following some major changes in the leadership of the business, I was delighted to recommend Peter for the post of Sales Director. His commitment to the company and its customers has always been self-evident and he leaves with the business in a strong position for the future. I wish Peter a long, healthy and happy retirement on behalf of my fellow directors and shareholders."
A few words from Director, Roger Dugdale:
"Peter, I would like to sincerely thank you for your many years of service and dedication to Dugdale Nutrition.
You have played an integral role in the development and growth of the Sales Team over your many years at DN and i'm sure your knowledge and experience will be missed.
I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement and hope you enjoy your travels with Christine and time with your family."
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