Hughes Bros was started up in 1973, by 3 brothers Gary, Roy & Roger Hughes. It all began at Rod Meadows Yard, which had been empty 10 years previous. We refurbished the building and made a workshop out of the old 2 bay haybarn. At this point the premises had no mains electric but it was connected 3 years later. The business was mainly selling second hand tractors and machinery. In 1976 we sold our first New Tractor, which was a Universal 445 4WD!
By then we employed our first mechanic. In 1976 we constructed a new workshop. As time progressed, in 1986 we took the franchise for Lamborghini Tractors, LandRover and Suzuki Quads. Due to the expansion of new franchise we converted an old building into Stores to which we employed our first storeman Mike Stokes. In 1987, Ann, Gary’s daughter, joined the partnership. She joined her Mum, Brenda, in the office, which soon after we had our first computer!
Around the same time, due to the demise of Lamborghini we took on the franchise for Renault Agriculture. Also at this time we were exporting used tractors to Ireland, Cyprus and some going to Thailand. We were also selling Fraser Trailers and Manure Spreaders, Grays Rollers and Yard Scrapers, Teagle Silage Trailers, Teagle Manure Spreaders and other equipment. At this time we purchased the adjoining land on which the new premises are now constructed.
In 1993, Roy’s first son, Richard, joined the business in the workshop, later graduating to sales. Then due to the demise of Renault in the UK, in approx. 1996, we took the franchise for Landini Tractors and also Kawasaki ATV’s. By now also selling Ifor Williams Trailers, Browns Farm Equipment, Ritchie Equipment and also the full range of Teagle Machinery. By 1996, we had 3 mechanics working in our workshop.
In 2002, Tim, Roy’s second son joined the business alongside the family. He started in the workshop, then 3 years later went into Parts Department and now he has developed into Service Manager. In 2006, the decision was made that we needed to redevelop the existing building into a new stores/showroom and a bigger workshop!
2012 we acquired the Kubota Franchise and it has proved to be a positive outcome and enabled the business to expand further. We now employ 1 in sales, Tim, to work alongside Roy, Gary and Richard and Tim H, in the workshop, Andy, Jamie, the X2 Mike's with the addition of Iwan in the Kubota Apprenticeship Scheme, 3 in the Parts Department, Dave, Chris and Dan and also 1 in the Office, Meg, who works alongside the partners. Since day one till today, Brenda, Gary’s wife has been in charge of the accounts alongside her daughter Ann.