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Our Staff

Sales and Support

Vincent Gillingham - Sales Director

Vincent has spent 10 years developing services with farmers and agronomists. Vincent qualifications include "University of Life", F.A.C.T.S and a Business Studies & Economics A level. Vincent is a qualified sailor and day skipper he enjoys golf, sailing, walking and the countryside.

Will Walters – Precision Farming and Technical Supports

Will Walters – Precision Farming Account Manager

Will has a BSc Hons in Rural Land Management (RAC), is F.A.C.T.S Qualified and is a Farmer's son. Will has practical experience in arable, sheep and beef farming. Hobbies include Shooting, Deer Stalking, Gundog training, Football, Surfing and tries to play Golf!

Max Dafforn – Precision Farming Account Manager

Max has a keen interest in plant biology and agriculture; he has recently completed an MSc in Sustainable Crop Production at the University of Warwick, he was awarded the D Valentine Award for outstanding grades. He moved from Pembrokeshire to join the Courtyard team in September and has recently completed his FACTS qualification. Other interests include surfing, fishing, running, cooking, and the outdoors.

Nick Strelczuk – Precision Farming Account Manager

Nick graduated from the Royal Agricultural College in 2009 with a BSc Hons in Rural Land Management and is currently working towards his F.A.C.T.S qualification. Nick grew up in Herefordshire working on various livestock, arable, fruit and hop farms enabling him to have an extensive knowledge of practical farming. His hobbies are cricket, rugby, golf, snowboarding, shooting and other various country pursuits.

Business and Accounts

Ben Gillingham – Commercial Director

Ben has a BSc in Information Systems Management along with 9 years Management in major Telecoms and IT companies. Ben moved to Courtyard to manage growth in customer numbers and ensure our high levels of service are maintained. Hobbies include football, skiing, sailing, more recently (since the arrival of 2 young children) play parks and ice cream.

Linda Simpson – Business Manager

Linda is a Post Graduate in Business Management (PGDip – Distinction). Linda has 20 years' experience as a Purchasing Manager in the Food Industry. She joined The Courtyard Partnership in 2006 and is a member of the Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MIPS). Linda's hobbies include keeping her young daughter amused and trying to play golf when time allows!

Grassland and Soils

Mark Gillingham – Managing Director

Mark has managed agricultural businesses for 30 years, previous to which he successfully ran an electronics firm. His qualifications include F.A.C.T.S and an Electrical Engineering Diploma. He is also a member and active supporter of the British Grassland Society. Mark set up The Courtyard Partnership in 1990. He enjoys skiing and sailing, runs a charity for disadvantaged young people in Belarus and is church warden of the village church where he lives.

Richard Middleton - Technical Services Manager

Richard has a HND in Agriculture (Seale Hayne) and is F.A.C.T.S. qualified. Richard has 20 years practical farming experience in Leicestershire, Shropshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire including arable, beef, sheep, dairy and woodland. Richard also has 17 years' experience in soil consultancy. Hobbies include road cycling with local club Wanborough Vets and walking.

Zhigang Liu - Head Soil Surveyor

Liu has a BSc (P.R.China), MSc (Reading), Ph.D (Coventry) and is F.A.C.T.S qualified. Liu's interests are precision farming, soil nutrient management and forage legumes.

Adrian Hares – Technical Agent

Adrian has a Bsc in Agriculture from Reading University; other qualifications include F.A.C.T.S, BASIS Soil and Water. Adrian has 25 years' experience in arable and beef farming in Wiltshire and 9 years' experience Soil Consultancy. Adrian is a leader of a small group in a local church.