Family Independents Survive in Merchanting

IN an era of global and national agribusiness alliances, mergers and acquisitions, Adams & Howling a family­owned grain-based merchant in Norfolk is to maintain its independence with a second generation board.

With a near £11 million turnover, it is too small to pose a commercial threat to major players, but it has carved out a niche for service in grain, seed and fertilisers to retain the support of increasingly larger farmers.

When it began operating in 1972, there were over 80 privately-owned merchants operating in East Anglia. A & H is one of only about 10 still left standing after the waves of takeovers by RHM, Unilever, Dalgety and others - some no longer exist or left the farmgate. Cyril Adams' sons Matthew and Paul, respectively 39 and 46 years old, have become joint managing directors. Chris Parker joins the board as seeds director, while Chris Borrett takes a seat at the top table.

John Cragg retires after 27 years as director, but is retained as a consultant. Total staff remains at just 10 at the business, which has established close commercial links with local maltster Crisp and blended fertiliser major J & H Bunn - both also still in private hands.