UK nutritional supplement manufacturer and supplier to the animal feed industry, UFAC-UK has appointed Richard Lapthorne as Northern business manager, in the latest stage of a client-focused restructuring that is transforming the customer-supplier dynamic.
Robert Jones, UFAC-UK managing director, comments, “We are delighted to welcome Richard on to the team at this exciting time for UFAC-UK as we redefine the client and supplier relationship, and develop our partnership ethos with distributors, livestock farmers and their nutritionists.”
With a long association within the farming sector, Richard’s career began from the age of 11, working on a neighbour’s farm in North Yorkshire at weekends and during school holidays, before eventually taking up an apprenticeship on the same farm after leaving school.
Working for a combined 25 years with dairy cattle herds, including with the pedigree Dalesend herd, Richard went on to pursue interests in cattle lameness, setting up a foot trimming and mobility service in partnership with the Bishopton Vet Group in Ripon. For the last four years, he has been a genetics consultant in the north of England for Cogent Breeding.
“During my time at Cogent I increased the customer base in the north of England by working closely with customers, listening to their objectives and aiding them to achieve the best results for their business,” says Mr Lapthorne, stating he plans to bring this same drive to his new role.
Richard joins UFAC-UK as it continues to implement an ambitious development plan that is redefining its position at the forefront of the animal feed sector, delivering proven product performance, advice and values, predominantly to the benefit of the livestock farmer.
The recruitment of Mr Lapthorne is part of this wider corporate-wide drive, incorporating new product development, more trials and research projects and exciting mill upgrades that are improving efficiencies, sustainability and environmental credentials.
A family-owned business, UFAC-UK manufactures specialist energy, protein and omega 3 supplements from its dedicated manufacturing plant in Rutland, with particular expertise in the use of oils, fats, amino acids and liquid sugars.
Mr Lapthorne says, “I very much buy into the client-focussed approach and ambitious development plans at UFAC-UK, and look forward to helping to drive brand awareness amongst and alongside our merchant and trade partners, while developing and enhancing these relationships.”
Married with two daughters, Mr Lapthorne enjoys motorcycling and cycling in his spare time. He is also an active member of Masham snooker club, the oldest snooker club in the world.
“I look forward to being part of the corporate drive to position UFAC-UK at the forefront of the agriculture sector, raising awareness of our unique range of nutritional supplements to the animal feed industry,” he concludes.
