Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2016 | Page 121
I
Family company is
well-oiled machine
t’s almost half a century since the
agricultural machinery specialists
R.Hunt Ltd began serving the areas
of Hampshire, Wiltshire and the Isle of
Wight – and in that time, the company’s
reputation has grown far and wide.
Founded by the late Roger Hunt in 1967,
the company quickly made such an
impact that it was approached by the
market-leading John Deere machinery
in 1971 to take on its agency to farmers,
farm contractors, and residential
customers.
Now one of the largest dealerships in
the UK, it remains a family concern, with
Roger’s eldest son Tim as Managing
Director and Tim’s daughter Robyn
working in the accounts department.
The company now offers the full
innovative range of John Deere
machinery, along with the quality
solutions, service and support from its
experienced teams to ensure increased
productivity and reduced downtime.
Not only do they supply machinery, but
also service and maintain all types of
agricultural and mowing equipment, and
supply parts for all makes as well as John
Deere, Amazone and Kverneland.
Recently, the company was delighted
to announce that it had been awarded
the John Deere Lawn Care franchise,
which means customers can now visit the
showrooms and explore the range of John
Deere ride-on and walk behind lawn
mowers.
Not only will you find a full range of
mowers, but also the support of qualified
sales, parts and service teams, who can
offer advice and discuss your needs.
R Hunt Limited
Pritchetts Way, Rookley Industrial Estate,
Rookley, PO38 3LT.
01983 721426
e. [email protected]
w. www.rhunt.co.uk
Lots more in store at Chale Green
O
ne of the Island’s most
popular village stores
has unveiled a bright,
airy and spacious new look
following a major re-fit.
Chale Green Stores, which
attracts customers from all over
the Island with its tempting deli
counter, local fresh produce
and relaxing café, underwent a
three-week refurbishment that
has transformed the place.
Owners Chris Smith and
his partner Jo Hofmann are
delighted with the result, which not only
has increased the amount of space in the
store, but also improved displays with the
addition of a new LED lighting system.
Chris, who took over the store and
attached Post Office three years ago after
having previously worked in the printing
June/July 2016_MASTER .indd 121
industry, says: “It was quite run-down
when we bought it, but we were keen to
take on the challenge”.
“I’ve always enjoyed catering and we felt
there was a lot we could do to build the
business up again”.
With the extra space they’ve created,
Chris and Jo have been able to
expand their ranges of fresh produce,
cakes and bakes, and deli lines such
as cheese, charcuterie and preserves.
There’s also extra room for the
regular exhibitions they stage,
featuring local art and craftwork.
Over in the café, with its popular
garden area, everything is produced
in-house and served fresh from the
kitchen.
With long opening hours from 8am
– 7pm six days a week, and 8am –
6pm on Sundays, it’s a busy operation
- but for Chris and Jo, along with their
hard-working staff, a real labour of love.
Chale Green Stores
Chale Green, PO38 2JN.
01983 551201
e. [email protected]
14/06/2016 01:52