A YEAR of extra hard work has paid off for a North Yorkshire businessman who has been made the authorised dealer for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mini excavators, telehanders and track loaders.

Grays Machinery Ltd based between Northallerton and Bedale, near Scruton, has been appointed the dealer for Bobcat for North and West Yorkshire. It is run by Sandy Gray, 31, who set up the company three years ago building on a background in agriculture and construction.

He’ll be stocking the main range of Bobcat machines and attachments along with accessories and parts as he pushes to cater to new and existing customers, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. There will also be a stock of new and second hand Bobcat machines for sale from the base.

Mr Gray said: "It took us 12 months of preparing business plans and presentations with Bobcat Europe to get this off the ground.

"I think it brings a lot to the area, being based between Northallerton and Bedale, just next to the A1 we are close to many customers and we see this as a real opportunity to develop this business.

"There is a huge tele handler and excavator market here because of the agricultural community and construction developments.

"When this came along I could see there was a market for it, it is an excellent product and it suited my skills and background. They are a world leader, we are here locally and we can provide very good support.

"Bobcat like to trust local small businesses rather than bigger companies. We can provide the local service that firms will want and the aftercare which is really important. It is up to me to build up that connection with the customers it is my name on the door and I am very passionate and committed, I really believe in this business.

"We have a close working knowledge of virtually every industry we deal with, especially landscaping, construction and farming. We offer a service second to none, dedicated to the Bobcat brand and accompanied by continuous investment in our stock of machines and parts for our customers."

Bobcat District Manager UK North Paul Hyslop said they had awarded the dealership to Grays because they had been so impressed with the service offered.

He added: "Combined with their familiarity with the local market and their dedication, drive and passion for the Bobcat range, I am confident Grays will be an excellent dealer. The company has already proved quick off the mark, recording their first sale of a Bobcat E-17 mini-excavator just three days after taking over the dealership."