Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards Contractor of the Year 2025

For thirteen years, the British Farming Awards have shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.

Each agricultural contractor finalist operates an enterprise in the UK, either through mainstream services or niches in a particular sector.

Our 2025 finalists demonstrate an exceptional ability to provide practical solutions for farmers, develop strong customer relationships and offer cost-effective services to farms regardless of their size.

READ NOW: British Farming Awards Contractor of the Year 2024 is leading the way in innovation

Finalists

Angus Newton - Norfolk  

Based in Norfolk, Angus Newton has built Aon Services into a trusted agricultural contracting business that prides itself on reliability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Supporting local farmers and estates, the company offers a wide range of services including specialist spreading, field and harvest operations, and general contracting – stepping in to provide crucial support when workloads peak or weather pressures threaten. 

Angus identified his market by recognising the need for affordable, dependable services that farmers could call on throughout the year. The retirement of a local contractor created an opportunity to invest in spreading equipment, and from there Aon Services has steadily grown. Demonstrating high standards, backed by modern machinery and skilled operators, has won the business additional work and strong customer loyalty. 

Innovation has been key to that growth. By working closely with a machinery manufacturer based in his village, Angus has been able to suggest design improvements to new models, enhancing productivity, durability and transportability. At the same time, he has embraced the latest technology, using systems such as Green Star and JD Link to allow operators to share live data across machines. This ensures jobs are carried out with maximum efficiency and transparency. 

Coming from a non-farming background, Angus is proud to have built the business from scratch through hard work, reinvestment and determination. For him, success is measured not only in steady growth but also in proving that a passion for agriculture, combined with reliability and an honest work ethic, can carve out a place in the sector. 

Customer service is central to his approach. Regular communication and careful planning minimise downtime and keep efficiency high, while precision technology provides accurate application records. Strong relationships with local dealerships ensure rapid repairs if breakdowns occur, keeping the fleet reliable and service levels consistent. 

Looking ahead, Angus sees an even greater role for contractors as machinery and labour costs rise. By providing flexible, affordable support, Aon Services is well placed to help farmers manage costs while maintaining the highest standards of operation. 

READ NOW: New high-horsepower Claas Jaguar looks to claw some more market share

Jayne Bristol - Lancashire  

For more than three decades, Lancashire-based contractor Jayne Bristol has provided an invaluable service to farmers across the region through her specialist freeze-branding business. With over 34 years of experience, Jayne has built a strong reputation for precision and reliability, now working with more than 100 farms across Lancashire and neighbouring counties. Some clients book her annually, while others require her services monthly, a reflection of the trust and consistency she has established. 

Jayne first identified her market through advertising, but it is word of mouth that has been the cornerstone of her growth. Farmers know that her brands are clear, durable and professionally applied, and her customer base has expanded steadily thanks to personal recommendations. For many clients, she has become part of the fabric of farm life, watching children grow from prams to running farms of their own. 

Quality workmanship has always been her priority, but Jayne's role has naturally extended far beyond freeze-branding. Last year, she completed a First Aid in Mental Health qualification and is now working towards Level 2 counselling. Recognising the long hours she spends one-to-one with farmers, she sees herself as someone who can offer a safe, confidential space to talk. In an industry where isolation and stress are significant challenges, Jayne believes being a good listener is just as important as delivering quality brands. 

Her approach to customer service is thoughtful and personal. Alongside accurate, easy-to-read brands and efficient booking, Jayne sends every client a cow-themed Christmas card, a small gesture that reflects her warmth and commitment. 

Looking to the future, Jayne is determined to keep doing what she does best: producing excellent freeze brands while supporting the well-being of the farmers she serves. For her, success means not only professional pride but also knowing she makes a difference. 

Neil Fell - Durham   

Durham-based contractor Neil Fell has transformed the way sheep dipping is carried out in the UK. Through his business, N R Fell Mobile Sheep Dipping, Neil specialises in parasite control, offering farmers not only a professional dipping service but also advice on best practice and flock health management. Operating four cage dipping units, the business covers the whole of the UK and works closely with government organisations to promote safe, effective dipping standards. 

The idea for the business was born out of necessity. With sheep scab on the rise and limited control options available, Neil saw an opportunity to provide farmers with a UK-wide, affordable and efficient service. His innovative approach has been central to the company's rapid growth. 

In 2016, after several years using a traditional plunge dipper, Neil designed and built his own cage dipper. The new system revolutionised operations, increasing throughput from 1,000 sheep per day to over 4,500. The design also places animal welfare and operator safety at its core, reducing stress for both sheep and handlers. By carrying water and removing waste dip within a single vehicle, the system also cuts time and costs for customers while improving environmental outcomes. 

Neil considers the invention of the cage dipper his greatest measure of success, not only for its impact on his business but for the recognition it has brought across the industry. He has helped shape new UK standards and codes of practice for sheep dipping, while international interest has led to discussions about exporting his technology to Romania and the Caribbean. 

Customer care is equally important to Neil. Every job starts with a detailed conversation about flock needs and ends with a follow-up call to check on livestock and plan future health strategies. His team also commits to being on farm within five days if a scab outbreak occurs, ensuring urgent problems are dealt with quickly. 

Looking ahead, Neil sees growing demand as parasites become more prevalent. With plans to expand into Europe and the Caribbean, and even manufacture his units on a larger scale, his ambition is clear: to raise welfare standards in sheep flocks worldwide.

READ NOW: First look at John Deere's monster 1,020hp forage harvester