From unusual requests for babysitters and “long wellies” to the transformative effect of mobile phones, Andrew Tindal has witnessed a lot during his 30 years with Ringlink.
When he joined the agricultural co-operative in 1996, there was a team you could count on one hand based in a Portakabin outside Laurencekirk.
Today, the leading machinery ring supports more than 4,000 members with a team of more than 50, operating across six offices stretching from Tore in the Highlands down to Cupar in Fife.
In 1996, the UK farming sector was in the depths of the BSE crisis, Dolly the sheep made headlines as the world’s first cloned animal and internet access was a rare business luxury.
Varied career
Andrew, now the IT and business development manager, initially joined as a contracts manager following 15 years working on a farm in Fife.
“When I started at Ringlink, I didn’t think it would lead to such a varied career,” said Andrew.
“We were small team, and you arranged everything from stock feed and straw to machinery like tractors and trailers. Nobody had a strictly defined role back then.”
As the co-operative expanded and diversified, Andrew moved through various roles, including contract management, labour organisation and regional management, before focusing on technology.
“The diversity of the company now is incredible,” he said.
“We have evolved from a traditional machinery ring into a business that offers everything from fuel cards and vehicle discounts to electricity contracts and fertiliser.
“Yet the core essence has not changed. It is still about looking after the needs of our members. We are a business that believes in speaking to people first and confirming by email afterwards.”
More than you know
Over three decades, member requests have come in all shapes and sizes, with some more unconventional than others.
“Believe it or not, we once had a member phone up looking for a babysitter,” said Andrew.
“We actually managed to fill that role, though it was many years ago and we definitely couldn’t fulfil the legal requirements for that now.”
Another memorable request came from an Angus farmer seeking “long wellie boots”.
“I suggested he might want waders, but he insisted he needed something more waterproof that would cover him completely,” said Andrew.
“On pressing him further, it turned out he wanted a wetsuit so a worker could go down and unblock a culvert. We managed to direct him to the right supplier, and that is exactly what Ringlink is all about – finding solutions.”
IT milestones
Technology has driven the biggest operational milestones Andrew has witnessed. After merging with North-east Machinery Ring in 1998 to become Ringlink, and later merging with Gordon and Buchan Machinery Ring in 2004, the organisation moved to its purpose-built headquarters at the Cargill Centre in Laurencekirk. The building was further expanded to twice its size in 2020 to accommodate further growth.
Andrew said he appreciates the impact the introduction of mobile phones had on the length of the working day.
“Previously, our members – many being farmers – contacted us on a landline when they could, so it was piece time, lunchtime or when they got in, in the evening,” he said.
“Now they can contact us by mobile any time they like, which is much more likely to be within office hours.”
Andrew has been instrumental in modernising the co-operative’s operations. One of his favourite projects was developing a bespoke timesheet app for workers. Previously, they were reliant on pen and paper – and the workers delivering them either in person or by post, or sometimes even by fax.
“The app saves a huge amount of time,” said Andrew. “Not only does it mean we get the timesheets much more quickly, we know all the counting is correct and the number are legible.”
Practical skills
While he is currently overseeing the organisation’s migration to a modern cloud-based system, Andrew has also focused on personal development. He was recently awarded a BSc Honours degree in Computing and IT through the Open University.
“Balancing work, study and family life was a challenge, but I am really pleased with the achievement,” he said. “And I am very much looking forward to the official graduation ceremony later this year.”
Outside the office, Andrew is known for his practical skills, recently constructing a summerhouse in his garden. His craftsmanship often benefits the office as well, where laser-engraved wooden clocks adorn the walls and custom-fabricated iron Christmas trees brighten the car park every December.
His collaborative, problem-solving philosophy remains core to his daily work.
“Everybody brings something to the table,” said Andrew.
“It is vital never to be frightened of trying new ideas or struggling with a challenge alone. And if you are stuck with a problem, putting it out to the room often brings a completely different approach.”
