Driving Land Rovers competitively off road is something that Ben Duckworth, 38, has always taken very seriously — so it was only natural for him to get into the family business at Duckworth Land Rover and work his way up to the top.
With a flair for the motor industry, cars have always been a hobby for Ben. “For some people, they can work in a particular industry and not be that interested in it, where as actually I am. I’m interested in cars and four-wheel drive outside of work,” he said.
He went to college to study engineering so he could join the family business, but when he received a scholarship with Land Rover, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. However, after a few years of following his own path, his father’s business was really taking off and it was time for Ben to return home.
“I spent quite a few years working up through the business and working in all of the departments before taking on more responsibility.” Ben started in the service department and then took on the role of After-Sales Director, making sure that customers stay the primary focus.
Ben took on the Managing Director role in 2004/2005 and used his experience of working in a large company to develop the business. But nothing really prepared him for what happened in 2008.
Hitting hard times
Before the recession hit, Duckworth Land Rover expanded to a new site in Boston. “We got off to a challenging start in 2008. Like most industries, the motor industry went through a really hard time. It was a challenging start for us, we certainly didn’t follow the business plan that we had set out with.”
Ben took it all in his stride and, as many businesses did, looked through the company’s expenditures and had to make some redundancies as well as cost cutting in other areas. “We were really mindful to not let it affect customer satisfaction. For instance, we had a tremendous cost in loan vehicles, in fuel and collection and delivery costs that we had to cut back on. It was a painful time for us and we made a lot of cost savings, but we also had to concentrate on sales.”
The full cover interview with Ben Duckworth is available to read in full here. Look out for the next edition of Lincolnshire Business magazine, which is published every Friday.
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Lincolnshire’s MPs could be offered extra protection after Essex member of parliament David Amess was stabbed to death during a surgery with constituents.
The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones confirmed the region’s MPs have been contacted by Lincolnshire Police -safety measures are being reviewed to see if any more can be done “to reassure [them] and to enable them to continue their important work in their constituencies”.
He said: “Following the horrific killing of Sir David Amess my heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
“An appalling attack of this kind is, of course, not only a human tragedy but a direct attack upon our democracy.
“The whole country has been shocked by this awful event and it has understandably left many of those elected to serve and represent our communities feeling vulnerable and concerned for the safety of those who work with them.
Mr Jones said everyone should “stand together in condemning attacks on any of our democratically elected representatives”.
“Regardless of individual political beliefs intimidation, aggression and violence can never be justified or accepted,” he added.
Sir David Amess MP | Image: Parliament UK
Southend West MP and Conservative Sir David, 69, had been meeting constituents in Essex when he was stabbed multiple times on Friday.
A 25-year-old British man is being held under the Terrorism Act.
Mr Amess’s death comes just five years after the murder of Jo Cox in 2016.
Mr Amess had been MP for Southend West since 1997 and first entered parliament in 1983. The 69-year-old had been meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church.
Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins said the news was “shocking and terribly sad”.
“David was a thoroughly decent and kind-hearted man who was liked and respected across the House. He was always ready with an encouraging word or kindness and was great company.
“He represented his constituents of Southend West with style and energy – his campaign to make Southend a city was known by all colleagues. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family, friends and constituents at this dreadful time.”
One defiant MP who continued to go out and about was Boston and Skegness’ Matt Warman who said people were “surprised” to see him on Saturday.
“Representatives being approachable, available and around is a foundational part of our democracy,” he said.
“Carrying on, safely, is essential. We must work out what that looks like urgently.”
A 27-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after a gas explosion in Gainsborough on Friday.
Simion Edwards, 27, of Waterworks Street in Gainsborough, was charged by police on Monday morning after a gas explosion at a property on the street at 4.45pm on Friday, October 15.
Edwards was also charged with common assault and is due to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday.
The property belonged to Leap Housing Charity, an organisation which helps people in need with short-term housing solutions.
Nobody was injured in the incident and no neighbouring properties were affected, with further investigations indicating the explosion was caused by a gas canister.
Lincoln Ladies continued their excellent start to the season as Jenna Bierton and Deirdre Waters scored six and five tries respectively in an emphatic 89-0 home victory against Ossett.
Rose Buchanan grabbed two tries for the hosts, with Kellie Pyart and Jodie Hill each scoring one.
Bierton successfully kicked five conversions and Buchanan and Liv Smith both added one on what was a fantastic afternoon for Lincoln.
Lincoln’s Deirdre Waters running at the Ossett defence. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Lucy Ellis was named as Lincoln’s player of the match against Ossett. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Lincoln gave debuts to Jo Parkes and Lara Warman, while Clara Temple was borrowed by Ossett for the full match as the hosts helped their opponents with numbers.
Hollie Bullock also made an impressive comeback to rugby for Lincoln while Lucy Ellis, who hadn’t played rugby before this season, was named as the coach’s player of the match.
Lincoln’s Rose Buchanan racing clear of the Ossett defence. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Jodie Hill crossing for a try in Lincoln’s 89-0 victory against Ossett. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Lincoln Ladies head coach Brian Kelly said: “The game was played in a brilliant spirit. A special thanks to the Gainsborough girls without whom this fixture wouldn’t have been possible.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves including the ref. Games like this are why we love rugby so much, despite the one sided score line.”
Lincoln’s Deirdre Waters crossing for one of her five tries against Ossett. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Jo Parkes in action on her full debut for Lincoln against Ossett. | Photo: ParkesFineArtPhotography
Lincoln remained in upbeat mood despite the result against their rivals from the city’s university. | Photo: Brian Penney
Lincoln’s men battled bravely throughout the match as a combined second and third team were defeated 34-12 against a University of Lincoln XV.
The hosts’ tries were scored by Sam Cave and Olly Stringer, with Luke Brodrick adding one conversion.
Sam Cave was among the try scorers for Lincoln. | Photo: Brian Penney
Alex Brodrick in action for Lincoln. | Photo: Mike Lincoln
Tom Curtis-Evans crossing for one of his two tries. | Photo: Mike Lincoln
Tom Curtis-Evans crossed for two tries for the University side, while Sam Maunder, Alexandru Enache, Owen Mason and David Munro scored one apiece.
Henry McCarthy, who was named as the University team’s man-of-the-match, successfully kicked two conversions.
Henry McCarthy was named as man-of-the-match for the University of Lincoln. | Photo: Mike Lincoln
Harvey Pyer in action for the University of Lincoln. | Photo: Mike Lincoln
The University of Lincoln after their 34-12 victory against Lincoln Rugby Club. | Photo: Will Naylor
Other Results
Jack Jones scoring a try for Stamford against Southwell. | Photo: Michael O’Connor
Tries from Jack Jones, Iain Downer, Villie Bakitora, Harry Ayton and Gaz Ramsden saw Stamford beat Southwell 30-24 in the first round of the Midlands Intermediate Cup.
Downer kicked a conversion and a penalty to help ensure that Stamford remain unbeaten in all competitions so far this season.
Stamford’s Harry Ayton crossing for a try against Southwell. | Photo: Michael O’Connor
Gaz Ramsden was among the try scorers as Stamford beat Southwell in the Midlands Intermediate Cup. | Photo: Michael O’Connor
Bourne’s hat-trick hero Josh Lynch in action against Daventry. | Photo: Alan Hancock
In Midlands Three East (South), Josh Lynch crossed for a hat-trick of tries as Bourne claimed an impressive 77-18 home victory against Daventry.
JJ Roberts grabbed two tries and captain Jake Appleby, Tom Dixon, Sam Harby, Harry Thornburn and Laurence Sidwell each scored one.
Sam Evison successfully kicked nine conversions and three penalties.
Bourne scrum-half JJ Roberts handing off a Daventry player. | Photo: Alan Hancock
Adam Binns in action for Bourne against Daventry. | Photo: Alan Hancock
Bourne’s Jack Berry powering his way past a Daventry player. | Photo: Alan Hancock
Bourne captain Jake Appleby powerfully carrying the ball forward against Daventry. | Photo: Alan Hancock
North Hykeham were all smiles after their victory against Cleethorpes. | Photo: Tommy Jarvis
North Hykeham moved to the top of the table in Midlands Four East (North) after a 17-12 home win against Cleethorpes.
Rhodri Cooper and Jamie Robson scored the tries for the hosts, with David Hill kicking two conversions and a penalty.
Hykeham captain, and Number Eight, Ross O’Loughlin produced a man-of-the-match display to help ensure victory for the hosts.
Try scorer Jamie Robson leaping to win a lineout for North Hykeham against Cleethorpes. | Photo: Liam Williams
Skegness are in a transitional period with a number of players at university, retired, injured or just learning to play rugby.
It was agreed this month by the club’s committee to withdraw the first team from Midlands Four East (North) and start the rebuilding process.
Skegness will be playing friendlies and helping other struggling second teams to fulfil their fixtures.
Deepings trying to keeping out Barton’s attack. | Photo: Vicki Robinson
Chris Jones scored his side’s only try as Deepings fought hard in a 67-7 home defeat against Barton-Under-Needwood in the first round of the Midlands Junior Vase.
The hosts’ try was converted by Chris Barrett.
Deepings in action against Barton. | Photo: Vicki Robinson
Scunthorpe Ladies after their match against Hull Ionian Ladies.
In the Women’s NC 2 North (East), captain Becky Clark scored a try as Scunthorpe Ladies battled bravely in a 32-5 home defeat against Hull Ionian Ladies.
The scrums were a big positive for Scunthorpe, who fielded a squad of 20 and showed the growth and development of their women’s team, especially through the pathway from the Girls’ Under-18s as Ewa Jasek made her senior debut on the wing.
Scunthorpe’s back of the match Becky Clark, forward of the match Trisa Roberts, and Cassie Milestone, who the opposition named as player of the match.
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