We are incredibly proud to share that Nick Seymour was awarded the Jon Jones Trophy for a notable contribution to the UK fruit industry at this year’s National Fruit Show President’s Breakfast on Wednesday 5th November 2025.
Nick’s journey began in the late 1960s, training and working as an Agricultural Engineer at Drake and Fletcher’s in Maidstone. Travelling daily from Matfield on his Vincent motorbike… perhaps this is where the origins of the beard, an early biker’s trademark, began.
It was here that Nick developed a deep understanding of sprayers, working on Victair and Commandair machines, knowledge that would shape much of his later career.
After a short time at Firmins, which ended when he declined to work on Sundays, and then at H. A. Carpenter in Marden as the farm mechanic, Nick made the bold decision in 1974 to set up his own mobile engineering business.
Purchasing his first van from Haynes of Maidstone, the experience of discovering additional, unquoted registration fees made a lasting impression on him. From that day on, Nick was determined that no customer of his would ever face hidden costs – a principle that continues to define the way NP Seymour does business today.
By 1977, he had taken on premises at Goudhurst and begun to employ staff, steadily expanding from engineering into machinery sales. He saw an opportunity when new HSE legislation required tractors to be fitted with safety frames, and he quickly established a strong reputation for supplying and fitting these.
In 1978, NP Seymour exhibited for the first time at the Marden Fruit Show in Pattenden Lane, which was the beginning of a long and successful presence within the industry.
The early 1980s saw the introduction of Fendt tractors to the business. While he wasn’t looking to stock any tractors, Nick was immediately impressed by their design and build quality, which he described as a far cry from what he called “Mickey Mouse” quality.
Other key brands soon followed, including Braun, Fischer and OCLL, all of which remain part of the company’s portfolio today.
Nick has always had an exceptional gift for engineering and design. He is never happier than when in his overalls, working in the workshop, solving complex problems with practical, ingenious solutions. Many will recognise his trademark thoughtful pause mid-conversation, followed by a well-considered suggestion, often accompanied by a muttered comment or a touch of dry humour.
One memorable example of Nick’s problem-solving ability came during a blackcurrant harvest when growers discovered that their plastic bin supplier could not fulfil orders. Wooden bins were the only option, but they could not withstand the weight and movement of tipping and rotation. Rob Saunders brought the problem to Nick, who, over a single weekend, designed and constructed a stainless-steel bin support and clamp system that prevented the bins from collapsing. That quick thinking saved the blackcurrant harvest that year.
Nick’s depth of understanding in spraying technology has led to numerous bespoke and innovative projects, from his early work with ULV systems and collaborations with East Malling Research and Jerry Cross, to his development of unique sprayer towers now emulated by other manufacturers. When a grower approached him about the lack of suitable equipment for table-top strawberries, Nick simply said the existing options were “Mickey Mouse” and built his own – robust, well-engineered and made to last.
Even today, he continues to work on innovative projects involving pulse width modulation systems, nozzle design and precision spraying, contributing to research and development with his characteristic mix of quiet determination and practical expertise.
Nick’s passion has always been to do things properly — to engineer, design and deliver solutions that stand the test of time. He is generous with his knowledge and advice, and has earned immense respect for his integrity, his skill and his contribution to the industry.
There is a quote from Iain Duncan-Smith that sums Nick up perfectly: “Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man.”
This award is a fitting recognition of his contribution to the industry over more than five decades.
