A memorial fund in honour of former businessman Andrew Lupton is set to beat its fundraising target of £20,000.
Ripon-based Econ Engineering set up the Just Giving campaign to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation following the death of their sales director in 2022.
Mr Lupton, ran the family business alongside his brother Jonathan and was 56 years old when he died of a heart attack. Founded by their father Bill 55 years ago, Econ is a manufacturer and supplier of winter maintenance vehicles.
Econ’s managing director, Jonathan Lupton said:
“We have been proud to partner with the British Heart Foundation and absolutely delighted that we have been able to support them with our fundraising. This is particularly poignant given the sad death of Andrew and we want to do as much as we can to increase awareness of heart disease and raise vital money for the charity, in his memory.
“We may have reached the £20,000 mark, but we are not finished yet. A team of Econ employees will be tackling the Three Peaks in May and we hope people will continue to support the memory of Andrew by donating to their efforts.”
To support the Econ Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge click here.
Investment management and stockbroking firm win management award

(L-R): Charlotte M, Sharon G, James I, Evelyn J, Richard R, Katie J, James W, Mary C, James S. A and Grace P-B.
Redmayne Bentley received the London Stock Exchange Award for Best Execution-Only Stockbroking at the City of London Wealth Management Awards 2024.
This year’s awards were highly contested. The awards were decided by public vote, with over 50,000 cast, the greatest number of votes the process has ever received.
Lawrence Fisher, head of investment said:
“As we approach our 150-year anniversary, this outcome reinforces the success we’ve enjoyed over many years in our industry, rewarding the personal service the firm provides to clients.
Traditional stockbroking is where Redmayne Bentley first began in 1875. Our services have expanded over time however our values remain at the centre of everything we do. This award reflects the excellence and teamwork delivered by Redmayne Bentley colleagues across the firm every day.”
Knaresborough clinic celebrates 20 year anniversary

Staff at Castle Clinic, left to right: Chris Horsman, Anna Mackay, Hilary Clissitt, Brit Watson, Seb Contreras, Sarah Chisem, Jon Rebanks
Castle Clinic has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The clinic first opened in April 2004 as the vision of acupuncturist, Janice Miller, to bring together a range of therapists and disciplines all under one roof.
Tony Cowley bought the Knaresborough clinic in 2009 and retired at the end of 2022, selling the clinic to osteopath, Seb Contreras, who has worked at the clinic since July 2004.
Mr Contreras embarked on a clinic wide renovation plan refurbishing and adding to the site. The business now offers more than 1200 appointments every month in acupuncture, audiology, chiropractic, physiotherapy, podiatry and osteopathy.
Harrogate bus company announce charity partnership

Transdev bus company collaborates with Yorkshire Cancer Research
Yorkshire Cancer Research has been named as the charity partner of Transdev bus company.
Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:
“We’re so grateful to have been chosen by Transdev as their charity partner for the coming year. The partnership kicked off with a visit from a Transdev bus and we’re looking forward to many more opportunities to bring the two organisations together to raise awareness of cancer research in Yorkshire.
Transdev will show support for cancer research with activities including training for employees on the signs of the most common cancers, collections at local bus stations and getting involved in Yorkshire Day celebrations. The company will also be adding the charity’s branding to a new bus to help raise awareness of the charity.
Harrogate company wins Broker of the Year
Synergy Car Leasing was named Broker of the Year award as well as the Best Customer Service Award at the Broker News Awards 2024
Ralph Morton, editor of Broker News said:
“Synergy Car Leasing has absolutely nailed customer service. In their category, they were winners by a significant margin with enough points to ensure they also carried off the Broker of the Year title.
“For a leasing business that has also been awarded a Feefo 10 Years of Excellence Award for 10 successive years of attaining the Trusted Service Award earlier this year, it is fitting that they should be recognised with the Broker of the Year title.”
Have some news to share about your business? Send it to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge business wins employer of the year
- Business Breakfast: New managing partner announced at law firm after 30 years
What our business community is saying about 2024
As 2023 winds down and we start to look to the year ahead, there are some things we can be fairly certain will come our way over the next 12 months.
North Yorkshire will go to the polls in May to elect its first ever Mayor, and there will probably be a General Election too. One has to be held by January 28, 2025, but sometime in 2024 – May or November, perhaps – seems far more likely.
The Bank of England expects inflation to continue to fall over the coming year, and so too will house prices, according to most forecasters.
Locally, though, individual people in business have their own forecasts – and hopes – for the year ahead. So we asked a cross-section of the district’s business community what their aspirations and expectations are for 2024. From electric gritters to selling beer in Taiwan, here’s what they had to say:
Katie and Paul Rawlinson – owners, Baltzersen’s and Bakeri Baltzersen
“Small business owners have to be optimists by nature, so we’ll enter 2024 full of determination to make it our best year yet.
“We’ll invest further in making sure Baltzersen’s can compete with a growing number of really great venues in Harrogate.
“We’re also planning to raise our game in the bakery, Bakeri Baltzersen, with refinements and improvements planned across our whole range of bread and pastry, including a good number of new products and the launch of our first vegan range.”
Photo: Matthew Lloyd.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill – owner, The Crystal Buddha, Knaresborough
“I’m very excited for what 2024 will bring for The Crystal Buddha.
“I have so many things planned for next year, including organising the Knaresborough Wellness Festival on March 24, which is a celebration of lots of lovely local holistic businesses, where anyone can come along and sample what they have to offer!
“We have talks and workshops, stalls and an opportunity to experience a sound bath or aura photography alongside some self-care and retail therapy.”
Simon Eyles – managing director, Bettys
“As with the last few years, I am sure this next year will bring lots of uncertainty, challenge, and change. One thing that is for certain, Bettys will continue to focus on delighting every single customer.
“I’m expecting customers to be increasingly selective in where they spend their money, so we will ensure we provide a brilliant Bettys experience like no other.
“I’m also looking forward to some amazing new menu items and delicious new products from our craft bakery. Look out for those!”
Matthew Chapman – manager, Harrogate BID
“Looking ahead to 2024, as we launch the new objectives within our term 2 business plan of pride in our town, a vibrant town and voice and vision is looking as positive. Dates for events are set, promotional plans for our town taking shape and proactive Harrogate BID teams on the street likely to be expanded.
“Strategically, we would like to see the Government follow up on a policy announced in May 2022 on local leaders being given more power within long-term commercial vacant units.
“We are also keen to continue our positive collaboration with the local authority and future North Yorkshire Mayor as we head towards devolution that should provide more local powers, decision making and funding.”
Zakaria Battal – owner, Kurdish Kitchen, Harrogate

“I think my business will carry on growing in 2024.
“It can be hard to get bookings, and when I do, there’s so much paperwork, but that’s actually good, as it makes me more experienced.
“It also makes it safer for people – I have a five-star food hygiene rating.
“My dream is to open a Kurdish Kitchen restaurant here in Harrogate, so hopefully I’ll get closer to doing that. I’m starting small and slowly getting bigger, one step at a time.”
Sharon Canavar – chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals
“2024 will be the first year we have the Harrogate International Festivals team back up to full strength post-Covid, so I am looking forward to an amazing year of events and festivals.
“We have our usual programmes with one or two very special events including a free light festival across Harrogate town centre, as well as the return of the Spiegeltent – so lots to celebrate.
“We know times are hard for everyone, so I hope that the range of work we do will touch everyone in some way, bringing a little joy or fun into their lives and the community which we serve.”
Richard Bradbury – managing director, T&R Theakston

“At Theakstons, we expect to see continued growth for our major brands like the iconic Old Peculier and some of the new beers which have been going down incredibly well as increasing numbers of pubs and supermarkets choose to stock our beers. Although prices continue to increase, the fact that the rate of increase is much lower than 12 months ago gives us confidence that we can continue to keep our beers affordable for drinkers, wherever they’re purchased.
“As a business, our focus for 2024 will continue to place beer quality at the centre of everything we do. As a result, we are substantially growing our investment into the brewery to keep this at the heart of our business and honour our commitment to drinkers.
“Turning further afield, having re-entered the US market in 2023, we’ve been buoyed by the growing worldwide demand for our beers and are looking forward to building new distributor relationships in countries including Poland, Sweden and Taiwan.”
Lee Bellwood – co-owner, Major Tom’s Social

“Being an independent in the bar and restaurant trade is always challenging. With various terrible things happening around the world, I’m happy if we can keep our heads above water. We are in a fortunate situation compared to lots of others.
“At Major Tom’s Social we are looking at extended opening hours and organising some more social educational events.
“Hopefully, Harrogate will still attract visitors and tourists even with its dwindling high-street presence.”
Paula Lorimer – director, Harrogate Convention Centre

“Future forward bookings for the year ahead look promising and we are expecting to exceed driving £40 million of economic impact in 2024/25 to support businesses.
“I would like to thank businesses across the borough, especially the hotels and restaurants who support our clients and make event organisers and delegates feel so welcome in our spa town. If Harrogate Convention Centre is successful in making the business case for further investment, then the sky’s the limit to what we can achieve!”
Charlene Lyons – CEO, Black Sheep Brewery

“It goes without saying that 2023 has been a turbulent year, with inflated prices and the cost-of-living crisis impacting us and so many businesses across the Harrogate district. However, Black Sheep Brewery is still moving forwards and we’re hopeful for a much stronger 2024 with some positive changes coming soon. We remain committed to securing local employment as well as continuing to innovate and produce high-quality beers, brewed right here in Yorkshire.
“There have been many positive things that have happened at the brewery in recent months that have helped the team finish strongly for the year. This includes the opportunity to collaborate with and raise funds for Rugby legend Rob Burrow MBE with the launch of ‘Burrow’s Blonde’, a delicious new beer now on tap in your local pub that is already proving to be one our most popular brews.
“In 2024, we also plan on further cementing partnerships with pubs and retailers both across Yorkshire and the wider country, as well as supporting our local communities by renewing sponsorships with grassroots sports clubs such as Harrogate Town AFC.”
Jonathan Lupton – managing director, Econ Engineering, Ripon

“This year has seen Econ continue to develop and demonstrate the UKs first ever fully electric gritter, the E-QCB, which is currently being used at various sites across the country. A major stride in the push for a more sustainable solution to our nation’s working fleet of vehicles, we look forward to working with councils and contractors in 2024, helping them to cut their emissions footprint.
“The E-QCB, which has a unique swap-body system allowing it to be used all-year round as a gritter, tipper and caged body vehicle, has already made quite an impact and is a major game-changer when it comes to the environmental impact of fleet operations up and down the UK. We hope 2024 will see us build on that initial success.”
Peter Lacey – joint managing director, Whole Systems Partnership; executive team member, Knaresborough & District Chamber

“During 2023, Knaresborough & District Chamber, along with other groups in the town, planted the seeds for what I hope will be a year in which we begin to realise the full potential of our fantastic town.
“Securing funds from North Yorkshire Council to explore exciting new ventures will enable us to find our voice for the benefit of businesses and the wider wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.
“The Whole Systems Partnership is in the business of helping the health and care systems across the country to deliver the best possible services for their local populations. For example, early in 2024 we’re looking forward to spreading our wings across the Pennines to help Lancashire County Council work more closely with the different NHS organisations in their area.
“The great thing about being in Knaresborough, however, if that the lessons we learn elsewhere can also be applied in our town, something we’ve supported through Covid and in our support to Knaresborough Connectors in their work to make the town an even better place to live, visit or work in.”
Read more:
- First day of Christmas fayre was Harrogate’s busiest for six months
- New bridal boutique to open in Ripon
Business Breakfast: Boroughbridge man named AA Patrol of the Year
Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!
Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.
Entries close on January 19, 2024.
An AA man operating from Boroughbridge has been named Patrol of the Year at the breakdown organisation’s annual awards ceremony.
The award is the AA’s highest accolade for its roadside patrols across the UK, and Chris Wood will now spend the next 12 months as the public face of the UK’s biggest drivers’ organisation, representing it within the motor industry and to the media.
Chris said:
“I can’t quite believe I’ve won this award. I was so proud just to be nominated among so many outstanding patrols, so when I heard I’d been shortlisted as one of the finalists I was absolutely gobsmacked.
“To be named Patrol of the Year is unbelievable – it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I’m really excited to see what lies ahead during the coming year.”
The judging process began in late September with nominations from across the UK, before six finalists were put through intensive technical and driving tests, panel interviews and mock radio interviews at the AA’s head office in Basingstoke in November. The awards were held at Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham.
Dean Keeling, managing director of Roadside Services at the AA, said:
“The AA Awards ceremony gives us the opportunity to recognise the efforts of the AA people who go above and beyond to help others and the Patrol of the Year award is the epitome of this.
“Chris exemplifies the values which set AA patrols apart with the skills to turn around a broken-down driver’s day and get them back on their way despite the challenges of working at the roadside in all weathers.
“His award is a true testament to his hard work, outstanding service and dedication and is a well-deserved accolade. Congratulations to Chris and all our finalists and award winners.”
[the_ad id=”179874″]
Snowplough maker named Bodybuilder of the Year
Ripon-based Econ Engineering is celebrating after scooping a major award at the ‘Oscars’ of the commercial motoring and road haulage industry.
The UK’s leading supplier of winter maintenance vehicles won Bodybuilder of the Year at the Commercial Motor Awards in Birmingham, where the cream of operators, dealers and suppliers competed for the top honours.
Econ, which supplies 85% of the nation’s winter maintenance vehicles from its assembly plant in Ripon, beat Lothian Vehicle Bodybuilders from Scotland and Cambridgeshire-based TVS Interfleet to the award.
A team from Econ was at the Road Transport Ball on Thursday, held at Birmingham NEC‘s, Vox Conference Centre to pick up their award.
Managing director Jonathan Lupton said:
“Words cannot describe how proud I feel right now to have come away with such a prestigious award.
“We know how hard every member of our team works to ensure that we maintain the high standards that Econ are renowned for, and this award goes to each and every one of the Econ family.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Growth hub hosts business support event at Ripon Cathedral
- Business Breakfast: Council hires marketing firm to promote numeracy project
- Business Breakfast: Care equipment firm to move away from Harrogate
Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm appoints operations director
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm.
The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Ripon-based Econ Engineering has appointed a new operations director.
Gareth Legg, who was most recently managing director at Crossroads Truck & Bus Ltd, will take up the role.
Mr Legg will be tasked with overseeing all four of the company’s depots and ensure the smooth running of departmental activities.
He said:
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Econ which has a fantastic history, reputation, and product offering.
“When I first visited it was the attention to detail and obvious pride in everything they do which stood out to me and why this opportunity is so exciting.”
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Gareth and look forward to making the most of his skills and experience.
“He has a fantastic CV and is extremely knowledgeable in our field of expertise. He will bring insight and fresh ideas from the outside world, which will ensure we retain our position as the market leader.”
Small business networking session to be held in Harrogate
A networking event aimed at small and medium businesses will be held at Harrogate Convention Centre this month.
Connect Over a Cuppa aims to offer advice, funding opportunities and business ideas to SMEs.
The event is organised by North Yorkshire Council and will be held on August 17 at Co-Lab Harrogate in the convention centre.
More sessions are available on September 21, October 19 and November 16. All start from 9.30am and last for 90 minutes.
For more information on the networking events, visit the Eventbrite page here.
Hot Seat: leading the Ripon firm that keeps Britain’s roads movingJonathan Lupton started out power-washing muck spreaders when he joined Econ Engineering aged 15 in 1983.
Being one of three sons of founder Bill Lupton, he was always likely to rise through the ranks.
But it has been quite a journey. Mr Lupton has laid sand on The Mall in London during one of the late Queen’s jubilees and overseen the growth of a business that started in a farmyard barn 50 years ago to one that now employs 250 staff and has a turnover of £44 million.
Econ sells and leases gritters, salt spreaders and pothole-fixing hotboxes to local authorities and private contractors. As the firm likes to say, ‘our fame is spreading’. It’s no idle boast: Econ is Ripon’s biggest employer and has 85% of the winter maintenance market in Britain as well as selling into eastern Europe.
It manufactures the machines at a nine-acre factory on the outskirts of the city, where the workforce includes a robot welder. Apart from the chassis, all components are made here. It’s like a mini-Steel City where plates of alloy are cut and moulded into the gritters and snow ploughs that keep Britain’s roads moving in winter, including here in North Yorkshire.
Last year Econ opened a £7 million site in Sowerby, near Thirsk to hold its burdgeoning 1,000-strong fleet. It also has small depots in Cardiff in Wales and Alloa in Scotland.

Econ’s new site at Sowerby
This local success story is rooted in humble — and at times slightly zany — origins. Founder Bill Lupton, a longhorn cattle breeder who liked to invent things, initially sold farming products. His creations included a mid mounted hedge and verge trimmer followed by the first spinning salt distribution gritter.
Jonathan chuckles at the memory of his dad, who he says was “better at inventing things than patenting them”. Bill’s legacy continues to loom large over the company he founded in 1969, but in the late 1980s it pivoted away from agriculture to highways. Jonathan became a director in 1998 and for years ran the business alongside his brother, Andrew.
Together they developed Econ to the point where its latest accounts, for the year ending 31 March 2022, showed turnover of £43.7 million and profit of £10.41 million.

Made in Ripon
This year has been tougher, with the doubling of steel prices posing a huge headache on top of the standard energy and price rises all businesses have encountered. Brexit hasn’t helped either. Jonathan says:
“In hindsight it’s probably been a bad thing for us because it’s hampered us selling into Europe. I voted for it but it was the wrong call.”
But everything pales in comparison with the terrible weekend in January last year, when Jonathan lost both his brothers. He recalls:
“I buried my younger brother on the Friday and then Andrew had a massive heart attack that night. In the early hours of Saturday morning we were at Harrogate hospital and we lost him in the early hours of Sunday morning.”
Staff are raising £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation this year in Andrew’s memory.

The launch of Econ’s British Heart Foundation fundraising partnership this year.
Jonathan, who lives in Galphay, is very hands-on at Econ. Has losing both brothers made him consider selling-up and taking more time to pursue his passions for cycling and motor racing or walking the dogs on the beach at Sandsend? He says:
“It’s made me more determined to keep it going. My brother would have wanted the legacy to continue.”
Econ’s shareholding is now split between Jonathan and Andrew’s estate. Andrew’s son, Thomas, works for Econ and Jonathan says without hesitation Econ will remain a family-run business.
Looking ahead, he predicts hotboxes, which local authorities use to fix potholes. will account for a larger proportion of businesses.
Councils are also under pressure to reach carbon reduction schemes, and this week Econ launched its first electric gritter at the Cold Comfort 2023 trade show in Harrogate.
People love to berate the state of the roads — but this company in Ripon does more than perhaps anyone else to keep Britain moving in winter.
Read more:
- Ripon firm Econ launches first electric gritter
- Bird flu kills 70 birds at nature reserve near Ripon
Ripon firm Econ launches first electric gritter
Ripon firm Econ Engineering is launching its first electric gritter at a trade show in Harrogate today.
The Electric Quick Change Body has a demountable bodywork, which enables the vehicle to switch from gritting to tipping in 15 minutes.
Econ’s research and development team worked with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland and truck dealer Crossroads to create the prototype, which is built on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric 4×2 chassis.
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, which is the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, said:
“We have spent a long time developing the new E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trialling it, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used all-year round.
“The vehicle operates best in urban environments, where daily mileage is typically less than some longer distance motorways or rural routes.
“As it is easy to switch body types with this model, customers can benefit from operating the vehicle all year-round.”

Econ supplies gritters to many local authorities, which are increasingly demanding green vehicles to meet zero-emission targets.
The gritter will be unveiled today on the Econ stand at the two-day winter highway maintenance conference Cold Comfort 2023 at Harrogate Convention Centre.
Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said:
“Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception.
“The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”
Read more:
- Bird flu kills 70 birds at nature reserve near Ripon
- Council orders deep clean for Ripon War Memorial
Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm announces new sales manager
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Ripon-based Econ Engineering has announced a new sales manager.
Steve Sinnott, who has been at the company for 10 years, has been promoted to the position.
Mr Sinnott will be tasked with overseeing the company’s sales operations and work with regional area managers.
He said:
“I am delighted to accept this position at Econ. Over the years the business has gone from strength to strength and continues to be the number one provider in the market.”
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said:
“Steve has been a valuable member of the team over the last decade. He has played an integral part in the growth of the business and looked after some of our largest accounts.
“We continue to be the market leader in the winter and roads maintenance sector, which is reflected in our current order book, thanks in part to winning several major new contracts.
“We are pleased to offer Steve this new role in recognition of his dedication. Along with other members of the sales team, our newly recruited Driver Trainer and Demonstrator, who is due to start in early March, will report to Steve to ensure that Econ’s current and future product developments are showcased to customers and potential prospects on location across the UK.”
Ripon digital agency launches rebrand
A Ripon digital agency has launched a rebrand for 2023.
Bronco, which is based at the Phoenix Business Centre, launched the brand refresh this past week as part of its 20th birthday.

Becky Naylor, founder of Bronco.
It includes changing the tone of its social media and an image redesign to reflect the firm’s personality.
Becky Naylor, owner of Bronco, said:
“2023 is an exciting year for Bronco. Our team has stuck it out through lockdown, we have veteran members on the team, many of whom have made it well over a decade of service with Bronco.
“Today Bronco offers a full range of services that is always expanding and adapting to the current marketing world.
“Our new identity better reflects our personality as friendly, honest, straight talking and experienced. If you want to look good online, wherever that may be, we’ll have a solution for you and we’ll dig deep to help you find it.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Knaresborough fire and security company merges with national firm
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate office space provider hires new commercial director
Business Breakfast: Harrogate bookshop honoured in national awards
Imagined Things bookshop in Harrogate has been announced as a regional finalist in the British Book Awards.
It is one of eight finalists in the independent bookshop category for the north of England.
If Imagined Things wins the regional finals, it will have the chance to go on and contend for the national prize for best independent bookshop.
Georgia Eckert, the shop’s owner, considers the new store location on Montpellier Hill an important reason behind reaching the finals.
After five years in Westminster Arcade, Imagined Things decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the move to the new location, raising over £18,000.
The fortunes of Imagined Things were also improved following a viral tweet posted on the bookshop’s Twitter account in June 2019.
The tweet reported a taking of £12.34 for the day, following which Georgia received a huge wave of support for the shop which boosted its profile in Harrogate.
Commenting on reaching the regional finals, Georgia said:
“Being a finalist really means a lot to myself and the Imagined Things Team. Bookselling is such a rewarding career, but being a shop on the Highstreet is not without its challenges. To get recognition for what we’ve achieved last year in moving the shop and doing what we love is a wonderful boost.”
Read More:
- Business Breakfast: Small indies to pop up on Harrogate high street
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate company builds robots to help tackle leaking pipes
Econ Engineering opens museum
Econ Engineering has opened a museum at the company’s headquarters in Ripon.
The museum’s collection consists of historic vehicles and farming implements from the last 60 years.
The exhibit looks into the agricultural past of the company, which is known for manufacturing gritters.
Jonathan Lupton, Econ Engineering’s Managing Director, son of founder Bill Lupton, said:
“Like my father, I have a passion for farming, and finding and restoring implements designed and made by him has become a passion, not only for me, but also for members of the wider Econ team.
“We were both of Young Famers’ Clubs, and it’s somewhat fitting that the first visitors to our new museum, celebrating our history, are members of Boroughbridge Young Farmers.”

Pictured inside Econ Engineering’s museum: Jonathan Lupton with members of Boroughbridge Young Farmers
Artefacts from the museum will be exhibited at various shows this year, including Masham Steam Rally, Hunton Steam Rally and Tractor Fest at Newby Hall.