Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association
Established in 1894 as a farmer’s cooperative, BATA proudly retains its cooperative structure today.
For more than 130 years, we have supported the people, businesses and communities that make up rural Yorkshire. Today, we supply a wide range of products and services to customers across Yorkshire and throughout the United Kingdom, covering agriculture, animal health, fuel, equestrian, country living and more. Our focus remains on providing the highest quality products and services, trusted expertise and dependable support to the customers and communities we serve.
Our Story
Early survival of our agricultural trading association is almost entirely attributable to the founding Brandsby pioneers and one Hugh Charles Fairfax-Cholmeley, Squire of Brandsby.
1894 - The Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association is founded
BATA began in 1894 when Hugh Charles Fairfax-Cholmeley established the Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association to help local farmers access quality seeds, fertilisers and fairer prices through collective buying.
From the very beginning, BATA was built around co-operation, practical support and strengthening the rural communities it served.
Early 1900s - From local society to established agricultural cooperative
BATA quickly expanded beyond its original membership, developing village shops, improving transport links and supporting a growing number of farmers across North Yorkshire.
By combining local knowledge with collective buying power, BATA established itself as an important part of the region’s agricultural community.
20th Century - Evolving alongside agriculture
As farming and rural life changed, BATA evolved with them. The organisation expanded its agricultural offering while developing new services, products and infrastructure to support the changing needs of its customers.
Over time, BATA grew from its agricultural roots into a broader commercial organisation while retaining its co-operative structure.
2014–2019 - New businesses, expertise and geographical reach
The acquisition of William Thompson (York) Ltd in 2014 strengthened BATA’s animal feed manufacturing capabilities, with Thompsons of York becoming a major part of the Group’s feed operation.
In 2019, South West Lancashire Farmers joined BATA, extending the Group’s reach further across Lancashire, Cumbria and the North of England.
Today - More than 130 years of experience, still moving forward
Today, BATA operates across feed, fuel and energy, Country Stores and ecommerce, supporting farmers, businesses, households and rural communities across the region and increasingly across the UK.
The business continues to invest in its people, operations, stores, digital capabilities and customer experience while remaining rooted in the co-operative principles on which BATA was founded
Our Specialisms
BATA brings together a diverse group of businesses serving agriculture, rural communities and customers across the UK. From fuel and feed to our Country Stores and growing ecommerce operation, each part of the business is built around quality, service and long-term customer relationships.
Together, these divisions give BATA the scale, expertise and reach to support customers across multiple areas of rural life and business.
Fuel
BATA supplies fuel and energy products to homes, farms and commercial customers across the region, combining reliable delivery with experienced local support. From heating oil and LPG to commercial fuels and lubricants, our team helps keep homes warm, farms operating and businesses moving throughout the year.
Feed
BATA manufactures and supplies high-quality animal feed for livestock businesses across the North of England. Combining specialist knowledge, trusted formulations and close relationships with farmers, we provide practical nutrition solutions designed to support animal health, performance and productivity throughout the year.
Country Stores
Our Country Stores bring together trusted products for farming, animals, equestrian, outdoor and everyday rural life. From agricultural and animal health supplies to pet, clothing, footwear and country living, each store combines a broad range with knowledgeable local service and practical support.
E-commerce
Our e-commerce business brings BATA’s trusted products and leading brands to customers throughout the UK. Our mission is to offer exceptional quality, outstanding choice and the best possible customer experience, making it simple and reliable for customers nationwide to shop with BATA online.
Meet Our Leadership Team
We are here to help, please contact us with any issues or queries; if we can't help personally, we will direct you to the person that can.
Colin Bailey, CEO
Chief Operating Officer
Henry Breese, CFO
Chief Financial Officer
Mike Hooley, COO
Chief Operating Officer, Marketing & Retail
Craig Hatfield, COO
Chief Operating Officer, Logistics
Nathan Yelverton, COO
Chief Operating Officer, Feed
Joe Baker, COO
Chief Operating Officer, Fuel
Lyndsey Pembery, CCO
Chief Commercial Officer, General Farm Sales - Starts November 2026
Meet Your Board of Directors
Stephen Greenfield - Chairman
Stephen Greenfield is a Chartered Surveyor and Land Agent with more than 40 years’ experience in estate and rural management. Based in Yorkshire since 1989, he has served as Chief Executive of the Sledmere Estate for 18 years, overseeing its property, farming, leisure and hospitality interests. He also runs a mixed farm near Malton.
Dorothy Fairburn - Group Secretary
Dorothy Fairburn is Secretary to the Society and has long-standing family connections with BATA. Raised on the family farm near Helmsley, she previously served as Regional Director of the CLA. Dorothy was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to rural affairs in Yorkshire and brings extensive experience in rural organisations, administration and membership
Judy Richmond
Judy Richmond MRICS is a Chartered Surveyor, sheep farmer and long-standing BATA member with strong family connections to the organisation. She is Senior Estate Manager for the National Trust in the North of England and previously chaired the Governance Board of Bishop Burton College. Judy brings extensive experience in estate management, governance and organisational leadership.
Richard Butterworth
Richard Butterworth has extensive experience across farming, industry representation and rural leadership. After beginning his agricultural career at Bishop Burton College, he built an East Yorkshire farming business specialising in arable, pigs and renewables. He has held several senior industry roles, including directorships with Nupork and Scotlean Pigs, where he also served as Chairman.
Richard Murray Wells
Richard Murray Wells is a former Chartered Surveyor with extensive experience across agriculture, property and business. He farms more than 5,000 acres and is involved in the development of brownfield and redundant properties. He is also a director of Codex Global Ltd and W G Spice Ltd and has held senior national roles within the CLA.
Neil Millan
Neil Millan joined the BATA Board as a co-opted director and brings extensive senior leadership and commercial experience. Based in Easingwold, his career includes leadership roles within major food manufacturing businesses alongside advisory positions. His expertise spans people management, organisational change, commercial decision-making and corporate governance, supporting BATA’s continued development and long-term growth.
Our Country Stores
Gate Helmsley Petrol Station
A166, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NF