INDUSTRY PROFILE


Chappelow Sports Turf


From Pigs to Pitches


It all started twenty years ago when pig farmer Alan Chappelow had a ‘light bulb moment’, and so began Alan Chappelow Sports Grounds Contractors. David Mears chatted recently to Alan’s youngest son Ben, discovering how this West Yorkshire based family company came to fruition and has developed


Renovations at Barnsley Football Club


t was in 2001 when Alan was approached by his neighbours, Dewsbury and District Golf Club, and asked if he could help them with some greenkeeping/contracting work. It was not a problem to Alan, so he fitted this in around his work at his farm and, after a short period, won a contract with the club for mowing work.


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Whilst working on the course, Alan observed various contractors coming on to the site from time to time and saw the work they were undertaking. This was when the realisation came: ‘what an opportunity’; contracting, surely, was the way forward for him!


102 PC February/March 2021


Inspired by the golf club, and folk there he now knew well, purchasing a Verti-Drain was the first investment in his new venture, along with flotation tyres to fit to the Case tractor he had. Word got around and Alan was soon undertaking work in the immediate area, working for local cricket, rugby and football clubs. As work developed so did the need for extra kit; an overseeder and spraying kit was added enabling more tasks to be undertaken, which aided expansion of the business.


The first five years saw good natural growth and it was decided to form a limited company; Chappelow Sports Turf Ltd was incorporated on 2nd November 2006. Sons


Edward and Ben had always enjoyed being involved, spending time helping out in the business whilst at school and today, well established and working full time, are directors, along with Alan and his wife Helen.


Eldest son Edward, now 32, attended Myerscough College straight from leaving school and on a day release basis, attaining a Foundation Certificate in Sportsturf. He was clear on what he wanted to do from the start! On the other hand, the now 29-year- old Ben, didn’t go straight into the business however. His parents had high aspirations for him and encouraged him to take A levels and seek a university place. He secured a


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