Two Vincents engineers recognised at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Some people move jobs every couple of years. Two engineers at Vincents have stayed for more than 40 each, and the Royal Cornwall Show was where that loyalty finally got its moment.

Four decades each

Colin Freeman and Michael Wilton have been recognised by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association with long service awards at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026. Each has given more than 40 years to the family business.

The pair were nominated by Vincents, an independent, third-generation machinery dealership marking its 60th anniversary this year. The awards were presented during the show by the RCAA President, recognising what the Association called an exceptional contribution.

What the awards mean

The RCAA long service awards go to people who have dedicated 40 years or more to a single employer, or to the agricultural sector. Recipients receive an official certificate and honorary life membership of the Association. That membership comes with one notable perk. Free entry to the Royal Cornwall Show for the rest of their lives.

Mark Stoddart, CEO of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, said the awards point to something that holds rural Cornwall together.

“The long service awards recognise the dedication, loyalty and skill that underpin our agricultural and rural communities,” Mark said. “Reaching more than 40 years with a single business is a remarkable achievement, and Mike and Colin’s contribution to Vincents and the wider industry is thoroughly deserving of this recognition.”

From apprentices to senior engineers

Both men started in the same place. Colin Freeman joined Vincents as an apprentice engineer and is now a senior engineer, his career with the company stretching past four decades.

“There’s a real sense of pride in being part of a family business like this for so long,” Colin said. “You feel part of something that’s built to last, and that comes down to the way people look after each other and the customers we work with.”

Michael Wilton followed the same path, starting as an apprentice and working his way up to senior engineer over more than 40 years.

“It’s been a huge part of my life working at Vincents,” Michael said. “You build relationships over the years, with customers and with colleagues, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. The business has changed and grown, but the focus on doing a good job and supporting people has always stayed the same.”

60 years in business

Vincents was founded in Cornwall in 1966 by Ken and Esme Vincent, starting out as a tractor engineering business in Summercourt before moving to Fraddon. Six decades on, it has grown into a multi-sector dealership serving farmers, contractors, councils, estates and businesses across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, with 55 people on the books.

Managing Directors Nick and Alec Vincent, the third generation of the family to run the business, said the two engineers reflect what the company is built on.

“Colin and Michael represent everything that makes Vincents what it is today. Their experience, loyalty and the relationships they’ve built over time are incredibly important to the business,” they said. “A founding principle of our grandfather’s was that service sits at the centre of everything we do, and that starts with our people. We’re proud to have so many colleagues who build long careers with us, and awards like this are a great way to recognise that commitment.”

The company is still investing. A new purpose-built branch in Cullompton is due to open in 2027, bringing its Devon and Somerset operations together under one roof.