The Fraddon family firm that turned 60 by raising £20,000 for MND

Sixty years ago Ken and Esme Vincent started a tractor business in mid Cornwall. The family has now marked the milestone with a gala dinner, and used the night to raise money for a cause that cost them one of their own.

Family-run machinery dealership Vincents has raised £20,250 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association at a gala dinner held as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. More than 200 guests, including friends, family, customers, suppliers and partners, came together for the evening at St Mellion Estate.

A cause close to home

The charity was chosen in memory of Ken and Esme’s son, John Vincent. John ran the business alongside his brother, Paul Vincent, for many years, and died of motor neurone disease in his 40s.

All three generations of the Vincent family were at the gala, including founder Ken Vincent. They were joined by customers, industry partners and supporters from the agricultural, construction and groundcare sectors, with Exeter Chiefs’ Jack Yeandle there as special guest and speaker.

Alec Vincent and Nick Vincent, the third-generation managing directors, said: “As we celebrate 60 years of Vincents, it felt important to use this milestone to support a cause that means so much to our family. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our customers, suppliers, colleagues and friends. Raising more than £20,000 is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the strength of the relationships that have supported our business for six decades.”

📷Vincents raise over £20,000 for MND Association during 60th Anniversary Gala (L-R) Sarah Tiddy, Nick Vincent, Dexter Ball, Vicky Parker-George, Ken Vincent, John Scott, Paul Vincent, Alec Vincent

A robotic mower, Champagne and a night at Outlaw House

The money came from a charity auction, a raffle and donations made through the evening. Sponsors including Kubota, NFU Mutual, Kernow Training and Start & Co Estate Agents also helped push the total up.

The auction alone brought in more than £7,000, with prizes given by businesses and individuals from across the South West. Among them were a robotic mower and garden equipment package from Cramer, a private Champagne dinner for eight in the winners’ own home from The Waterfront in Polzeath, an overnight stay and dining experience at Outlaw House donated by Nathan Outlaw, a four-ball round at St Enodoc Golf Club, and framed Rugby World Cup memorabilia donated by Wynn Parry.

Nick Cole, Head of Research at the MND Association, attended and spoke on the night. He said: “The generosity shown by the Vincent family, their customers, suppliers and friends was extraordinary. Together, they have raised more than £20,000 to help the MND Association support people affected by MND today and invest in vital research that is improving our understanding of MND, helping to develop more effective treatments and bringing us closer to a cure.”

From Summercourt tractors to three counties

Ken and Esme founded the business in 1966 as a tractor engineering firm in Summercourt, before moving it to Fraddon. What began as Vincents Tractors is now a multi-sector dealership supplying machinery, parts, servicing and aftersales support to farmers, contractors, councils, estates, golf courses and hospitality businesses across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. It employs 55 people.

The family made a short film to tell that story, which is on YouTube and embedded above.

Nick and Alec Vincent now lead the company, building on what was started by Ken and Esme and carried on by their father, Paul. The next step is already planned. A new purpose-built Devon branch is due to open in Cullompton in 2027, sitting alongside the Fraddon and Holsworthy branches and bringing the Wellington and Smithaleigh teams together under one roof.