Becoming interested in agricultural machinery while growing up on a sheep farm in north Wales has turned into a career opportunity for Guild member Mary Perry, who specialises in marketing support for agricultural machinery dealerships and manufacturers.
“My keen interest in farm machinery is a running theme in my life and my career,” says Mary.
“Following my degree at Harper Adams University and a placement with John Deere UK, I travelled to New Zealand where I drove grape harvesters, and then returned to work in the industry. I have since started my own business, ME Marketing & Events, which is now in its fifth year.”
Based in Shropshire, living in the countryside means she gets to enjoy walks with her two cocker spaniels and take part in old tractor runs on her grandfather’s Massey Ferguson 35X tractor.
Quick-fire Q&A with Mary Perry
Describe your job in a sentence
I create lots of stuff that helps build customer relationships for businesses!
How did you get to where you are today?
With a lot of encouragement from friends and family.
Describe an average day for you
No two days are the same, but you could find me creating content for digital platforms, designing promotional material for print, interviewing client customers for editorial pieces and if I get the call, rushing out the door to photograph some machinery working!
What’s the best thing about what you do?
Dealing with lots of different people and being able to work in the industry I love.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever written about or done in the name of work?
Dressing up as a German Beer Wench for a Fendt event I organised; didn’t manage to dodge that one, but the stein of beer made it all worthwhile!
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve visited as part of your job?
COVID has really meant that visiting places hasn’t been the most exciting since my business began. But last December I got to visit a client in New Zealand!
What gets you through a tough day?
Switching off for an hour and heading to the gym! I never thought I would be a gym person but I love it for having some time away from the office.
How untidy is your desk?
My side, I would like to say is lovely and organised…my husband’s however…really lets the side down in our shared office.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I was almost on the Junior Apprentice television programme when I was younger.
What station is your car radio tuned to?
Radio 1 or Country FM.
What’s your favourite biscuit?
Chocolate HobNob all day long!
Name a guilty pleasure
Having to have the TV on whilst I work…background noise is a must!
What colour are your wellies?
Dark Green, my most comfortable mode of foot travel!
Where did you last go on holiday?
Romania.
Tea or coffee?
Tea!!! All day long.
Beer or wine?
Glass of Malbec…large of course!
Hatchback, saloon or SUV?
SUV – you should see some of the countryside places I have to visit!
All members can be contacted via the Guild’s Farming Media Centre online directory.
