There's a new head of department at Kivells.

The machinery team has been expanded with the appointment of Phil Cann, the company’s new Head of Machinery Sales.

Raised on a family dairy farm in North Devon, and learning to drive a Massey 35 at a young age, farm machinery has always been a part of Phil’s life.

Apart from a couple of excursions working abroad in the USA and Australia, he has spent the vast majority of his working life in the dealer network, initially as a mechanic and latterly in sales.

Phil explained: “I started my career in sales covering a territory in the Midlands and for the last 12 years for a well-known dealer back in Devon. Career progression led me to a position of ‘Used Equipment Manager’.

"This has formed a big part of my career for the last three years, being responsible for accurate valuations of potential trade-ins for the whole business and forming close working relationships with trade customers across the UK and beyond.

"I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career with Kivells to grow their machinery side of the business and look forward to working with customers old and new.”

Kivells auctioneers have been selling a huge range of machinery and equipment, both into and out of the sector, for more than 130 years.

The company’s reputation as the south west’s leading machinery auctioneers was perfectly demonstrated at Holsworthy Market’s February sale, which saw sales exceed £2million, a record breaking day for the team.

Kivells’ combination of sales technology and respect for tradition saw this sale alone receive over 12,665 livestreams, with 1889 online bidders, resulting in 30 per cent of the lots selling online.

Kivells director, David Kivell, said: “Over the past few years, we have become one of the largest firms of auctioneers in the south west with equipment and machinery sales being an integral part of the business. We are so pleased to be expanding this department and welcoming Phil to the Kivells team.

"Phil brings with him a wealth of experience in the agricultural machinery sector and, with his knowledge and business development skills, he will enhance our team and will continue our growth within this sector.”