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Jonathan Whitehead, the managing director of David Dumosch, tells Emily Moore how he plans to evolve this long-established business, while honouring its founder’s legacy
THERE are few businesses in Jersey which can trace their roots back more than 100 years but David Dumosch has been a mainstay of the Island’s agricultural and horticultural industries since the late-1800s.
Although the business was not registered as a limited company until 1925 – making this year its official centenary – the late Mr Dumosch had established his credentials as the Island’s first agricultural supply merchant long before the dawn of the 20th century.
And this history, says the company’s new managing director, means that it is both a “privilege and a tremendous responsibility” to be entrusted with continuing such a deep-rooted institution.
Having moved to the Island just over a year ago to take over the business, Jonathan Whitehead brings with him widespread experience of all things equine, having previously been involved with shows and events including the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Grand National.
“Having run some national security companies, which oversaw many aspects of these high-profile equestrian events, I was involved with everything from stable management and the distribution of horse feeds to animal care and liaising with vets,” he explained.
And it was through his contacts in the equine world that Jonathan became aware of the opportunity to purchase David Dumosch.
“A friend who knew of my background mentioned that the business was for sale and my interest was spiked immediately,” he said. “While the company’s remit extends far beyond equine, covering a range of horticultural, agricultural and now pet supplies, the equine division is expanding.”
With his interest piqued, Jonathan started doing some more research into the company, and was soon seduced by both its heritage and the potential it offered.
“I love the fact that the business has been trading for more than 100 years but I could also see that, in many ways, it had reached a plateau and that there were several opportunities both to grow the business and to support a key section of the Island’s community in the process,” he said.
To that end, he explained, he has spent much of the past year identifying new market opportunities, which complement the traditional pillars of the business.
“David Dumosch started by supplying farmers with fertiliser for the land and feed for the livestock, services which we still offer today,” he reflected. “Over time, though, the business has responded to evolutions within the industry, moving into machinery, for example, and supplying both brand-new and second-hand tractors and trailers.
“This is just one of the areas which we are keen to expand through our exclusive contract with Richard Western, which produces bespoke trailers and spreaders. Given the unique nature of Jersey and Guernsey, each trailer is made to order, taking into account each farmer’s requirements and the narrow lanes which the tractors are likely to use.”
As well as sourcing plant and machinery, Jonathan is keen to expand the business by reviving – on a somewhat more formal basis – a service which David Dumosch provided to farmers several decades ago.
“During the 1940s and 50s, David Dumosch used to provide finance for farmers,” said Jonathan. “We recognise that a lot of farmers face financial challenges, as the government grants are paid four times a year, which can leave some lean times in between. Typical bank loans require regular repayments, which don’t necessarily match farmers’ cash injections.
“Recognising that cashflow can therefore present difficulties at certain times of the year, we are developing tailormade finance and insurance packages to support farmers in both Jersey and Guernsey, offering more flexible solutions which reflect the farming cycles.”
And it is not just finance into which Jonathan is planning to diversify.
Drawing on the knowledge of longstanding team members, such as “golden egg” Peter Derouet – who has worked for the company for more than 50 years – and newer recruits including Michael Boschat, who has brought 27 years’ industry experience to the firm, Jonathan is keen to identify all “gaps” in the agricultural, horticultural and equine industry.
“The team members have accrued a tremendous amount of expertise and knowledge over the years, which is tremendously valuable,” Jonathan said, “and, of course, we also talk to our customers, old and new, about any areas where they are struggling or any items which they are finding it difficult to source.
“While we have, for many years, provided everything from feeds and machinery to potato sacks and even the string that ties the sacks together, we are aware that there are areas we haven’t previously explored.
“One example of that is clothing. We have brought in a range of equestrian clothing as well as workwear for farmers, and have created a retail area for these at our Morville Farm base.”
Also new to the St Ouen premises is a pet shop, which the team have recently opened to cater for the domestic-pet market.
But while excited about these innovations – and others which include the recent launch of the company’s website and online shop – Jonathan is clear that there are some aspects of the business which cannot change.
“We have to evolve to safeguard the company’s future but, while innovating, we cannot lose sight of the core values of the business,” he stressed. “Most importantly, our customers have to come first. We are tremendously grateful to them for their loyalty and support over the years, and we are very aware that their loyalty stems from our focus on quality, service and reliability.
“Underpinning those decades of trust is the knowledge of the team. We now have 12 members of staff, all of whom are experts in their field, and can provide that knowledgeable advice and service both to commercial farmers, keen home gardeners and horse owners.
“We have also spent time sourcing quality brands, many of which are exclusive to us in the Channel Islands, and we are committed to finding items for customers. If someone comes in and we don’t have what they’re looking for on the shelf, we will do our best to source it for them.”
Value, Jonathan adds, is also a key consideration for a business which “recognises the financial challenges faced by some of its core customers”.
“With this in mind, we have brought in a price-match guarantee on the feed products, so if someone finds the same product in a local store at a lower price, we will match that price,” he added. “We also support Chestnut Farm Animal Sanctuary, donating feed for the animals they look after and providing items to support their fundraising activities.”
With clients across the Channel Islands, Jonathan also has an eye on additional locations for the business, which has been at St Ouen for around 30 years.
“We want to keep the base here but we are also looking at opening a town branch for equestrian and pet supplies,” he said, “and I am also looking at sites in Guernsey, as it would be great to have a physical presence to enhance the service we offer our customers there.”
While Jonathan has several plans to grow the business, each one, he emphasises, revolves around the same thing.
“The company has always had lots of different arms to it, and that diversity is critical to building resilience,” he said. “As we look to the future, we want to celebrate the past while also innovating, just as David Dumosch did in the 1800s and 1900s.
“We are very aware that without our customers there would be no company, so everything we do is designed to evolve the business while building on the David Dumosch legacy and helping farmers as much as we can.”
