IWCYC: Ralph's testimonials

Hi! 'If we can, you can' here. We just wanted to share a few comments that have arrived as people have emailed to vote for Ralph to win the Challenge:

"Ralph and I undertook an MBA style course (similar content no exams) at Durham University Business School. He used his experience there to enhance his business and shared ideas that assisted the other ‘students’. He is a hard working guy with a lot to offer and therefore to give and would benefit from guidance offered by this style of encouragement!"

"I would vote in favour of Ralph Thompson for this award. I use him as my farm contractor. He does this work as a sideline to his haylage and other businesses in order to make best use of his men and machinery."

"I have worked with Ralph for only one year. I find him very professional in his approach to business and enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his product."

"Ralph Thompson is great."

"I believe that Ralph would be a fantastic choice for the award and would use the mentoring etc exceptionally well. He has been a good friend for a very long time and no other person has worked as hard as he has through such hard times. An inspiration to both his close friends and to others within the community."

"I have known Ralph for a number of years now and am always particularly impressed by his resilience and determination to drive his business forwards. He never stands still and is always ready to expand into new areas, set up satellite businesses and continue to market his products successfully."

"The agriculture sector is not an easy market into which to break but Ralph has proven that with his genuinely pleasant and likeable personality alongside astute business acumen it is an area that has huge business potential and can still be developed when looked at with fresh eyes and innovative ideas. I know he would relish the opportunity to continue his promising career with the help and support of mentoring and consultancy. His determination and raw business skills certainly prove to me he is more than worthy of such a chance and that he would use the experience to bring huge recognition to the talent and potential held within North Eastern businesses."

"Having known Ralph since high school I know how hard he has worked to create his new business from scratch and to make it the best business he possibly can. Ralph has always been 'ridiculously' motivated and dedicated and is always open to new idea's - he's always looking forward, striving to improve his business."

"Ralph's Grandfather Alfie Thompson was an exceptional gentleman who built up a lovely farm at Silvermoor with prize dairy herds and sheep. Ralph stepped into his shoes after the tragic death of his father at the farm; everyone is proud of this fine young man."

"Ralph would be an ideal candidate for this award as he has started young in a tough industry and showed he could adapt his business and meet new challenges and demand. Someone with this entreneural flair would i believe benefit greatly from the consulting and mentoring the prize would offer."

"Silvermoor Haylage has grown through hard work and friendly people, It is great to have a business like this in Northumberland near us. and over the years Silvermoor seems to be growing even bigger with alot of effort from Ralph. I and many more in our horsey world wish him much success for the future, as the equine world seems to be getting more popular these days."

"A great example of rural diversification, more of which is badly needed to sustain the British countryside."

"Slivermoor Haylage is my first choice because my horses love it and it is good value for money."

"Silvermoor currently supply me with haylage for sale in our shops. Ralph has always been approachable and easy to work with. I wish him all the success for himself and his business."