CHAIRMAN

Unsurprisingly, Chris I’Anson has spent his whole life involved with the family firm in some way. After formally joining the business in 1978, Chris spent 15 years working his way up through the company before becoming Managing Director in 1993.

As part of his role, Chris not only oversees the business and supports the managers but also takes a hands-on approach, walking the floor on a regular basis. Splitting his time evenly between day-to-day management and strategic planning for the future, Chris particularly enjoys working in research and development on innovative new products and processes.

Quick to note that its success is very much a team effort, Chris is immensely proud of the company and prides himself on the quality of the products and service it delivers.

A fourth generation I’Anson with the business in his DNA, Chris finds it particularly rewarding to be carrying on the family tradition.

Outside of work, Chris is a keen ultra marathon runner and in 2016 participated in the Great North Run for the 20th time. In addition Chris researches local and his family history.

DIRECTOR

Will I’Anson joined the company in 1986 and as Director heads up Masham Micronized Feeds, British Horse Feeds and the Raw Material purchasing book. After a spell working in other industry , he took an interest in the family business and was able to learn the tricks of the trade under the guidance of the late Derek I’Anson and former sales director John Buckley for Masham Micronized Feeds.

Thirty years later, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on in his day-to-day role. This involves reviewing markets whilst keeping up to date with industry trends, buying many different ingredients for the Mill and alongside a strong team, selling Micronized Feedstuffs and Equine feeds.

Will carries out his role efficiently and successfully, enjoying daily communication with customers and suppliers alike, whilst dealing with the fluctuation in global raw materials markets and the sheer unpredictability of global economies. He finds his role extremely rewarding and is particularly proud of his fourth generation roots and the establishment of the British Horse Feeds division in 2000, which was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2008 in the innovation category and now exports to more than 40 countries.

He puts the success of the business overall down to a strong team of hard working committed staff, who are part of the ‘Family’. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Sarah (nee I’Anson, sister of Chris & Will) joined the business in 1983. She has a wealth of experience within the company after working her way up to her current position and has worked across all departments of the business within her career. Her industry knowledge and expertise is invaluable and makes her the ‘go to’ member of staff for enquiries from colleagues.

Sarah’s role includes supporting Technical Sales Manager, Andrew Harrison and dealing with customers. Her longevity within the business means she has done most of the jobs in the office and can draw on previous experience to support and share her knowledge with colleagues and customers alike.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family on her small sheep and cattle farm. She also enjoys holidays to Greece and sampling her favourite local dishes!

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Stephen joined I’Anson in May 2023, bringing over two decades of experience in senior finance roles across a range of sectors. His career includes key positions at Wensleydale Creamery, Network Rail, and Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, where he developed a strong foundation in financial leadership and strategic planning.

At I’Anson, Stephen plays a central role in guiding the company’s financial strategy, supporting continued investment and sustainable growth across all areas of the business.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys golf, keeping active at the gym, and mountain biking. He also dedicates much of his time to his family, often found chauffeuring his two daughters to their various activities.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Ged joined I’Anson in 2005 and has played a key role in the company’s operational development over the past two decades. With previous experience at Bristol Port, Ged brought valuable expertise in logistics and site management to the business.

Recently appointed Operations Director, Ged now oversees both the Masham and Dalton mill sites, ensuring the smooth running of production and maintaining the high standards I’Anson is known for. His leadership continues to be instrumental as the company expands its capabilities and embraces new technologies.

Outside of work, Ged is a keen golfer and enjoys staying active. A former semi-professional footballer, he now spends much of his time with his family and is a proud grandfather.

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Andrew joined I’Anson as Commercial Director in March 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from across the Agri, Retail, Equine/Leisure and Fuel sectors. Having previously held senior leadership roles including Managing Director and Group CEO at major Agri supply companies, Andrew has spent his career immersed in the animal feed and agricultural industries.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the business, as I’Anson’s new production facility at Waterloo House—one of the most significant developments in the UK feed industry—prepared to go live. Andrew is excited to help drive this forward-looking initiative, which promises to deliver real benefits for customers and partners alike.

Passionate about team development and strategic growth, Andrew is focused on expanding I’Anson’s diverse sales divisions, including Masham Micronized Feeds, British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company, which now reach over 40 countries.

Outside of work, Andrew has a keen interest in rugby and enjoys spending time in the countryside, remaining deeply connected to the farming community that has shaped his career.

TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER

Andrew Harrison joined I’Anson in 2016 having graduated from Harper Adams University with a First-Class Honours Degree in Agriculture with Animal Science.

Andrew was awarded the British Society of Animal Science Academia Prize, the Worshipful Company of Farmers Prize, and the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers Dairy Student of the Year award. He was also a finalist in the Agricultural Student of the Year category at the British Farming Awards.

Andrew’s has taken over the role of Technical Sales Manager after spending six years working as a Nutritionist. Andrew is responsible for the company’s sales team, technical and formulation departments. He takes a leading role in animal feed trials, new product development and on-farm technical support. He says the most rewarding part of his job is providing good quality advice to farmers to facilitate positive change on farms and help animals perform to their true potential.

Outside of work, Andrew is kept busy by his involvement in the management of the family farm.

TRANSPORT MANAGER

Richard joined I’Anson in 2006. Hailing from a farming background, he has been immersed in the industry for a number of years. Richard’s experiences working in logistics for a local brewery for 24 years have also equipped him with useful skills for his day-to-day role at I’Anson.

This includes ensuring products are delivered on time, while aiming to exceed customer expectations and overcoming typical challenges for rural areas, such as road closures and poor weather conditions.

Richard enjoys living and working in Masham for a family-run firm, which he believes has helped him build on his industry awareness and knowledge. During his time at I’Anson, he has built an exceptional team of 12 full-time drivers.

Richard is kept busy by his two daughters but in his spare time enjoys playing golf, running, spending time in the outdoors and more recently, gardening.

EXPORT SALES MANAGER

Hattie has been formally part of the business since 2017, though her involvement began much earlier as a fifth-generation family member. From assisting in the warehouse during school holidays to supporting the team at trade shows, Hattie has grown up immersed in the company’s operations.

After earning a BA (Hons) in International Business Management, she took on a leadership role in the export division, overseeing international sales for both the equine and pet sectors. The business now exports to over 48 countries, and Hattie plays a key role in driving growth and maintaining global partnerships.

Hattie focuses on business development within Australia, helping to expand the company’s footprint and strengthen its presence in the market. She is passionate about her work and takes great pride in contributing to the legacy of her family business.

Outside of work, Hattie enjoys spending time with her young son, George. She is an active sports enthusiast, with interests in netball, running, and yoga, and hopes to return to horse riding in the near future.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Kate joined I’Anson full-time in January 2020, having spent many of her school holidays working in the business from a young age. Her early experience included supporting the admin and purchase ledger teams, and even braving a particularly cold winter in the warehouse separating glue on feed bags.

After studying Accounting and Finance at university, Kate travelled extensively, spending time as a teacher in Vietnam, Fiji and South Korea. On returning to the UK, she joined the finance department at I’Anson, studying for her CIMA qualifications alongside her role. She is now a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and serves as Financial Controller, playing a key role in the financial management and strategic planning of the business.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys golf, renovating houses, and spending time with her husband and daughter, Reigna.

MASHAM SITE MANAGER

Charlie joined I’Anson full-time in 2019, having spent much of his childhood working across different areas of the business during school holidays—most often in the warehouse, lending a hand with the heavy lifting. After studying Economics at university and travelling through Australia, Charlie returned to the company and progressed through a variety of production roles.

Now Site Manager for the Masham mill, Charlie plays a key role in overseeing daily operations and ensuring production runs smoothly and efficiently. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of the business make him a valuable part of the operations team.

Outside of work, Charlie is a keen shooter and enjoys helping out on his wife’s farm. He also spends much of his time with his young daughter, Bea.