Drop-Off Point Profile: Meet Paul Chuter

Many farmers might have crossed paths with Paul Chuter at the Cockermouth Depot during drop-offs, but we know it’s often a whirlwind of activity and there’s little time for a chat. 

At British Wool, we want to help you get to know Paul better. We recently sat down with him for a short interview where he shared some insights about his background and what he loves to do. As the one in charge of storing and processing your wool after you drop it off, Paul makes sure it’s well taken care of before it heads out for grading. 

Please read Paul’s response below; 

I was born in Hampshire and grew up on my parents' small dairy farm next to my grandfather's bigger mixed farm. In 1979, I went to Wye College in Kent, the University of London, and graduated with a degree in Agriculture. 

After that, I worked as a truck driver for two years in the UK and Europe, which helped me save money for a house and a few old tractors. It was a good-paying job at the time! 

In 1981, I started an agricultural contracting business near Canterbury, Kent. The business grew a lot until 1993, when I sold it to a competitor, and it is still running today. 

Then we purchased High Gate Farm Bewaldeth in 1994, which I then farmed while starting an Agricultural Engineering Business. By around 2005, we focused on selling, servicing, and repairing quad bikes mainly for farmers in the North. 

In 2019, I sold this business to Carrs-Billington Agriculture, which moved everything to their Cockermouth branch, including me and my 11 staff members. 

Now, I work at the Cockermouth drop-off centre for British Wool, and I really enjoy it! I take in and store wool sheets after shearing, label them, do the paperwork, and then send them to Brampton when needed. 
 
There’s no cost for the farmers, and I get to connect with many old and new customers. The job is simple, which I appreciate, and I get along well with Ian, the British Wool lorry driver who picks up the wool. The team at British Wool is easy to work with, and I've enjoyed my time there. Overall, it’s a nice little job. 

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, restoring classic tractors and cars, riding my Triumph Bonneville and doing the odd job fixing tractors or welding work for local farmers.