Bailey People Archives - Bailey Trailers

From cubs to Tigers

bail00001 — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:59:57 +0000

As the mother of three elite rugby players, Michelle Chessum – Company Secretary at Bailey Trailers and daughter of founder Tom Bailey – has watched what began as childhood enthusiasm for sport grow into careers at the very highest level.

Two of her sons now play for Leicester Tigers and have represented England on the international stage, with experience that has even extended to British & Irish Lions selection, while the third is following closely in their footsteps as part of the Leicester Tigers Academy. It is a remarkable family story, rooted in hard work, humility and unwavering support, values that feel right at home at Bailey Trailers.

Looking back, Michelle recalls that all three boys were introduced to sport at a very young age.

“They were around four when they started playing,” she explains, “mostly football and cricket at first.” At the time, there were no obvious signs that elite sport lay ahead. “I can honestly say I never thought they were naturals at either,” she admits, “but they enjoyed being outdoors, being part of a team and just playing.” What stood out wasn’t raw talent, but enthusiasm and competitiveness.

That early enjoyment shaped Michelle’s philosophy on children and sport, the key is enjoyment. “As long as they’re enjoying it, take them along come rain or shine,” she says. Michelle believes children should be encouraged to try a range of sports rather than specialising too early. “When they’re young, all they want to do is play,” she adds, stressing the importance of joining clubs where children get real game time. “Being a substitute week after week quickly loses its appeal.”

As the boys progressed and rugby became central to their lives, Michelle has found that watching matches brings mixed emotions. “At the start of a game I feel huge pride,” she says, “but that very quickly turns into anxiety.” From the fear of injury to worrying about their performance or disappointment, watching can be stressful. “I wouldn’t miss a game for the world,” Michelle admits, “but I rarely enjoy watching.” It’s a sentiment many parents of professional athletes will recognise, pride intertwined with constant concern.

Asked about her proudest moments, Michelle doesn’t point to trophies, caps or milestones, although there have been many. Instead, her pride lies in the men her sons have become. “They’re three great lads,” she says simply. “They’re spoken so highly of by so many people, and that makes me proud.”

Of course, professional sport comes with its share of injuries, Michelle is quick to identify who copes least well. “Oliver has always been the worst patient,” she laughs, “He’s not a very good patient and I’m probably not a very good nurse.”

What Michelle admires most about her sons now is their work ethic and resilience. “They are incredibly hard working and committed,” she says.

Playing professional rugby demands determination, especially when the journey isn’t smooth. “It would have been easy at times to give in, but they never did. They stuck at it.”

Oliver, the eldest, remembers his earliest sporting experiences vividly. Saturdays were spent playing cricket at Billingborough Cricket Club or football at Ancaster with his cousin Jazz. Rugby didn’t enter the picture until secondary school, when he was around 13. Lewis’s memories are similar, also rooted in Ancaster football club, although he jokes that being left-footed with two right feet didn’t necessarily help. Rugby only became an option once Oliver made the move to secondary school. “I thought I’d give it a go,” Lewis recalls, “and I enjoyed it.”

As their professional ambitions grew, both Oliver and Lewis faced moments of doubt. For Oliver, family support proved crucial. Coming from a sporty household with a cricket-playing dad and netball-playing mum, encouragement was never far away.

When Oliver realised he had a genuine chance of making rugby a career, it was Michelle who pushed him to seize the opportunity. “You’re not going to get a chance like this again,” she told him. The support of the wider Bailey family was also instrumental in driving Oliver forwards.

Lewis’s experience within the Leicester Tigers academy system tested his confidence. As numbers dwindled and competition intensified, self-doubt crept in. “I was convinced I wasn’t going to make it,” he admits.

Once again, Michelle’s encouragement played a key role, alongside Oliver’s example. Watching his brother recalled into the Tigers squad after playing for Nottingham became a powerful motivator. “It showed me it was possible,” Lewis says, “and it kept me pushing for a contract.”

Along the way both brothers have heeded important advice. Oliver’s centres on perspective: “Don’t listen to opinions from people you wouldn’t take advice from.” In the high-pressure world of professional sport, where scrutiny is constant, learning to filter out noise is essential. Lewis, meanwhile, credits his success to work ethic. “Don’t be beaten on effort,” he says, recalling school holidays spent working while friends relaxed. “If you really want something, you’ve got to work harder than anyone else.”

Those values extend into how both view team success. For Oliver, belief is fundamental. “If you don’t believe, there’s no point turning up,” he says, also citing perseverance and shared ambition, which turn good teams into formidable ones. Lewis highlights relentlessness in training, preparation and performance. “Every moment matters,” he explains. High standards, clearly set and consistently upheld, define top teams.

Both Oliver and Lewis have spent time working at Bailey Trailers, gaining first-hand experience on the factory floor. Oliver initially worked one day a week while playing for Nottingham, before moving into full-time work during Covid.

From operating machinery to welding drawbars and axles, he developed practical skills and a real appreciation for craftsmanship. “Welding is an art,” he says. “There’s a lot of satisfaction in getting it just right.” Lewis similarly worked across the factory, fitting lights, brake pipes and assisting with trailer repairs. For both, the key takeaway was the value of hard work and being willing to learn something new.

If rugby hadn’t worked out, Oliver believes he’d likely have joined the family business in some capacity, while Lewis says simply, “I’d probably be at Bailey Trailers.”

Dylan, youngest of the three is at an earlier stage of his rugby journey. Having only started rugby at 15, he was relatively new to the sport when he entered the Tigers Academy trials. Initially hesitant, it was Oliver and Lewis who encouraged him to take the chance.

Since then, Dylan has embraced the challenge, even adapting to a new position. “It’s been tough,” he admits, “but I’m loving it.”

When asked who the best player is among the three, Dylan laughs. He suggests it’s between himself and Oliver, describing Lewis as someone who has worked relentlessly for everything he’s achieved. “I’m really proud of both my brothers,” Dylan says. “They’re not just great players, but great brothers.”

Perhaps the simplest yet most telling insight comes when the boys are asked to sum up their mother in one word. Oliver chooses “rock.” Lewis says “relentless.” Dylan opts for “caring.” Together, they paint a constant presence, quietly driving, supporting and believing. Much like Bailey Trailers itself, a story of commitment, resilience and family at its core.

The post From cubs to Tigers appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

We know our onions

bail00001 — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:15:36 +0000

When we say that we back British farming, it’s something that we’re committed to all year round. Recently, Chris Bailey has been out in the fields for local arable business AFS Dean Limited. Chris was helping bring the onions in, he regularly helps out when the farm needs additional hands during harvest time for onions, carrots and potatoes.

Chris relishes time in his tractor, pulling a Bailey trailer of course: “I was happy to help get the onion harvest in. I’m passionate about British farming and British produce. The quality produced by our farmers is second to none, they deserve support from all of us.”

AFS Dean Limited run a fleet of our TB16 trailers.

The post We know our onions appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

Talking trailers with Jazz Bailey

bail00001 — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:52:13 +0000

What is your current role at Bailey?
My current role is running our CNC Laser. The laser must be active 12 hours per day to meet our production target of 25 trailers every week. Part of my role includes running our bending software, I advise the press brakes on the shop floor exactly where and at what angle a part is to be bent. I also work alongside my Mum to generate parts from orders received.

What other roles have you undertaken?
When I joined the company in 2016 I worked with my Dad in design, I helped him with special one-off orders. I also helped Mum programme the laser. After a few years, I wanted to be more hands-on and work in the factory. I really enjoy seeing how our designs move from an idea to the finished article.

Do you have a favourite trailer design and why?
My favourite design would have to be our Hydraulic Bale Clamps. We fit these to our Bale & Pallet trailers, they are quicker, easier and safer for our customers. This was also the first trailer design I looked over with my Dad when I started. I feel a bit of pride every time I see one out and about.

What is your proudest moment at Bailey to date?
I think my proudest moment at Bailey would be our pink trailer for Breast Cancer Now. We all came together as a family to raise money for such a good cause, every single one of us played a massive part in getting that trailer finished.

What sets Bailey apart in the market?
The fact that we have a reputation for producing hard wearing and durable trailers; we make 25 a week for a reason. There are 11 family members that work here, I think it’s rare to see a family run business these days, certainly across three generations. I’m very proud to be part of our story.

What would you like to see change within farming?
I would like to see our supermarkets using more British produce, supporting our hard-working farmers. More Government support is essential to opening people’s eyes, they need to communicate how important this is for our country. I’d love to see more women in this industry. Over the last few years, it’s been so nice to see more and more women sat on tractor seats and getting stuck in.

How do you see the future for Bailey?
I see a very bright future for Bailey Trailers. I’m one of three of the 3rd generation of Bailey’s, hopefully we’ll see more of my cousins here one day. My Grandad brought us all up to work hard. He still asks me at 8pm on a Sunday evening why am I not at work and that he hopes that laser is running!

I would like to look back in 30 years’ time knowing that our generation continued what my Grandad started back in 1982. That we are maintaining the standards which go into making our trailers the very best there is on the market.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t eat yellow snow!

Finally, you’re going on a road trip and can pick your vehicle and destination. What is the vehicle and where are you going?
I’d pick an old Land Rover 90 with a tent box on the roof and drive along the North Coast 500 in Scotland.

The post Talking trailers with Jazz Bailey appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

Interview with Richard Bailey

bail00001 — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:52:18 +0000

Head of Design Richard shares his thoughts based on 35 years of experience in the business, his favourite design to date and what he’d like to see change in UK agriculture…

What current role do you fulfil?
My current role is Head of Design. However, I’m also a problem solver, if anything needs making in the factory for production, that’s down to me. If one of our lorry drivers is on a holiday, I’m our relief driver. You could say I’m pretty much hands-on, I’ve been there, done that.

What other roles have you undertaken?
I’ve been with the company since I left school in 1989. I started off as a plater and chassis welder. I know how everything goes together because I’ve had to do it, from sawing the metal and putting it together, to fitting lights. Bringing it back to design, my previous roles definitely help me to visualise the end product in terms of how it all fits together.

What’s your favourite trailer design and why?
One of my favorite designs is the hydraulic bale clamps that we fit on our bale trailers; this is one of my best designs to date. We’ve revolutionised the way loads are strapped onto trailers, it’s far quicker and much safer. Transporting on the road is much safer too, meeting with road safety legislation.

What do you feel sets Bailey apart in the market?
Listening to customers is the key to a good product. Farmers are the people that use the trailers, we listen to their ideas and make the trailers they want. A lot of it is down to experience in the factory and in the field.

I’m quite fortunate in that I work with trailers on a local farm during my spare time. I see the day-to-day challenges a trailer gets put through, what they’ve got to achieve. There’s a lot of people out there that design trailers without knowing what a trailer has to do.

There’s nothing more pleasing than a farmer telling you what difference we’ve made to their business. That’s what we’re here for, to make people’s lives easier, more cost-effective. I feel that’s what sets us apart; listening to our customers and knowing what the product’s got to do.

What would you like to see change within farming?
I would like to see farmers get a fair price for their product. They’re hardworking and put a lot of time and effort into producing food for the country. I think they’re rewarded very poorly for what they do.

Supermarkets are maybe the biggest contributing factor. If you speak to any farmer out there, all they want is a fair price for a fair product. Legislation is killing our farming industry; we’re importing foods that don’t carry the legislation our farmers have to adhere to. That’s not fair.

Things have got to change. The government says it’s going to support British farmers all the way, but we need to see action. Instead of concentrating on wildflower meadows and hedges, we should be growing more produce. We could be much more self-sufficient.

How do you see the future for Bailey?
We’ll continue as a family business, building on what has served us well since Dad started the business in 1982: – Family values, good old fashioned customer service and making the best trailers for the job.

The post Interview with Richard Bailey appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

Interview with Chris Bailey

bail00001 — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:38:46 +0000

Chris is one of the third generation of the Bailey family to be playing a role in the business, and has worked across all departments over his seven-and-a-half years here. We caught up with Chris and asked him a few questions…

When did you start in the business?
I’ve been with the company for seven and a half years.

Which areas have you worked in?
I started in the fitting shop and then moved into the finishing shop, moving on to the parts department then into sales. I also help run the laser. I’ve worked in all departments so that I understand the product inside – out.

What elevates a trailer from good to great?
Attention to detail, it’s all in those finishings, getting the small details right.

What helps Bailey maintain UK number one status for Ag trailers?
The fact that we’re still a family business is a big reason. Also, we never stand still, we just keep pushing to make the products better and better.

What is your ultimate Bailey trailer?
I like carting corn; I frequently help local farmers and contractors in my spare time. It would have to be a 16-tonne grain trailer with wide tyres, high vis strips, a hydraulic rollover sheet and air brakes which are a must. Another must would be mudflaps with reversing lights, I like to see where I’m going.

Should trailer wheel / tyre size increase to produce better compaction in the field / stability on the road?
Where they can yes. However, it’s not always possible to go bigger sometimes you have to have narrow tyres, for instance when running down potato rows.

Should trailers get any bigger?
Where they can yes. However, it’s not always possible to go bigger sometimes you have I don’t think trailers should get any bigger, but I think the weight that trailers are allowed to carry on the road should be increased. We’re building trailers today that people don’t take on the road or if they do take them on the road they don’t fill them, so, we don’t need bigger trailers we just need to be allowed to fill them.

What are the most common safety errors that operators should be aware of?
Not checking wheel nuts is one of the most common errors we come across, which, if you’re lucky, only costs a bit of money, if you’re unlucky it can be quite serious. Lack of grease, for some reason people don’t like to grease anything up. People turning too tightly forces the tractor tyres to rub against the drawbar, the drawbar becomes bent, especially when reversing around tight corners, that’s when the tractor tries to climb on top of the drawbar.

What would you like to see happen within UK farming?
Without getting too political, I’d like to see a lot more British grown produce being eaten and British made products being used in the field. I’d like to see our government help to make this happen, fewer imported goods would be very nice to see and a fair price paid to our farmers.

Finally, you’re going on a road trip and can pick your vehicle and destination. What is the vehicle and where are you going?
I’m in a tractor with the dogs, it’s a Fendt 942 and we’re going farming in Yorkshire.

The post Interview with Chris Bailey appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

From sheds to trailers

bail00001 — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:30:24 +0000

David Hoyes has worked at Bailey since we first started making trailers in 1982. We caught up with David and asked him a few questions…

How did it all begin?
It must have been the Summer of 1978 when I first started working alongside Tom Bailey. Back then we were building structural sheds and agricultural structures; however, we were approached by a trailer manufacturer to produce some chassis for them. We agreed to do this, then out of the blue one of our long standing customers asked us to make a complete trailer for them.

From that day onwards we have been building trailers. To begin with we built structures in the autumn and winter and trailers in the spring and summer. This was the pattern for a couple of years, but trailers took over completely and that’s when we starting investing in the factory for 100% trailer production.

What current role do you fulfil?
My main role now is on the production side, to supply all the welders and welding bays with everything they need in time. We supply the components and side pressings to each bay in turn, so that trailers can be built to our busy production schedules. With the high volume of trailers we build, it’s vital we keep everything moving.

What other roles have you undertaken?
I started off as a body welder, there were only 4 of us back then, we would produce 3 or 4 trailers over three to four weeks. I also applied the paint; if I got on with it I could usually get it done in half decent time and be home for 10pm! Sometimes I would help Tom make the chassis.

What makes a good trailer?
A lot of people will tell you that a trailer is just a box on wheels. It probably is, but if its designed right and is strong enough, that box on wheels will last a long while, not just twist, buckle and bend. The right design and strength where it needs it, that’s all there is to it.

What do you feel sets Bailey apart in the market?
I think the fact that we can deal with people, we understand farmers, we know the ins and outs and we listen to our customers. We know what needs to go into a trailer to sustain the wear and tear that farm machinery is put through, this goes back to our very beginning.

I would also add that it’s a real team effort. We share ideas between ourselves and customers, everyone is encouraged to contribute. At the end of the day, we’re all looking to achieve the same outcome – a happy customer who wants to buy from us again.

How do you see the future for Bailey?
I think the future is very bright. I can see us being around for years to come, we are currently looking at expanding, which just goes to show the confidence we have in our products and proposition.

The post From sheds to trailers appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

In conversation with Bailey Trailers Sales Manager Stephen Bailey

bail00001 — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:08:23 +0000

I’m responsible for…
Sales and aftercare support for our dealers.

My approach to the role is…
Always be willing to listen to other opinions and offer the best service I can to customers and dealers.

The most enjoyable part of my role is…
Working for a family business and the satisfaction of offering market leading products and service.

Before joining Bailey my role was…
I have only ever worked at Bailey Trailers.

The best advice I’ve ever been given…
I would say there are two pieces of advice: People buy from people, so always be polite and amiable. We have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason!

Away from Bailey I enjoy…
Spending time with my family, watching rugby and playing football for a veteran’s team.

The post In conversation with Bailey Trailers Sales Manager Stephen Bailey appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

Sharing the load

bail00001 — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:06:09 +0000

Managing Director Michael Bailey shares his thoughts on 40 years of Bailey Trailers, the UK agricultural market and why he believes that Bailey are well positioned to weather any economic storm that may be brewing.

Congratulations on 40 years of Bailey Trailers this year. How does this make you feel?

“I feel proud to be part of it. If you asked my father when the first trailer rolled off the production line 40 years ago if he could have envisaged where we are today, he wouldn’t have thought it possible. We’ve come a long way, we’re still a family firm, there’s a next generation working here and that’s how we want it to be.

“The very first trailer sits proudly outside our reception. However, sometimes we take it to a local customer’s and it helps out with harvest. Just the other day I took a load of corn in with it and I thought how ever did farmers sit in a tractor pulling a ten tonne trailer with no sprung drawbar or fancy suspension? In its day it was a real game-changer, but things have moved on leaps and bounds.”

What sets Bailey apart from other trailer manufacturers?

“I would like to think it’s the quality of the product, we try to stay at the top of the market. The back-up we provide, we’re always there for our customers and dealers. We listen to people and keep looking for new ideas, new technology to improve our products, whilst keeping the price as competitive as possible to help farmers.

“We believe a lot more in core values, family values. Those same values that drove our business when we started still drive us today and in a world of mergers and mass production I think it’s very important to stay true to your roots. To offer something different.”

What are your biggest challenges?

“The biggest single challenge we face at this factory is labour. We’re finding it increasingly difficult to find people. For example, welders, go back a couple of years and if we whispered we’d got a vacancy there’d be a queue, now if you shout you’re lucky to find someone.

“People don’t want to work like they used to, everybody wants more money but they don’t want to put the hours in. We’re not unique, you see it on TV every day and I talk to other business owners and hear the same stories. It’s easy to hide behind Brexit and COVID, but I think there’s more to it than that, I’m not sure what though. On the flip side we’re lucky that we have a nucleolus of good people here, we’d just like to add to their number and take the pressure off.

“The volatility of price and availability of raw materials has been a challenge of late, there have been times we have struggled to source one or two components. The knock on effect is a delay in production, which has added two to three weeks on occasion. If you know in advance you can plan for these issues and work round them, it’s when you receive a call half an hour before a delivery is expected telling you it’s not coming for three weeks that causes unnecessary problems.”

What are your thoughts on the UK market over the next 12 months?

“Within agriculture I think it will remain quite buoyant. The yields, particularly in Lincolnshire from what I’ve heard have been much better than expected this year, the price per ton is healthy. Farmers have had a relatively low input harvest season because it’s been so dry, they should have seen some decent savings.

“The UK economy is going into a period of recession. We’ve seen recessions before and we’ve come through them. There’s a lot of things people can manage without but they still have to eat.

“At Bailey we’ll keep our heads down and carry on supporting farmers as we have always done. Our business model is sound, we’ve invested a lot of money in our plant over the last ten to twelve years, the order book is looking healthy well into next year, we’ll carry on doing what we do best and see where it takes us.”

Your family were farmers, what would you like to see change within farming?

“Farmers for what they do, the time they put in and what they earn don’t get enough reward. One of the things that has always frustrated me is how a litre of milk can be cheaper than a litre of water. When you consider the amount of money invested by farmers in the product, when it leaves the farm it’s at the wrong money and that needs to change.

“Food has been too cheap for a long time; all farmers will tell you that. Pig farmers in particular have suffered over the last six to eight months, why pork has gone the opposite way to beef and lamb is beyond me? If supermarkets pay farmers a fairer price the industry would be in a far better place and it wouldn’t make too much of a difference on the supermarket shelves.

“We were praising our farmers through COVID but people have short memories.”

What drives you?

“To make sure the family and the next generation are provided for in terms of a healthy business. Looking after our staff and paying them well so that they can look after their families.

“My son is here, my brother Richard’s son and daughter are also in the business, I expect other family members may follow them. As much as the next generation are doing a grand job, you’ve still got to oversee things and make sure they are heading in the right direction.

“Keeping the product at the top end of the market. There are one or two manufacturers out there that give us a run for our money, we want to stay one step ahead and maintain our position as the biggest manufacturer in the UK providing the very best trailers.”

What’s next for Bailey Trailers?

“We’ll continue to find those marginal gains that improve our products across a range of industries from agriculture and market gardens to construction and utilities. I think there are one or two areas we could expand into and we’ll be looking at this.

“Back in 2009 we made the decision to move to Sleaford because we couldn’t produce enough trailers to meet demand. We’ve nearly outgrown this site and we’re getting to the point that without serious investment again we’re at full capacity. I don’t really want to split everything across two sites as that will be too much to manage. Land is becoming scarcer; we’re spread across 8 acres here so we’ll need a fair sized site to develop were we to move.

“It all depends on whether we decide that producing in the range of 35 trailers a week is enough or if we want to make that figure 40. It’s possible we could achieve this figure with clever use of space here and potentially acquiring a bit of land around us. All I can say is watch this space.

The post Sharing the load appeared first on Bailey Trailers.

In conversation with Bailey Trailers Company Secretary Michelle Chessum

bail00001 — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:28:03 +0000

I’m responsible for…
Everything clerical, all the boring stuff. Accounts and Finance is my speciality!

My approach to the role is…
Work hard and have fun. Give total attention to the job in hand. I am meticulous in pretty much everything I do inside and outside of work.

The most enjoyable part of my role is…
My connection with people. I have made some lifelong friends through working at Baileys, from colleagues to suppliers and customers. I love talking to people. Bring some biscuits, I’ll put the kettle on!

The least enjoyable part of my role is…
I don’t really have anything I don’t enjoy doing.

I would say that life at Bailey is…
Like a school day. When you’re part of running a family business everyday throws a challenge at you but we all share an important role in accomplishing a common goal. Working alongside siblings can be gratifying and testing in equal measures.

Before joining Bailey my role was…
I joined Baileys as a college graduate so apart from a part time job in a jewellers, Baileys is all I’ve known.

The best advice I’ve ever been given…
Say ‘I don’t know’ when you don’t know!

Away from Bailey I enjoy…
First and foremost being the best parent I know how to be. I have 3 incredible boys. They are all sporty so consequently I now follow various sports.

The post In conversation with Bailey Trailers Company Secretary Michelle Chessum appeared first on Bailey Trailers.