Philip Wright's Story

Philip Wright is a director of Wright Resolutions Ltd which is a design consultancy specialising in agricultural cultivation and establishment machinery. Wright Resolutions Ltd combines the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques with practical in-field experience to achieve real world solutions for farmers, consultants and manufacturers. Philip is still managing to work at this moment in time via the two strands of his consultancy business. His usual design work using 3-D Computer Aided Design (CAD) simulation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is not overly affected by the ‘lockdown’, being home based. His main area of work these days, however, is offering independent advice to farmers, and the industry in general, covering soils and cultivations. Philip equips himself with all necessary PPE as is normal, and takes a letter with him outlining the purposes of his visit and the fact that this defines him as a ‘key worker’ in the farming and food supply chain, the work being essential to help maintain national food security and food safety. This statement also confirms that he will maintain responsible and safe working practices for the duration of the visit, estimates the start and finish time, and details the nature of the journey  from his office to the farm and back. Philip has produced a specific letter for every visit, so that the details are clear.

Philip says: “Prior to the lockdown, a fair slice of this independent advice was to farmer and agronomy groups either for training or at events. Clearly, these are now shut down for the foreseeable future. One-to-one farm visits are still continuing provided the client is happy, and we collectively take steps to maintain safe distances and avoid where possible office-based contact. Generally, and to keep things simple, this also involves only two people: myself and one other person from the Client. Remaining in field or yard with responsible distancing and keeping a common-sense attitude to minimising risk has allowed many of these visits to continue. This in turn, has allowed me to maintain the necessary inputs to a number of important projects I have been involved on to ensure they continue and efforts made previously are not lost. This is especially important given the seasonal nature of our industry in order not to lose a complete year in many cases of such work.”

Ed Hansom, CEO of the IAgrE says: “Philip proves that even small agricultural engineering concerns can continue to operate despite COVID-19 restrictions. Obviously, the diversification of Philip’s work in two distinct strands has helped to ensure that some of his work can continue (relatively) uninterrupted. He is clearly observing the social distancing regulations and provides helpful written advice to ensure that he and his customer can continue to work together safely. The IAgrE is here to support its members and Academic and Corporate partners in whatever ways it can. We are adding more benefits to the existing suite of member benefits which will, hopefully, been seen as helpful in these difficult times.

Philip Wright is a Member of the IAgrE and a Chartered Engineer.