As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on our celebration of 60 years of excellence

Throughout 2025 MJ Abbott celebrated 60 years in business, with the undoubted highlight being our celebration weekend at Martha’s Down at Hindon, close to our Dinton head office.

By the end of the weekend, the marquee at Martha’s Down had seen suppliers dancing, customers reminiscing, and employees swapping stories that stretched back decades – glasses raised, stories overlapping, and laughter louder than the music!

MJ Abbott Limited was established in 1965 by Michael John Abbott, and has grown steadily to become one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors. Originating in the Wessex region, it’s fair to say the business was born out of necessity, with Michael working as a tractor driver for a local agricultural contractor (and cutting logs in his spare time). When Michael was made redundant, he decided to start his own business offering agricultural services to local farmers. Having secured a small loan from his mother, the first MJ Abbott tractor was purchased for £1000!

The core values Michael started out with, namely delivering quality along with great customer service at a competitive price, have continued throughout the years of growth, and were magically highlighted at the 60th celebrations, with Michael delighted to spend time reminiscing with Mary Lovell, our first ever customer.

With Michael’s wife Aslaug playing a central role in the company’s foundation, both sons have been part of the company for more than 35 years. Adrian joined the company in 1989 after attending Rycotewood College in Oxfordshire, and a short period working for a plant hire firm. Jonathan soon followed in 1990 after studying engineering at university, and later completed his MBA by distance learning while juggling responsibilities for a young family, and managing the company’s accounting and finance functions.

Jonathan was appointed as Managing Director in 2006, on Michael’s retirement from day-to-day operations. The company is now headed up by Mick Regan, who joined the company in 2000. Starting out as Site Manager on one of our most prestigious projects, construction of the new golf course at The Grove in Hertfordshire, Mick was appointed as a director in March 2010 and Managing Director in July 2021.

We were joined by over 160 customers and suppliers on the Friday for fun and games, and it was great to see many of our industry partners enjoying themselves.

It was fantastic to be able to share the Saturday with many current and former employees and their families too, with relationships stretching back 50 years and more.

If anyone is interested in viewing the many amazing photos from the weekend, please contact Steph Duffy via email: stephanie.duffy@mjabbott.co.uk