This September marks a significant milestone for South West Seeds, we are proudly celebrating 45 years in business. As we reflect on this journey, we are incredibly proud of how far we have come, growing from humble beginnings into a trusted name in the industry. Our continued success is only possible thanks to our loyal customers, partners, and hardworking team- THANK YOU.
South West Seeds was founded in 1980 by Richard Jones, with nothing more than a single mobile seed cleaning lorry and a clear vision. What began as a small operation in the agricultural sector has steadily flourished into a dynamic, full-service seed merchant business.
In the early days, Richard was joined by Stephen Pearce, who initially planned to help for just one summer. Now, 35 years later, Stephen remains an integral part of the business, serving as a trusted director and heading up Seed Processing with his unmatched expertise.
As our roots in agriculture deepened, so did our ambition. Over the decades, we expanded our product range on our website to include an amenity line, featuring Lawn and Landscaping Grass Seed, Wildflower Seed, Sports Ground Grass Seed, and Amenity Fertilisers. As well as Game Cover & Catch Crops, Grain Store Equipment, Agricultural Fertilisers, SFI Mixtures and Agricultural Grass Seed. This diversification has helped us grow from strength to strength, always with quality and customer service at the heart of what we do.
In 2024, we welcomed the next generation into the business. William Jones, Richard’s son, returned home from a life at sea to join the team, stepping into the role of Seed Sales Manager following Stephen Kettle’s retirement in early 2025. With a growing expertise in grass seed, wildflower seed, SFI mixtures, and certified seed, William is already proving to be a vital asset, ready to answer your questions and provide expert guidance.
In 2025 we were pleased to introduce Tom Dart, our new, qualified agronomist, who brings with him 15 years of experience in the industry. He has a wealth of knowledge in seed and crop care, is FACTS and BASIS qualified and is available for on-farm consultations and advice.
Behind every great company is a dedicated team, and we’re proud to have some of the best:
As we look to the future, we’re embracing change while staying true to our roots. South West Seeds remains an independent, family-run business, built on expertise, integrity, and a commitment to delivering excellence.
For 45 years, we’ve proudly served farmers, groundskeepers, landscapers, and communities across the South West and beyond. With your continued support, we look forward to the next chapter of our journey.
Here’s to 45 years of excellence- and many more to come.
