Founder of Fylde coast agricultural supplies firm has died

One of the founders of a Lancashire based international horse and agricultural supplies business has died.
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Derek Balmer died on Wednesday, June 17, aged 85.

Derek and his wife Sylvia established Trilanco, first known as Triam Lancashire, in 1979 specialising in agricultural products.

Throughout the 1980’s, Derek steered the business to continue its growth. He recognised the importance of good, technical advice and excellent customer service building the business on those principles.

Derek Balmer, founder of Trilanco, who has diedDerek Balmer, founder of Trilanco, who has died
Derek Balmer, founder of Trilanco, who has died
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In the 90’s, as the business grew, demand for equine and pet products saw Trilanco expand their portfolio. This decade also saw the premises slowly increase its size to accommodate the growing customer database and stock list expansion.

In the late 90’s, Derek took a step back from the day to day running of the business and handed over the reins to his son, Martin, although Mr Balmer Senior was always on hand and a familiar face at the office.

Derek and Sylvia regularly contributed to the Salvation Army – a charity close to their hearts.

Derek was a founder member of the British Distributors of Animax Medicines and the Animal Health Trade Association Group, which is now known as AHDA.

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Trilanco is a family business, a family of three generations, employing over 120 employees including office, warehouse staff and managers out on the road.

Derek’s ethos was old-fashioned values of courtesy and service which are still the values upheld by the company today.

Trilanco Ltd is a specialist equine, pet and agricultural products wholesaler based in Lancashire, supplying retailers worldwide.

It offers more than 250 brands and over 20,000 products from leading manufacturers from across the world in its current catalogue.

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It moved to its new £7m headquarters at Mill Farm Wesham, near the AFC Fylde stadium in January 2017 and two years later the wholesaler celebrated its 40th year of trading.

It had previously been based at Bracewell Avenue in Poulton.

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