New venue, new speaker and a double-date in Harrogate

With COVID-19 statistics and guidance still hitting headlines, not to mention the impact it has had on businesses and individuals over the past 18 months, it's a tough decision whether to commit to live events this year – but this is one date you can’t afford to miss...

ORGANISERS of the National Potato Industry Awards in Harrogate are stressing that the event is fully on track to take place in November on the first night of the British Potato show (BP2021), at a new venue and there are more reasons to put the date in your diary than for any other live event this year.

Warners Group Publications, which organises the awards, has teamed up with Steve Wellbeloved, organiser of BP2021, to hold both events in tandem, so anyone making the journey to Harrogate on Wednesday, November 24th can look around exhibits and attend seminars at the well-known trade show (see page 14 to 16 for our latest round-up) then socialise with friends, suppliers, advisors and other industry colleagues at the awards event in the evening.

Similarly, for those exhibiting at the BP show, it's a chance to unwind and enjoy a meal with like-minded colleagues while listening to a celebrity speaker and hearing whose contributions to potato growing, supply and more have been recognised.

Individual places are available, as well as table bookings.

Deadline extended

Two years after the awards event was first launched in November 2019, there have been many innovations and machinery developments unveiled - some of which will be exhibited at the show. Whether you're a customer, a manufacturer, an agronomist, supplier or partner, please get in touch with Potato Review if you feel you've encountered something you'd like to praise and recommend.

Many organisations have teamed up with specific growers on trials and we're keen to hear how this has aided their work, as well as anything that's had an impact on the environment, so please let us know if you think these are worthy of recognition in our Grower and Environment award categories. We also want to hear about the agronomists who have gone the extra mile to advise and assist and any marketing activities that have helped to spread important messages or news for the industry.

We’ve extended our deadline for entries, so there’s still time to call or email us!

NEW VENUE

We have a delightful new venue for the 2021 awards - the Old Swan, Harrogate. The Old Swan is just a short walk from the centre of Harrogate. Its grand architecture dates back to 1840, and anyone wanting to stay overnight can take advantage of its 136 bedrooms and suites. Other B&B options are available within a few minutes' walk or drive from the venue - perfect for staying over then popping in for another look around BP2021 the next day before travelling back if required.

CELEBRITY SPEAKER

We have cancelled James Haskell, who was originally due to speak at the awards, after taking on board comments from growers who felt some of his recent social media comments were farmer-negative. We will be announcing the new celebrity speaker shortly - so keep following our website news and social media posts! - and are confident that they will be as popular as ex-footballer Kevin Keegan was at our launch event.

For help putting yourself or another forward for a reward, email the editor at [email protected]. There’s also more information on each category here.

Enter the Grower category here

Enter the Agronomist category here

Enter the Innovation category here

Enter the Environmental category here

Enter the machinery category here

Enter the marketing category here