The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2015 - Issue 40 | Page 42

Sheep

New faces at BWMB
Four new Board Members have joined the British Wool
Marketing Board (BWMB) following recent elections,
with two new farmer representatives and a brace of
government appointed independent members.
»»Board Member for the
English Central region is
Derbyshire-based Richard
Cottrill who has farmed in the
Peak District all his life. He
and his family farm more than
2,000 ewes and 60 suckler
cows across 7,500 acres in the
Peak District and is passionate
about and committed to the
industry.
He said: “I will do my
utmost to ensure that BWMB
continues to provide value
for money to wool producers
and I will work hard to further
effective communication and
understanding between the
Board and fellow farmers.”

County Durham-based
Carl Stephenson (pictured)
has been elected to represent
wool producers in the
English Northern Region. Mr
Stephenson and his wife, Julia,
farm 400 acres of Severely
Disadvantaged land in Teesdale
running Limousin and Beef
Shorthorn suckler cows along
with Swaledale ewes, purebred
and crossed, Bluefaced
Leicester’s and North of
England Mule Ewes – their own
stratified sheep industry.
“I am looking forward to
working with other Board
Members to further the success
of BWMB in recent years

in achieving better prices
for British wool,” he said. “I
would also like to thank my
predecessor, Malcolm Corbett,
for his excellent work over the
last six years, including the
last three serving as BWMB
Chairman. I will try to keep up
his momentum.”
The new independent Board
Members are Julia Lucas and
Peter Baren, both chartered
accountants.
Mrs Lucas is keen to ensure
wool production remains an
integral part of the sheep
industry. “Wool producers are
fundamental to the protection
and viability of many of the

UK’s most beautiful and iconic
places, as it is their sheep
which shape the environment
and enable these places to
retain their character,” she
explains.
Mr Baren comes to the
BWMB with a broad experience
of British businesses with
overseas interests.
On his appointment Mr Baren
said, “I look forward to playing
some part in the next stage of
the Board’s development over
the coming years”.

British Wool Marketing Board
launchES new website
»»The British Wool Marketing
Board (BWMB) this week launched its new
website (www.britishwool.org.uk).
The fresher-looking site includes updated
information on the BWMB’s activities, such
as shearing training, marketing, the regional
structure and useful advice for producers
on fleece rolling and presentation. It is
fully compatible and responsive to tablets
and smart phones - essential in modern
communication, making it easier and more
effective to navigate.
Ian Buchanan, BWMB Chairman said,
“The new website allows us to keep
producers informed as well as showcase
the important work the BWMB is doing to
maximise the value of their wool. We