LEP joins debate on the future of agriculture

LEP board member James Leavesley will be taking part in two special debates on the future of agriculture post-Brexit at the Staffordshire County Show on Wednesday and Thursday 31 May and June 1.

South Staffordshire College, the main sponsor of the County Show,  is organising two free breakfast meetings during the show to explore how Brexit may affect the agricultural sector in Staffordshire.

The speakers will include representatives from the national Farmers’ Union, Staffordshire Young Farmers, the Country Land and Business Association, Barclays, and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

James Leavesley is a chartered surveyor with nearly 30 years of experience covering a diverse range of business areas including farming, construction, major project recycling and international trade. A Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire, with special responsibility for the business portfolio, he proactively promotes the rural economy and business across the county and, building on his work for the Lieutenancy, also takes a particular interest in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector and SME engagement for the LEP.

His presentation will look at the positives and negatives of Brexit and the role of Stoke-on-Trent and Stafforddhire LEP in supporting growth in the area’s agriculture and agri-tech sector, promoting innovation and developing a skilled workforce.

The two breakfast events will be held at the Tonge Suite, Staffordshire County Showground, and will run from 9.15am to 10.30am on both mornings.