The 2018 FARMA Conference was a great event, full of inspirational speakers, fascinating case studies, a great range of trade show exhibitors and networking events.
See below for 2018 conference highlights.
Details of the 2019 Annual Conference will be available shortly.
The Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, North Lincolnshire
25-27 February 2018
Conference Highlights
Sunday night informal networking buffet at the nearby Pink Pig with Gin tasting
Four amazing retail tours visited award winning retailers including the opportunity to spend the full day at Cannon Hall Farm a farm diversification success story.
Trade exhibition, meet key industry suppliers, opportunity to build contacts and learn new skills
The coaches departed at 7pm for the award winning Pink Pig who hosted the first night evening meal, a buffet of delicious local produce. An opportunity to relax, renew old acquaintances and meet new members.
Monday 26 February
Farm Retail Tours
Four coaches each had dedicated facilitator to ensure all attendees had an informative day on the road.
Tour 1 - RETAILING WITH PERSONALITY (Uncle Henry's, Doddington Hall, Welbeck, Hardy's)
Tour 2 - DIVERSIFICATION (Drewtons, The Pink Pig, William's Den, The Balloon Tree)
Tour 3 - FOOD RETAILING BEST IN CLASS (Hinchliff's, Blacker Hall, Cannon Hall, Farmer Copley's)
Tour 4 - CANNON HALL FARM (Farm Shop, Farm Park, Restaurant, Events Venue. A full day exploring this diversification success story)
Thanks to all the Farm Shops who welcomed FARMA/FRA members for the Retail Tours
Delicious 3 course dinner with a Lincolnshire inspired menu
Former head of Bishop Burton College and charity fundraiser Howard Petch was a superb after dinner speaker.
Tuesday 27 February
Conference and Trade Event.
Andrew Thornton, Thorntons Budgens
Judy Bell MBE, Shepherds Purse
Harriet Forster, Shopper Anonymous
James Bate, Amazon
James Sinclair, Entrepreneurs Network
Susie Emmett, Conference Chair
Conference Day Programme Tue 27th
Main Conference Room
09.30 – 09.35 Conference Welcome - Susie Emmett 09.35 – 09.40 FARMA welcome - Milly Stokes 09.40 – 10.10 Growing people to full potential to differentiate yourself - Andrew Thornton 10.10 – 10.40 DeliciouslYorkshire & Shepherds Purse - Judy Bell OBE
10.40 – 11.20 Break tea/coffee served in the trade show
11.20 – 11.50 Driving online sales at Tulleys Farm - Stuart Beare 11.50 – 12.20 Cannon Hall – Facebook Live & more - Nicky Hyde 12.20 – 12.50 Farmer Copleys branding & social media - Heather Copley 12.50 – 13.00 Panel Debate Q&A Social media marketing
13.00 – 14.20 Lunch served in the trade show
14.20 – 14.50 Amazon current initiatives in the food market - James Bate 14.50 – 15.10 Panel Debate Q&A with James Bate, Andrew Thornton & Judy Bell 15.10 – 15.40 The experience business - James Sinclair 15.40 - 15.50 Closing remarks - Susie Emmett
15.50 – 16.30 Tea/Coffee final chance to visit the trade show stands
11.20 – 12.10 How to run a really fabulously successful coffee shop - Harriet Forster 12.10 – 13.00 Golden Rules of running a Highly profitable food retail business - Ian Kelsall
Farmers’ Market Workshop
11.20 – 11.50 Merchandising Farmers Market stalls - Ian Kelsall 11.50 – 12.20 Farmers Market Certification - NSF 12.20 – 13.00 What markets need from FARMA - debate
A huge thank you to all the speakers who contributed to the conference day. You can see the biographies and contact details by following the link below.
Video: Conference delegates and exhibitors talk about the benefits of attending the annual conference click here
Trade Show
Over 20 companies were represented at the Trade Show, each dedicated to the farm retail sector to provide delegates with the latest products and services.