Charles Abel • Pinnacle Awards
Pinnacle performers Farm business management skills were to the fore in the 2020 Pinnacle Awards judged via Zoom earlier this Spring. Charles Abel reports
“This year’s three finalists were probably amongst the best we’ve ever had” Prof Bill McKelvey, Chair of Judges
“Now is probably the most exciting time for business management, consultancy and strategic thinking since at least the 1980s” Tony Turner, ADAS
MEETING the needs of the farming industry in a new policy era was a key theme in the 2020 Farmers Club Pinnacle Awards which saw the nation’s top farm business management students fight for top honours. Sponsored by the Cave Foundation and run with consultancy firm ADAS this prestigious competition drew entries from colleges and universities across the United Kingdom. Winner of the competition was Henry Scholefield from the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonnington Campus, with Roseanna Linkens of Harper Adams University placed second and Jonathan Bryer of University Centre Somerset’s Bridgwater & Taunton College placed third. The competition aims to champion realistic, real-life projects, and people who are capable of driving rural businesses forwards, noted Prof William McKelvey OBE, chair of the judging panel, which also included ADAS principal business consultant Tony Turner and Farmers Club Journal Editor Charles Abel. Key criteria for the awards are precise project reports, with a succinct explanation of the business case, backed by robust financial analysis, recognising downsides and risks as well as upsides. Strong problem-solving abilities, good presentation skills, agile thinking, and an ability to stand up for ideas under scrutiny are also important.
08 • The Farmers Club Spring/Summer 2021
Competitive entries In a keenly contested competition ADAS drew up a shortlist of 8 finalists from the 16 entries received. Prof McKelvey commended all the entrants: “I know the level of dedication and expertise required to put forward a project, particularly this past year with all the additional difficulties created by the coronavirus lockdown.” Finalists were due to be interviewed in London last April, but the coronavirus lockdown regulations meant face to face interviews became impossible. Instead, three candidates were selected from a shortlist of eight, based on written submissions, who were interviewed remotely earlier this Spring. “The judges were hugely impressed by the vision, content and entrepreneurship of entries and wish all finalists every success in their future careers,” Prof McKelvey noted. As farming faces major changes the judges felt a strong focus on practical core farming was important. “Diversification has its role, but when core business viability is threatened it isn’t always enough. Looking at improving technical ability, as a driver for the future, needs prioritising,” commented Mr Turner. Being able to show knowledge of the wider industry, a capacity for problem solving and an understanding of how projects can be worked up at scale is very important. Finalist reports can be found at: www.thefarmersclub.com/library/pinnacleawards-reports
