Q&A
ANDREW KNOWLES, FRAM FARMERS CEO
Q&A WITH ANDREW KNOWLES, FRAM FARMERS CEO Andrew Knowles was appointed as the new chief Executive of Fram Farmers in July, following a lengthy career in the pig industry. We caught up with Andrew, to get to know more about him, his motivations for leading the cooperative, and his future plans for Fram Farmers. So, how have your first few months as Chief Executive been? They’ve been enjoyable, but busy, as I get up to speed with all parts of the business. I started at a strange time, being one of only a handful of staff in the office at the start of July, but we’re pretty much back to normal now. Whatever normal is! Besides getting to know colleagues and the business, I am also keen to understand the views and experiences of our members. We had our first board meeting a few weeks ago, which provided a good snapshot summary of what’s been achieved over the past 10 years. The cooperative has achieved a lot, but I believe there is a lot of exciting potential to
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provide our membership with an even better service and attract new members. That’s what really motivates me - how we take Fram from good to great.
So, tell us a bit about yourself… I am married, with two daughters, aged 11 and 14. My family lives in Northamptonshire, and I live in Fram during the week. I previously lived in the Netherlands during the week, so a few hours’ drive is refreshing compared to my previous commute. As a family we have always lived in the countryside and spend most of our time outside playing sport, riding horses and taking part in village community activities. My children think I
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am obsessed with tractors (interesting fact about me – I was crowned interuniversity ploughing champion in my youth), and I am fortunate that the farmer who lives opposite allows me to keep my eye in when I get a spare few hours in the evenings, although I’m sure my wife does question if this is my best use of family time!
So why did you see yourself as the next CEO of Fram Farmers? Fram Farmers struck me as a solid and competent farming business, with huge opportunities to be even better. The business and staff have a down to earth, no-nonsense approach and are focused
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