New Business Hub for Turriff Show

Three topical panel sessions will run daily, including a panel debating the outlook for the north east’s livestock sector, ways ‘in’ for the next-gen of farmers and a lively session with social media icons, Olly Harrison and Sammy Heaney.

Supported by main sponsors, Virgin Money, and with additional sponsorship from Johnston Carmichael, Ledingham Chalmers, Morrison Motors, Dunnydeer and Glenythan Vets and Ppaya. There will be a coffee station throughout the event for attendees.  

Duncan Gray, Show President said: “We know how important the Turriff Show is in supporting the farming community’s businesses, so it made sense to create a dedicated space for conversations, insights and debate.

“The overwhelming support from our sponsors demonstrates how valuable the farming sector’s advisors and suppliers see this new offer from our event,” he adds.

Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture Scotland for Virgin Money, said: “The Turriff Show has always been a key event for the farming community, and we are proud to support an initiative that encourages collaboration, innovation and practical conversations at the heart of one of Scotland’s leading agricultural shows.

“At Virgin Money, we’re committed to supporting Scotland’s farming sector and helping businesses plan with confidence for the future. The Business Hub is a valuable addition to the show, bringing together farmers, rural businesses and industry experts to share knowledge, explore new ideas and strengthen connections.”

The schedule will start on Sunday 2 August with an official Hub opening from Duncan Gray and Virgin Money’s Stephen Buchan. The panel session following this is North East Farming in Focus – Why NE Scotland is so important to Scottish agriculture and will include an outlook for farming businesses in the region. This opening event will be led by Andrew Connon, NFUS President, and leading sector advisors from Virgin Money, Johnston Carmichael and Ledingham Chalmers.

At 11am on Sunday, Olly Harrison who runs an arable farm on Merseyside and was a leading light in the inheritance tax rallies throughout the UK will be joined by Sammy Heaney, the popular Irish farming influencer. Sammy is known for insights into rural life and agriculture, with particular focus on farming families and communities.

“In an afternoon session that runs from 2.30pm, three young farmers will make up our panel – Younger, keen and farming – ways in for new entrants,” Duncan adds.

The panel comprises of Neil Stephen – he and his siblings are the force behind the very successful Thorneybank Farm Shop - a vending machine store with ‘drive by’ coffee; Little Rowater’s Isla French, who with her husband, George, juggles family life with a busy farm, off farm jobs and direct meat sales, Louise Booth from Logie Newton and Kirsten Williams, who is a farmer and consultant, and with her husband, Ross, has evolved their farming operation from piecemeal tenancies to a farm of their own. Kirsten, formerly with SAC Consulting, has now set up her own farm management consultancy business.

On Monday, the 9am session will be a business question time and will cover markets, tax planning, investment and farm profitability, followed by a panel at 11am, Bullish or bearish? Thinking ahead for the North East’s livestock sector.

The final session on Monday will be North East – power of the future, repowering and selling power. Speakers include Ppaya’s Joel Llewellyn-Eaton, a representative from SSE, Gavin Catto of Greencat Renewables and Wim Robbertson, Business in Wind.

The Business Hub is open to everyone and free to use by all show visitors.

“We’re so pleased to have this new addition to our show,” Duncan Gray concludes.

For updates and more information, follow Turriff Show on social media:  

Instagram: @turriffshow

Facebook: Turriff Show