He was presented with the ‘Man of the Year’ award during the 40th Egg and Poultry Industry Conference Banquet on Monday November 6 at the Blackpool Hilton.

Mr Bourns has worked tirelessly for the industry across all sectors and developed the company ‘British Chicken Marketing Ltd’ in 2003 to add value to Red Tractor chicken. He has also been instrumental in creating a more cohesive working relationship between the NFU, British Poultry Council and British Egg Industry Council.

Accepting the award Mr Bourns said: “It is very flattering to win such a prestigious award, but I have by no means achieved this alone. I’d like to thank the NFU staff, officeholders and the Poultry Board, and the British Chicken Marketing group. I certainly could not have won this award without the farmers, processors and the trade who contribute to Chicken Marketing on a voluntary basis.”

Nominations for the award are canvassed from across the industry, and suppliers including feed and pharmaceutical companies also cast their votes.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “Charles has worked hard to promote the benefits of British quality chicken and has been an excellent ambassador for the industry. He thoroughly deserves this award and I am glad to have him as a colleague at the NFU.”

ThePoultrySite News Desk