ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO PETER HARDWICK
Peter Hardwick has been awarded the prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the British Meat and Livestock Industry. The presentation was made by His Grace The Duke of Bedford at Butchers Hall, London on Friday 6th September 2024 on the occasion of the Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Court & Livery Luncheon.
L-R Peter Hardwick, Chris Wood, His Grace the Duke of Bedford
Earlier that day, Peter had been robed as a Liveryman by Master Chris Wood in front of family and industry colleagues. However, in keeping with tradition, the Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy, is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge.
Peter Hardwick receiving the Armada Dish Bicentenary Trophy
In making the announcement, His Grace said: “Peter’s contribution to our industry is outstanding, though much of his work is unseen as it is behind the scenes and he has worked tirelessly on behalf of producers, processors, wholesalers, exporters and retailers. In particular, his recent work has helped rebuild our reputation and sales in the export markets, rebuilding business to nearly £1 Billion to over 50 countries around the world following the impact of Brexit and the covid pandemic, and the nightmare of the Brexit regime of paperwork, complexity and cost.”
The Great Hall
It was fitting that not only was His Grace instrumental in establishing the Bicentenary Award in 1998 to mark 200 years of the Smithfield Club, but that it was his ancestor, Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford who founded the Club back in 1798.
RSC President Geoff Burgess with His Grace The Duke of Bedford
The Bicentenary nomination had put forward by National Farmers Union Chief Livestock Adviser, John Royle, on behalf of the then NFU Officer Holder Team of Minette Batters, Tom Bradshaw and David Exwood.
Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Great Hall
“Peter Hardwick has for more than three decades provided inspirational insight and leadership for the British red meat sector, particularly in his more recent roles as head of trade development at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, and as trade policy adviser with the British Meat Processors Association,” read the citation.
L-R Nick Allen BMPA, Peter Hardwick, Geoff Burgess & Richard Saunders
Also present were Club President Geoff Burgess and Secretary Richard Saunders who added: “Peter is always willing to engage and impart his incredible knowledge of international markets and explore the challenges and opportunities for the UK meat industry. He has made an exceptional contribution to the UK red meat industry and is a worthy winner of this prestigious award.”
Grateful thanks are extended to WCB Master Chris Wood & Acting Clerk Carla Ashcroft for facilitating the presentation to Peter
NOTES
Butchers Hall
· The Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Award was established in 1998 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798, and is a national award to publicly recognize an individual’s or company’s significant contribution to the overall benefit of the British Meat and Livestock Industry
· Peter Hardwick is the 22nd recipient of the annual award which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield. The winner receives the trophy, a solid silver Armada Shield, set with 25 gold guineas all dated 1798 from the reign of George II, each sponsored by individuals or families who had a long history of involvement with the Smithfield Show, including the late Queen Mother who was a huge supporter of the Club
BICENTENARY TROPHY - PREVIOUS WINNERS
2000 Sir Don Curry MLC
2001 Fred Mallion
2002 John Thorley NSA
2003 Jack Woodhead Woodhead Bros
2004 Norman Bagley AIMS
2005 David Raine
2006 J Alan Stevenson
2007 Ian Galloway Scotbeef
2008 Dr Basil Lowman SAC
2009 Richard Cracknell ABP
2010 Prof Geoff Simm SAC
2011 J Rees Roberts HCC
2012 HRH The Prince of Wales
2013 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
2014 David Gunner Dovecote Park
2015 John Cross Former Chairman, EBLEX
2016 Prof Julie Fitzpatrick Moredun Research Institute
2017 Robert Forster
2018 Heather Jenkins Waitrose Partners
2019 Terry Bayliss Farmers Fresh
2020 Not awarded
2021 Not awarded
2022 Elizabeth Buchanan Farming Help Network
2023 Not awarded
2024 Peter Hardwick British Meat Processors Association. And formerly AHDB
