<< Back Meet The Board

	Patron
Amanda Cottrell OBE, Chairman of Visit Kent, Director Visit England & former High Sheriff of Kent
	Chairman - William Opie Managing Director, Bennett Opie Ltd
Produced in Kent who has been involved in Produced in Kent and its predecessor, Kentish Fare, since its inception in the early 1990s. He is the Managing Director of Bennett Opie, the great grandson of the founder Bennett Opie and has worked in the business since 1972. When not in the office, he keeps himself fit by cycling and trekking in the Alps. He’s also an avid member of the MG car club
	Julian Barnes Managing Director, Biddenden Vineyards
I left school at 16 to join the family's small apple farm and diversified vineyard, producing white, red, rosé and sparkling wines. I was largely involved with the development of our apple based products, such as cider and juice, along with contract bottling for other farmers, putting in place the initial sales and distribution rounds and the company’s approach to tourism and retail sales at the farm gate. I remain committed to working locally without supermarkets, taking a strong approach to quality and customer service. I sit on the board of Produced in Kent representing the smaller diversified businesses bringing an understanding for those that wish to aim higher.
	Stephen Clarke Purchasing and Marketing Director, kff (kent frozen foods)
	Alison Church Partner S W Doughty
	Professor Peter Gregory CEO East Malling Research
	Paul Hannan Principal, Hadlow College
Paul Hannan has been Principal at Hadlow College for 10 years. Since that time, the College has gone from success to success. It is now regarded by Ofsted as an ‘Outstanding’ College (June 2010) achieving this grade in 24 out of 27 categories. Its Higher Education provision has also achieved the highest possible gradings and Ofsted also graded the College as ‘Outstanding’ in all categories during the Care Standards Inspections in 2009 and 2012. The College has also continued to have grade ‘A’ financial assessments. Hadlow is one of the top 5 Colleges in the country and was awarded LSIS Beacon Status in December 2010. Paul is the elected Chair of Landex (Land Based Colleges Aspiring to Excellence), a group of 43 College across the UK representing nearly £1 billion of education and training. He is also a Board member of AOSEC, a member of Greenwich University Principals’ Strategic group, a Board member of Produced in Kent, Governor at a local school and also a Kent Ambassador. Paul enjoys time with his family, as well as following his hobbies in football, golf, cricket and gardening.
	Richard Phillips Restaurateur
Richard's first restaurant, Thackeray's in Tunbridge Wells, is well known as one of the best restaurants in Kent having won numerous accolades including a Michelin star. In 2004 Richard took ownership of the Hengist in Aylesford, near Maidstone, turning it into an elegant and intimate dining experience, itself now an award winning restaurant. Since then Richard has renewed the fortunes of two gastro pubs, Pearsons Arms in Whitstable and The Windmill in Hollingbourne near Maidstone. Richard is also an enthusiastic promoter and judge of the Kent Young Chef Award. He is married with two young children and enjoys playing sport and watching football in his spare time
	Marion Regan Managing Director, Hugh Lowe Farms Limited
Marion is a farmer through and through and now owns the family business Hugh Lowe Farms with her husband Jon that was established by her great grandfather over a century ago. The business grows, packs and sells quality soft fruit to multiple retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, as well as local farm shops and caterers. She is a Director of Berry Gardens Growers, the UK’s leading soft fruit growers’ co-operative and this company owns the fresh berry marketing company, Berry Gardens Limited with a turnover of £200m. She is also a Trustee of East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research. Marion travels extensively worldwide researching soft fruit production and is particularly interested in new sustainable technology processes, crop research and exploring best routes to market for producers. Her personal interests include her family, wildlife conservation and equestrian sports.
	Andrew Wickham Deputy Cabinet Member, Regeneration and Enterprise, Kent County Council
Andrew Wickham was elected to the County Council in June 2009 as the Conservative Member for Ashford Rural East. He is the Deputy Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development. He is a qualified Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor and successfully ran The Weald Smokery for 17 years employing 15 people and was a producer member of Produced in Kent. He has been a soldier in the Territorial Army and a retained fire-fighter. Andrew has served as a Borough Councillor, and was the member of Ashford Borough Council for Weald Central between 2003–2007. He has also served as a Parish Councillor in Pluckley. He is currently a Justice of the Peace (JP) and the Vice-Chairman of Kent Crimestoppers. He is on the council of the Weald of Kent Protection Society (WKPS). Andrew lists his interests as skiing, tennis, sailing, shooting, the countryside, food and Wine, he is married to Corinne with two children