A new member of staff - welcome to Charlie!

The NPA is delighted to welcome a new member of staff today, Charlie Dewhirst, who will be a familiar figure to some within the industry.

Charlie comes from a pig farming family, near Driffield, in East Yorkshire, and has had an extensive career working in policy and public affairs across a variety of sectors.

His most recent roles have focused on policy in sport, working in cycling, rugby union and the Olympics.

Prior to that, he worked in parliament and then at a global communications agency with a varied client portfolio. During his time there, he helped to coordinated a successful campaign which led to the introduction of the Groceries Code Adjudicator with the support of organisations such as the NFU.

He will be covering, among other things, the key issues of EU Exit, trade and parliamentary affairs.

Charlie said: “This is a really exciting time to be joining the NPA and I can’t wait to get started. I am joining a fantastic team and I look forward to helping the pig industry navigate the big challenges and opportunities ahead.”

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: “A big welcome to Charlie from all of us. We are very pleased that he has joined the NPA and I know that his knowledge of the sector, combined with his policy background will be a big asset to the association and all our members.

“At a very busy time for the NPA, it is great to see the team back up to full strength.”

Charlie replaces Ed Barker, who took up a role at the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) in September.

Meet Charlie...

Where were you brought up? Near Driffield in East Yorkshire.

What was the best thing about it? Being able to spend so much time outside in the countryside. Growing up on the family farm meant that it was always part of life and as children we loved visiting the piglets.

Previous roles? I've spent much of my career working on policy and public affairs across a very wide variety of sectors, including sport, global drinks brands and even shopping centres. However, I did once star in a gameshow where people would bet on which piglet I would pick out of a pen. Thankfully I don't believe any footage of it still exists...

How has lockdown been for you? My wife gave birth to twins just before the first lockdown in March so it was a bit of a sleepless blur. This time, things have been less tiring but I preferred the longer spring days of the first lockdown.

What are you most looking forward to doing again? Going out for an evening with friends.

Favourite things to do in your spare time? I love going to watch live sport, which unfortunately I've not been able to do for a while.

Favourite teams? I'm a long-suffering Leeds United fan but you can't beat watching Yorkshire play cricket at Scarborough.

Favourite meal? Roast pork on a Sunday lunchtime.

Have you got pets? We have a very large and lazy ginger cat but I'm under increasing pressure to get a dog.

Ideal night out? A few pints in the local pub. Lockdown has reminded me to appreciate the simple pleasures in life!