THE British Potato Confex, which will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on November 18th and 19th, will have a strong focus on upskilling the potato industry, encouraging more people to progress within the sector, while highlighting how machinery and technology can help them and their employers to achieve that.
A dedicated skills hub will provide information from a host of training organisations, research institutions and industry on the different types of roles and training available within the potato industry while an exhibition hall will demonstrate some of the current machinery and technical innovations designed to help make field and post harvesting jobs easier and more effective.
Tong Engineering and Wyma Solutions are key sponsors for the event, which will also include: Storage and cooling information, plant protection products, technology, field and post-harvest machinery and parts, boxing, plant nutrition and biostimulants, water usage/irrigation, agronomy services, renewable energy, and fresh produce supply advice.
Around 68% of potato growers report ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining seasonal and permanent farm workers, as revealed recently in a national industry survey conducted by GB Potatoes.
At the same time, higher input expenses, tight margins, weather extremes, water security, regulatory and trade disruptions have made some growers question whether it’s an area they want to keep pursuing.
But the number of career opportunities within the potato industry is vast, and the importance of demonstrating that to upcoming innovators who may have the engineering skills, research acumen, agronomy or growing knowledge, is key to securing the industry’s future, according to those at GB Potatoes and the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA).
GBP and the BPTA officially launched The Potato Industry Development Programme in February 2026. This professional training initiative is aimed at supporting new entrants and early-career professionals in the UK potato sector and is one of the schemes that will be highlighted in the Confex skills hub.
Chair of GB Potatoes, Alex Godfrey, said: “With the sector facing many challenges, not least the recent drought, it is more important than ever that we continue to invest in skills and training, so we continue to drive resilience, innovation and effective communications with our consumers.”
At the same time, encouraging collaboration and discussion amongst those already operating in the industry is key to helping it navigate current pressures and equip itself for the future – and that is where the British Potato Confex can help, according to organisers.
Warners Group Publications, which owns the British Potato brand that also includes British Potato Review news platforms, the industry awards and biennial Harrogate show, is organising the event.
Its Head of Events, Sally Dodds, said: “The new two-day event has been launched to provide a chance for all industry divisions to meet, mingle and pick up ideas during the years between the larger, biennial British Potato Industry Event held in Harrogate. It is less about launching new products and more about demonstrating what’s already available to the market, how things integrate, and providing a platform for people to discuss how these can help their businesses or, if it’s something they’re already implementing, maybe look at how things can be done slightly differently or learning from other customers’ case histories.”
The event combines a professional conference and a trade exhibition for the UK potato supply chain and is designed to be smaller and more agile than the British Potato Industry Event to encourage direct conversation and commercial connections.
Main stage sessions will include educational talks, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry experts. Commercial conference areas will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to book a slot within a conference area to discuss, promote and debate.
The exhibition floor will provide an opportunity to browse around products, machinery and service offerings, both new and established, and talk to manufacturers, dealers and industry professionals all under one roof, with focused spaces provided for commercial talks and business debates.
In terms of networking, there will be structured and informal times for growers, agronomists, and researchers to meet.
“This format of engagement has grown in popularity because it aims to maximise potential for engagement, connection, and business relationships by merging the educational and thought-provoking aspects of a conference with the supplier showcases and networking opportunities of an exhibition,” said Sally.
Registration is free and there will be food and drink in the network area.
