Charles Lawrence steps up as President at Newark

The Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (N&NAS) appointed Mr Charles Lawrence as its President for 2008 at the society's annual meeting on 10 December. Mr Lawrence, who was vice-president in 2007, succeeds Professor Neil Gorman.

Newark-based Mr Lawrence was born in the town and educated at Cranleigh School in Surrey. He is a highly successful entrepreneur, being the founder and chairman of the Charles Lawrence Group. He heads several companies in the group including Play Top, which has been presented with the Queen's Award for Excellence.

Play Top manufactures synthetic surfaces for sport and public play areas, using recycled shredded tyres.

Following his appointment, Mr Lawrence said: "It is an honour to serve as president having been closely associated with the society for many years. My predecessor has performed an inspirational role and my wife Vanessa and I look forward to the year ahead, in particular meeting the many visitors to the county show in May."

Supporting Mr Lawrence will be Mr John Peace. Mr Peace, born into a Nottinghamshire mining family, has a strong business background in senior IT management, culminating in his role as Group Chief Executive of GUS plc in January 2000. Currently he is chairman of Experian, following a de-merger of the two main businesses at GUS.

Mr Peace is also chairman of the Board of Governors at Nottingham Trent University and Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Nottinghamshire. He is married with three daughters and will become N&NAS President in January 2009.

The Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show will be held on 10 and 11 May 2008.