My Churchill Fellowship was awarded in 1995 and focused on agricultural co-operation in the Netherlands and France. I was particularly interested in co-operation and co-operatives because of the imbalance of power in the food supply chain, where small farmers are dominated by large international processors and retailers.

The initial reason I was interested in this subject was because I come from a small family farming background. I have seen the effects of the imbalance of power in many other areas, and in particular the oppression of minority groups. All this has spurred me on to work in promoting local food through helping to establish farmers' markets and food halls at events and to help develop young leaders in the food, agriculture, and other land-based industries, most recently as a Trustee of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

My Fellowship was a fantastic experience that gave me time to think and also, I believe, empowered me as a young person.

For the last 27 years I have been a senior academic at Bournemouth University in Dorset. During that time I have had various roles at the university, but currently I am working within the Business School.