The National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCO), a community interest company that exists to facilitate the efficient and competitive nationwide service for the collection and disposal of fallen stock, has elected Charles Bourns as its new chairman.
Michael Seals CBE, has retired after 20 years in the post.
Bourns is a well-known poultry farmer from Gloucestershire, who has had many political roles in the industry. He joined NFSCO as a non-executive director in 2012, where he had responsibility for the poultry sector, and in April 2020 was appointed company secretary.
The new Vice Chairman is Andrew Blenkiron, who will have responsibility for banking. Since 2011 he has been director of the 10,500-acre Euston Estate in west Suffolk, which has widespread livestock interests, but is shortly moving to manage the 22,500 acre neighbouring Elveden Estate. He has also recently been the chair of the Suffolk branch of the NFU.
The director changes come after a period of progress in improving the IT element of NFSCO services via its stock collection app, KoLeCt. It allows farmers to book collections at any time and to track them in real time, and also facilitates the recording of tag numbers that appear on the invoice.
“I am delighted to take up the reins from Michael at such an exciting time for NFSCO,” said Bourns. “Aside from my long-standing career as a poultry farmer I have also played a role for many years as leader of the poultry sector in the UK and also across the EU and wider world. That experience with UK and international governments and traders will, I am sure, assist me in my new role as chairman of NFSCo.
“The success of NFSCO over the years is largely down to Michael’s vision, drive and enthusiasm in setting up the company and in steering it through some very challenging times, and as I take over I would like to pay tribute to him and his service.”