Robots, jets and food wow at county exhibition

The exhibition was developed by Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns

More than a thousand exhibitors, delegates and guests attended the inaugural Lincolnshire Great Exhibition earlier, organisers said.

The Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, of Reform UK, put together and hosted the event to showcase the county-based companies and products.

Exhibits on display at the Lincolnshire Showground included agricultural robots, military defence drones and food.

Dame Andrea said she developed the event to "shine a positive light on the county".

The mayor said she had been inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London's Hyde Park, which displayed Britain's culture and industry.

"The whole point of this to get investment into Lincolnshire to future-proof our economy," Dame Andrea said.

"A lot of work has been done in the background and we've been going to the embassies for several months and we've been researching the countries to see if any investment is available."

The event showcased technology from a variety of sectors including this robotic arm used in the food industry

Speakers included Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Reform UK head of policy Zia Yusef.

Several international commissioners were also in attendance representing countries such as India, Taiwan and Bangladesh.

There was also an RAF Typhoon flypast.

Jake Norman of OAL, an automation and robotics company predominantly working in the food industry, said the exhibition showed "really exciting innovation".

"There's lots of opportunities to automate processes where you can deploy robots to make it easier. Especially if you're struggling to find people to work in, say, a factory in the first place," he said.

Debbie Kelsey said the exhibition had provided a chance to network and build links with other local businesses

Debbie Kelsey of Blyton Ice Cream served delegates from The Crumble Cart, containing hot dishes with stewed fruit together with custard and toppings.

"This part of the business is quite new to us and we're networking as it's a big event. We want to get our name out there," she said.

The exhibition, which was open to invited guests only, was organised by The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority.

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