NORTHUMBERLAND farmer Malcolm Corbett has stepped down as chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) handing over the reins to the Board’s first Northern Irish chairman, Ian Buchanan.

Attending his last official event as chairman, Mr Corbett visited the Rheged Centre, in Penrith, which hosted a visit for HRH the Prince of Wales.

Mr Corbett said it had been an honour and privilege to lead BWMB during a period of relative prosperity in the wool industry and to have helped deliver better wool returns for producers.

He said: “It’s been pleasing to see wool prices become stable at a relatively high level over the past few years. What everyone in the livestock sector needs is stability and the Board, through its competitive auction system, has helped ensure better, more stable prices for British wool to the benefit of all producers."

He urged sheep farmers to continue to support BWMB in the years ahead to help it remain competitive and to maximise the value of their own wool clip.

He said: “British wool consistently achieves the highest wool prices in Europe and that is no coincidence. It comes as a result of BWMB offering wool in an organised fashion throughout the year at regular auctions, with every fleece graded and included within an appropriate sale lot.

“Importantly, the Board is also active in other parts of the wool supply chain, from shearer training right through to marketing and promotion – something no other organisation does.

“It is fair to say that British shearers are now some of the best in the world and there is no doubt this is a direct reflection of the quality of training being delivered at BWMB shearing courses the length and breadth of the country.

"This is something every sheep farmer in the UK benefits from and helps ensure fleeces are delivered to depots in the best possible condition."

Mr Corbett said he was "immensely proud" of the Board’s support for, and involvement in, the Campaign for Wool (CfW).

He said the international profile of the CfW has helped highlight the significant advantages and opportunities wool offers as a fibre in both the fashion and interior design markets and that producers should be proud that through BWMB they are helping support such a high-profile marketing campaign.

He said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time as both a Board member and chairman and have gained a huge amount of respect for the hard work and dedication of everyone at BWMB.

"I would encourage every sheep farmer in the UK to take the time to find out what BWMB does for them and to understand the complexities of the wool supply chain. I have no doubt that the Board delivers exceptional value for farmers and is immensely valuable to the sheep sector in this country."