Episode 20 Charlie Nicklin: from JCB to heading professional engineering body

Chris Biddle chats to Charlie Nicklin, the recently appointed CEO of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers. (IAgrE).

From a farming family, at the age of 10 Charlie was given a 'little grey Fergie' by his grandfather, which is still part of growing collection.

Having gained a degree in engineering at Harper Adams, he subsequently spent 24 years in senior engineering roles at JCB. However, Charlie wanted a challenge that would involve taking him back to basics in the engineering world, and spreading the message about the career opportunities in agricultural engineering at a time of an explosion in new technology.

"We are involved in one of the most exciting and challenging industries - and should have people queuing up at the door" he says.

A champion ploughman with many awards, he is a regular competitor in the British Ploughing Championships where he has been highly placed several times