ALTRAD Belle picked up the inaugural Paul Bidwell Memorial Award at this year’s Plantworx exhibition.

The award recognises the contribution made to the plant industry by Paul Bidwell, who passed away last year aged 58. Having first worked for Poclain, Paul joined Manitou UK in 1988 and later became the firm’s marketing manager, where he was a familiar face at events across the country.

Manitou described Altrad Belle as a worthy winner having demonstrated a “real commitment to the success of Plantworx through its design, safe construction and delivery of an attractive stand complete with an informative working demonstration area”.

The presentation was an opportunity for Paul’s friends and colleagues to remember a man who was a huge part of the UK plant exhibition scene. Paul’s wife Rosie and son James presented the award to the Altrad Belle team.

CEA Chief Executive Rob Oliver said Paul was a very committed and valued colleague. He was one of the original members of the Plantworx ‘working-group’ and his experience and advice helped to shape the event.