The people behind two of Tamworth’s most well-known food and drinks businesses have been awarded Freedom of the Borough.
Ben Newman, aka jacket potato seller Spud Man, has received the honour in recognition of his entrepreneurship, innovation and courage in the face of adversity in service to Tamworth.
Honorary Freedom of the Borough has also been awarded to George and Louise Greenaway, who own the multi award-winning The Tamworth Tap.
The Freeman of the Borough is awarded to an individual who has given Tamworth an exceptional service over a significant period of time in a voluntary, professional or philanthropic capacity.
Ben, who has millions of followers and likes on social media platforms, started selling jacket potatoes from his trailer in 2003. He started to embrace new technology and created a new brand for his business to raise awareness during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Videos of him working in his trailer in Tamworth town centre are watched by people all over the world and his work has helped to increase footfall in the town, benefiting other business, as reported by Daily Focus here.
Ben has also raised many thousands of pounds for kidney charities, a cause close to his heart due to his own health issues.
Councillor Nova Arkney, Tamworth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for infrastructure, heritage and local economy, said: “Ben has really helped put Tamworth as a town ‘on the map’, with his millions of social media followers, press coverage and collaboration with celebrities, he really has contributed to the pride and promotion of our great town.”
Earlier this year, The Tamworth Tap, pictured abve, became just the second one ever to win the Campaign for Real Ale’s title of National Pub of the Year title – the highest honour the organisation can bestow on a pub – two years in a row.
The council has said the Market Street brewpub’s many awards has positively put Tamworth on the map.
Council members decided to recognise George and Louise for their entrepreneurship, innovation, and championship for Tamworth.
Councillor Arkney added: “Tamworth Tap has taken its success and given back to the people of Tamworth, bringing an old building back to life and attracting locals and visitors to our town.”
