The general manager of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, whose leadership has been “instrumental in making significant positive changes” to the Hertfordshire County Show, has resigned.

Mike Harman left his position as the society’s general manager and secretary of the Hertfordshire County Show at the end of February, after what the society’s chairman, Kevin White, called 15 years of exceptional service.

The society was founded in 1801 with the aim of promoting farming and agriculture and all associated skills, crafts, trades and professions. The county show, which has been officially running for 132 years and attracts about 35,000 visitors during the two-day show at the Hertfordshire Showground in Redbourn each May, is a key way of doing this.

Kevin said: “Mike’s leadership has been instrumental in making significant positive changes, resulting in financial, strategic and long-lasting tangible improvements to the Hertfordshire County Show, Herts Showground infrastructure and the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society.

“Our record 2017 advance tickets sales, our ring-fenced ‘wet weather’ contingency fund and our progressively enhanced Hertfordshire County Show reputation, are just some of the many recent successes achieved under Mike’s leadership.

“Improvements to the quality of the marquees, trade stands, signage and a zoning of the showground have also lifted the quality. During the last 10 years, Mike has actively led and created the showground development programme from a grass field, grazed by sheep, to a fit-for-purpose secure showground and large event venue hire we can be proud of.

“All of the structural improvements have been self-funded by our increased incomes and have resulted in a significant increase in our lettings revenue.”

In 2012, Mike was also elected as chariman of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations - a national body which represents more than 200 UK royal, county and agricultural shows.

Kevin said: “We wish Mike and his family all the best for the future and look forward to welcoming him and his family back at the show for many years to come.”

The society is now looking to fill the vacancy left by Mike. Potential applicants can email society@hertsshow.com for more information.