Hundreds gather as Great Exhibition highlights Greater Lincolnshire's strengths on the national stage

Hundreds of business leaders, innovators, exhibitors, and international delegates gathered at Lincolnshire Showground for the Great Exhibition of Greater Lincolnshire. 

Created by Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE, the showcase annual event brought together organisations from the food, energy, defence, manufacturing and technology sectors to highlight the businesses and industries helping to drive growth across Greater Lincolnshire. 

Visitors explored exhibits and demonstrations ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to agri-tech, advanced manufacturing, energy innovation and autonomous transport. The exhibition also created opportunities to build new partnerships, attract investment and strengthen international links. 

 

Built around the themes of We Feed, We Power and We Protect, the exhibition highlighted Greater Lincolnshire's vital role in the UK’s food production, energy generation, defence, security and innovation. International delegations from a dozen countries attended alongside a programme of national and international speakers providing insights into opportunities for economic growth . 

Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE said: “Yesterday was an exceptional showcase of what puts the Great in Greater Lincolnshire. 

“From food and farming to energy, defence and advanced technology, the exhibition highlighted the businesses and industries helping to feed, power and protect Britain. 

“It was fantastic to welcome visitors from across the UK and delegates from various countries ranging from Taiwan to Texas. I was proud to hear so many positive comments about the innovation, expertise and opportunities we have here in Greater Lincolnshire. 

“A huge thank you to our exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the day such a success. 

 "I have always believed Greater Lincolnshire should dream big, and yesterday showed exactly why.” 

The exhibition was officially opened by Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who arrived in an autonomous bus showcasing the future of transport innovation.

 

 

 

About the Great Exhibition of Greater Lincolnshire 

The Great Exhibition of Greater Lincolnshire was created by Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE to showcase the people, businesses and industries driving growth, innovation and opportunity across the area. Inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, the 2026 event was built around three themes: 

• We Feed: celebrating Greater Lincolnshire’s strengths in food production, agriculture and agri-tech. 

• We Power: highlighting its role in energy generation, infrastructure and energy security. 

• We Protect: showcasing innovation in defence, security, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. 

Key speakers and guests included: 

• Rt Hon Liz Truss, former Prime Minister 

• Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP 

• Stephen Davies, Managing Director, SRC UK 

• Duncan Parish, Deputy Director Number 10 North 

• Jason Isaac, founder and CEO of the American Energy Institute 

• Graeme Ritchie, CEO, Shield Space 

• Matthias Gerber, energy and technology entrepreneur 

• Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of Associated British Ports (Humber) 

• International delegates and representatives from various countries. 

About the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority 

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority brings together local leaders to drive economic growth, improve transport, create jobs and skills opportunities, and attract investment across Greater Lincolnshire. Led by the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, the Authority works with local councils, businesses, education providers and communities to support a stronger, more prosperous and better-connected Greater Lincolnshire.