Freedom of the Borough awarded to local Spudman

Honorary Freedom of the Borough has been awarded to Ben Newman in recognition of his entrepreneurship, innovation, and courage in the face of adversity in service to Tamworth.

Ben Newman aka Spudman of Tamworth will receive the prestigious Freedom of the Borough accolade at a presentation at the Town Hall with The Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Gareth Coates. 

Ben started selling hot jacket potatoes from his trailer in 2003. Following the announcement of the Covid pandemic in 2019, and restrictions that followed, Ben decided to embrace new technology and created a new brand for his business to raise awareness and promote his spudman image and Tamworth. 

Thousands of people from around the world now follow and watch ‘Spudman' as he works from his trailer in Tamworth town centre. His success and popularity has helped to increase the town footfall, with many other businesses benefiting from Spudman’s popularity.

As town centres continue to struggle to survive with ever declining footfall, Spudman of Tamworth is turning the tide and championing his town. 

Ben has also raised many thousands of pounds for kidney charities, a cause very close to his heart due to his own health issues. 

The decision to grant Ben the honour was voted for unanimously at the full council meeting on 9 July 2024.

The first admission to honorary freeman in Tamworth was made in 1951, the person to achieve this distinction being Alderman Frederick George Allton.

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.

Councillor Nova Arkney, 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.”

“We’re delighted to present the Freeman of the Borough to Ben.”