Women in Meat Awards shortlist announced – your vote counts

The Women in Meat Industry Awards Shortlist was announced this week, these awards are designed to recognise the vitally important contributions that women make to the meat sector. This unique awards initiative is driven by Meat Management reader nominations and votes, with an expert judging panel gathering to select the overall Meat Businesswoman of the Year recipient.

This year we are proud that both Eleanor O’Brien, our Managing Director and Sarah Davison, our Membership Manager, have been nominated in the Trade Body category.

Eleanor was previously a winner of this category in 2021 when working as NCB membership secretary, since then as managing director of National Craft Butchers, Eleanor has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to retail butchery and the meat industry. Her work has not only championed the cause of the industry but also addressed critical issues with a strategic and empathetic approach. Eleanor’s time at National Craft Butchers has been marked by her proactive engagement with both industry stakeholders and government bodies. Her clear understanding of the intricate challenges facing butchers today, from regulatory changes to sustainability concerns, has been instrumental in driving meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions. Eleanor’s ability to articulate the industry’s needs and advocate for its interests at a government level has earned her widespread respect and recognition. Under Eleanor’s leadership, National Craft Butchers has seen significant advancements in promoting craft butchery, supporting small and independent businesses and ensuring compliance with evolving standards. She was instrumental in the introduction of the Food Safety Management System, Health & Safety Management System and Trading Standards Manual, all part of the assured advice as part of Primary Authority.

Sarah joined NCB in 2022 at a time of great change and has been instrumental in the improvements and modernisation that has been undertaken. Her work during her first year was recognised when she was shortlisted for last year’s Women in Meat Industry Awards. Since then, NCB has gone from strength to strength introducing new benefits for butchers and as well as improving digital communication. Sarah has quickly become established as a key point of contact for corporate enquiries and NCB members throughout England and Wales. Since joining the trade body Sarah has shown passion and commitment for the organisations members and wider industry.

We want to highlight the amazing NCB members who have also been shortlisted in their respective categories:

Independent Retailing

Kathryn Meadows – Nicholsons Butchers

Rachel Doncaster – F Doncaster

Foodservice (Catering Butcher)

Caroline Anna Prince – Frank Family Butchers

Sally Lugg – Primrose Herd

Manufacturing/Processing

Georgiana Madras – Porky Whites Ltd

Craft Butchery

Julie Smith – The Gourmet Butcher

Industry Supplier

Alex Strong  – Dalziel Ingredients

Clare Hudson – The Dalesman Group

Wholesaling

Francesca Wyatt – Porky Whites

Training & Education

Hannah Denson – Meat Ipswich

Jane Dale – Meat Ipswich

Rising Star

Elsie Yardley – Great Garnetts

Your vote counts so click through to register your vote now! womeninmeatawards.com/vote

Wishing the best of luck to all at the event on November 29^th!