Industry celebrates Ian Mackway’s career

Members of the meat and food industry gathered at The Farmers Club, London, yesterday (25th July) to celebrate the career of Raps UK Ltd's general manager Ian Mackway.

Ian made the decision to retire from his role with the ingredients supplier earlier this year after 28 years of service. He joined the company in 1988 when he responded to an advertisement for a new business opportunity in the UK.Back then, RAPS Gmbh & Co KG, which is run by the Kuehne family, was a successful European company but had no presence at all in Britain. Ian was responsible for establishing the Raps brand on his home soil and developing the business from an unknown name to reach the success it has today.Over the years, Ian worked tirelessly to make Raps UK a much valued part of the meat industry and did so with great aplomb. He worked closely with the Meat and Livestock Commission (now AHDB) in the 1980s to introduce continental added value concepts to the UK market and become a well-known face throughout the meat sector.In 1997, he became the first ingredients supplier to be clothed as a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Butchers. He went on to serve on the court, working on the charity and fine arts committees.Ian also served as Festival Chairman of the Butchers’ and Drovers’ Charitable Institution (BDCI) in 2003.Speaking at the lunch event, Ian thanked everyone who has supported him throughout his career.He told Meat Management: “I am so pleased to be celebrating with both old and new friends and am touched by the turnout. I am truly overwhelmed that the Kuehne family have flown over to the UK for the occasion. Working with them over the past 28 years has been a real honour and they have made me feel like one of the family.“I will remain involved with the meat and food industry as a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers and in various other ways. I have a enjoyed a lifelong career in the sector and look forward to continuing to support it in a different capacity, and keeping in touch with the many friends I have made over the years.”Frank Kuehne, chief of the Raps advisory board, added: “Our family are really pleased to be here today. It is a very important occasion for us.“A good manager has vision and the determination to drive things forward. A good manager also brings other people into their team and selects the right people to surround him. Ian did just that. He expanded and developed the Raps UK business and team to become what it is today. Ian is trustworthy and loyal and has been an integral part of Raps as well as a great friend.”

This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.