The Institute of Meat (IoM) joined forces with the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) on February 24th to present its Annual Prizegiving and Awards.
This much anticipated event normally takes place at Butchers' Hall in London, but as the hall is currently mothballed because of redevelopment in the area, the 2015 Awards and luncheon took place for the first time in the palatial surroundings of Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, which is also located in the city.
Deputy Master of the WCB Mark Adams was on hand to present the Awards and the chief executive of IoM Keith Fisher was the convivial host who, as usual, presented the results with great charm together with subtle humour, which made the occasion most enjoyable and friendly.
There were 13 Awards given to students or young people working in the industry, plus the IoM Accredited Master Butcher Awards, open to experienced butchers, given to two recipients. Fellowship status was also awarded to two IoM members who are deemed worthy of this prestigious recognition, following their outstanding contribution to the industry.
Daniel Speed was the winner of the best full time meat student award which was sponsored by Meat Management magazine. Daniel was nominated by Leeds City College and receives the category trophy, a certificate and a cheque for £250.00, plus a years free membership to the IoM. A very happy Christopher Riley who works for Walter Smith Fine Foods was awarded both the Best Meat Student or Apprentice Award and the Champion Meat Student or Apprentice of the Year. With a £250 prize for the first category and a £500.00 prize for the second, 21 year old Christopher went home £750 richer and more importantly, he impressed many at the event with his ambition, passion for his work and his good humour. Perhaps one to watch out for in the future!
Paula Lobb, a student at Harper Adams University won the prestigious Gary Baker Award and received a cheque for £1,000 plus her certificate and trophy. Sponsored by the Baker family, the Gary Baker Award is made to a student at Harper Adams University who is studying an undergraduate degree that has relevance to the meat and livestock industry and has completed the third year – the compulsory industrial placement year – of their 4 year course. The student is required to demonstrate their intention of pursuing a career in the meat processing industry or related sectors by submitting a report of no more than 1,000 words to show their understanding of the red meat sector, the value of their placement year and a short statement of their future career plans.
Keith Fisher the IoM chief executive said: “It’s great to see such able young people coming through and being recognised. What is more, it’s even more rewarding to see that over the years many previous recipients of these Awards have gone on to great success either managing businesses or owning them, and of course achieving top jobs in various sectors throughout the industry.”
The Award presentations were followed by lunch in the great hall and the Master of the Poulterers Company joined top table, together with chairman of the IoM, Bill Jermey who thanked everyone for participating and offering congratulations to the Award winners.
Award Winners 2015:
Best Food Industry Skills Meat Student - Andrew Davies, MEAT Ipswich Best Retail Butchery Student - Caoimhin Leaonard, Charlie Mallons Butchers Best Meat Processing Student - Craig Cowan, Dunbia (Dungannon) Best Poultry Industry Student - Inesa Petrauskiene, studying with Poultec Training Ltd Best Independent Retail Meat Apprentice - Tiffany Bromley, Browns the Butchers of Chorley Best Meat Manufacturing Apprentice - Trevor Walters, ABP (Shrewsbury) Best Full Time Meat Student - Daniel Speed, studying Butchery at Leeds City College Student or Apprentice Showing Most Management Promise - Christopher Riley, Walter Smith Fine Foods Best Company Training Scheme - Walter Smith Fine Foods Best Meat Training Provider of the Year - Leeds City College Lord Graham Endeavour Award - Niall Kennedy, McArdle Meats (Dundalk) Gary Baker Award - Paula Lobb, student at Harper Adams University Champion Meat Student or Apprentice of the Year - Christopher Riley, Walter Smith Fine Foods
IoM Accredited Master Butchers AwardIan Winstone - Randall ParkerEric Reeve - Meat Ipswich Ltd
Fellows of the Institute of MeatJane Dale - managing director of Meat Ipswich LtdAllan Bennett – Allan Bennett Butchers
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.
