As the countdown to this year’s Meat Management Industry Awards ceremony continues, we review the finalists for the coveted title Young Manager of the Year 2023.
The winner of all 20 categories will be announced on 12th September at the black-tie dinner and ceremony staged at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel, located next to the NEC. For more information click here.
This year’s Young Manager finalists are as follows:
Grace Walker
Assistant Commercial Manager
Warrendale Wagyu
Grace graduated from Newcastle University with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree. Her initial role at Warrendale Wagyu involved gaining an understanding of the whole integrated supply chain, managing online B2C sales, as well as managing relationships with current and new wholesale/restaurant customers. After just 7 months, she was promoted to commercial manager and has since taken the lead on various projects, one of which is taking a product from concept through to launch in a high-end retailer.
Ira Collier
Shop and Production Manager
Dales Traditional Butchers
Ira is known for his great enthusiasm and skill. He started as a youngster and has developed many skills over the years. Always helpful, he shows new employees good working practices and is always willing to go that extra mile and to learn new skills. Customers and employees enjoy being around him. Ira went to Sacramento for the Young Butcher - World Butchers Champions competition and came 4th. Ira is definitely an enthusiast and wants to pass on his skills, believing that we need to show and share our craft and skills and get more young people involved in the trade.
Simon Cundell
General Manager – Normanton Site
The British Premium Sausage Company
Simon joined the business in July 2017 aged 24 as a production operative. In his second year he became factory manager. In 2019 the company bought a second factory in Normanton and Simon was moved to the Normanton site to be the general manager and is responsible for the daily operation of the whole site. He has developed into a competent and committed young manager and has taken time to learn all aspects of the business from being able to operate equipment on the shop floor to building relationships with suppliers. He is a good communicator and has built solid relationships with colleagues.
Mia Tamburrini
Owner / Proprietor
Raise The Steaks
Raise the Steaks is Mia’s own butchery business which she started in March 2023 after leaving Morgans Butchery where she had been a valued employee and a successful butcher. Now still only 21 she completed her Level 2 Retail Butcher with a pass back in 2020, and completed Level 3 Advanced Butcher with a distinction in 2022. Overall, Mia has four years’ experience in the trade and has a real focus on what she wants to achieve. She already has outstanding knowledge of her product and the importance of traceability and demonstrates a real passion for rare breeds.
Judges’ Comments
The judging panel were once again very impressed with all candidates and as always the decision to find a winner was a challenging one. Here are their comments:
“The task of meeting the finalists is always an enjoyable and stimulating experience and this year was no different. Although the candidates all had something different to offer, they all shared the same passion and energy for the business. They should be proud to have reached this stage and I offer my congratulations to them all.” Rob Smith, UK market director, Danish Crown & Immediate Past Chairman PTF
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“The interviews were a really great occasion, hearing from such enthusiastic and knowledgeable young managers who represent many sectors of the industry. I’m sure that they all have a bright future and wish them the very best.” Keith Fisher, chief executive Institute of Meat
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“All candidates excelled in their own field. This made choosing a winner from such superb set of finalists very difficult. It’s really great that there is so much talent in our industry.” Christine Walsh, chief executive Food and Drink Training & Education Council
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“I always enjoy judging these awards. To see the young talent either coming in to the industry or emerging from within is a joy. I get great satisfaction that the future of the meat industry is in good hands.” Bill Jermey, chairman Institute of Meat
Full details of all other finalists in the 19 categories can be found by clicking here. No winners are pre-informed and are only announced at the ceremony on 12th September.
For more information about availability of tickets or tables call Paige Phillips on 01908 613323 or click here.
Thank you to the 2023 MM Meat Industry Awards partners:
Event date and venue availability is subject to any ongoing Government rulings on public assembly and therefore the organisers reserve the right to make appropriate changes if required affecting the date or venue at their absolute discretion.
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.
