Processors Cranswick, Dovecote Park, Fairfax Meadow, Euro Quality Lambs, OSI and Moy Park are actively supporting the initiative, as well as major trade associations like the British Meat Processors Association and Association for Independent Meat Suppliers throwing their support behind it.
Laura Ryan, chair of the group, said: “Having industry directly backing us and wanting to be part of the journey to increase the female talent pipeline is fantastic. We already had two levy boards involved (Bord Bía and the AHDB) but knowing that meat companies want to be associated with us and help us grow is tremendously encouraging.”
The group is due to hold its first conference in October, which will cover insight and discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the meat industry today. Speakers include Cranswick CEO Adam Couch, CEO of the Post Office Paula Venells and chair of Assured Food Standards, Dame Lucy Neville-Rolfe.
Set up in 2015, Meat Business Women is run on a not-for-profit basis by a six-strong committee who have three simple objectives for women within the meat supply chain from abattoir onwards. These are to skilfully improve networking; assist in making the image, culture and landscape of the meat industry more attractive to female talent; and nurture new female entrants into the sector.
The group inspired a similar outfit in New Zealand, which was launched earlier this year.