Championing the next generation of leaders in the meat industry is an important part of the annual Meat Management Meat Industry Awards and the organisers have been proud to spotlight many outstanding winners and finalists over the years, including 2025’s brilliant nominees, pictured above.
The 2025 finalists for the Young Manager of the Year Award were chosen from an exceptional list of nominees, and the winner was announced at a prestigious dinner and awards presentation on 18th September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, hosted by magician Pete Firman.
Gwen Mostyn, editor of Meat Management magazine, commented: “It was a pleasure to be able to highlight the work of this year’s talented finalists. Representing sectors from across the industry, this group of young leaders from different parts of the business certainly show that the future is in good hands.
“The Meat Management Meat Industry Awards is always a much-anticipated annual event in the calendar and was not to be missed. The dinner and ceremony was a fantastic opportunity for networking and a unique chance to celebrate with the best in the industry.”
Amy Nicholas
Morgan’s Butchery
Morgan’s Butchery is a small, independent, family-run butcher shop that takes pride in supporting local farmers and sourcing high-quality, local ingredients. Amy was thrown into the meat industry to support her father when he took on the business as a new venture. As a disabled entrepreneur, he reached out to his daughter for her support and even though she had not worked in the industry before, she jumped at the challenge.
With a role that incorporates a wide variety of responsibilities, from overseeing payroll, organising meetings and writing reports to managing the staff and the store, Amy’s management skills and her focus on creating an ethical, transparent business have been instrumental in building Morgan’s into a successful venture.
Amy is always finding innovative ways to improve the business through initiatives such as sustainability projects and an inclusive shopping plan, making sure the store is accessible to all. The introduction of inclusive practices, for example using Makaton signing, PECS symbols for communication support and braille price lists, helps customers feel confident and comfortable when shopping at Morgan’s.
Judges’ Comments:
“I regard it a huge privilege and honour to sit on the judging panel for such a prestigious competition. This is a competition that finds some of the finest young people in the meat industry and as a result makes it one of the most difficult to judge. They are all winners in their own right and will undoubtedly be the industry leaders of the future.”
Keith Fisher – Institute of Meat
“Meeting the finalists for the Young Manager award has been a real privilege, and rather inspirational. Four very different characters but united by their energy and focus, and I am sure that we will hear more of them in the years to come.”
Rob Smith – industry consultant and past PTF president
“As always, it was enjoyable to talk to the future of our industry! Four exceptional candidates this year, who demonstrated that the meat industry is a great place to work with brilliant career opportunities.”
Bill Jermey – chair, Institute of Meat
“I felt so honoured being on the judging panel for the Young Manager Award. The high standard of the applicants makes it a so special and rewarding. This year was no exception when meeting with and talking to the finalists. The enthusiasm shown for our industry was outstanding and selecting the overall winner was a challenge. Well done to our finalists!”
Christine Walsh – chief executive, Food & Drink Training & Education Council
The judging panel was chaired by Graham Yandell MBE the publisher of Meat Management magazine.
