Royal seal of approval for SMI award-winner

The Princess Royal was on hand to present an annual award, sponsored by Seymour Manufacturing International, rewarding an up-and-coming star of the butchery world.

The Telford company is a long-standing supporter of the Institute of Meat awards, which celebrates stars of the industry, as well as recognising some of the butchery world’s stalwarts.

SMI has been supporting the competition for more than two decades, and proudly sponsored the category for Best New Apprentice once again at the 2019 event.

This year, The Princess Royal was guest of honour at the presentation ceremony, held at London’s historic Painters’ Hall, and met to chat with all the sponsors after helping to present the prizes.

The SMI trophy and certificate was won by Rosie Masters from Newenden in Kent, who works at her family-run business, Lydd Butchers.

The 21-year-old is on a level two butchery apprenticeship, having begun working full-time for the business around a year ago. She has been working part-time for the family firm since 2012.

“I might have smaller muscles, but that doesn’t mean I’m not able to everything that the men can do,” she proudly proclaimed.

SMI’s national sales manager Dave Perry represented the company to see Rosie receive her award from the royal guest, which included a £250 cash prize, a trophy, and a year’s membership of the Institute of Meat.

Dave said: “It was fabulous to get the opportunity to speak with the Princess Royal and explain to her that, although we are not food producers, our award-winning thermal insulation products are used extensively in the food industry, and we are keen to support the important areas of meat training and education.

“It was a pleasure too, to meet and chat with Rosie, her partner Adish, mother Hazel, and her assessor from Plumpton College, Henry Martin.

“It’s great to see our award going not only to a company which truly values the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent in the industry, but which is also flying the flag for women in the butchery business.”

The Worshipful Company of Butchers, which supports the annual awards competition, is one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, with records dating back as far as 975AD.

SMI chairman and managing director Brian Seymour said: “I’d like to add my congratulations and best wishes to Rosie. We are proud to be associated with this annual event which promotes exactly what we want to see from the next generation of meat industry entrepreneurs.”

Keith Fisher, Institute of Meat chief executive, added: “These awards are always a special occasion, in that we are safeguarding the future of the meat industry. Many of the recipients will go on to become the next generation of meat industry leaders.”

Pictured: Rosie with her partner Adish and mother Hazel, at the Painters’ Hall reception