SMI is proud to continue its support of meat industry awards

Star food industry student Rohan Coomber is the latest to benefit from Seymour Manufacturing International’s long-standing support of the Institute of Meat’s annual awards.

The competition, run jointly with the Worshipful Company of Butchers, rewards up-and-coming stars of the industry, as well as recognising some of the butchery world’s stalwarts.

Seymour Manufacturing International (SMI) has been supporting the competition for more than two decades, and once again sponsored the category for Best Food Industry Skills Meat Student this year.

Sadly, this year’s winner Rohan, from Spalding in Lincolnshire, was unable to attend the ceremony at the historic Tallow Chandlers Hall in London to collect her trophy and £250 prize money in person.

But SMI managing director Brian Seymour was there to hand it over to Lincoln University duo Sharon Green and Ann Casey, who accepted it on her behalf.

Mr Seymour said: “Although we are not food producers, our thermal insulation products are used extensively in the food industry, and I’ve always been keen to support the Worshipful Company of Butchers, which does excellent work in administering the ever-important areas of meat training and education.

“It was a pity that Rohan was unable to attend – but Sharon and Ann told us how she was busy juggling her work and studies with the role of being a young mother.

“They spoke in glowing terms about her dedication, and how driven and determined she is to succeed. She is clearly another star in the making.”

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

SMI’s sponsored category was one of 15 in the competition, which recognised the winners’ achievements over the last 12 months.

Institute of Meat chef executive Keith Fisher told how Rohan, who works at Dalehead Foods in Spalding, had a natural curiosity to go with her ability, and was aiming to take on a BSc in food marketing.

Mr Seymour added: “As well as encouraging and helping to fund education and training throughout the industry, the Institute of Meat plays a valuable role as a forum for like-minded people to meet, exchange ideas and gain a wider appreciation of the meat industry.”

Seymour Manufacturing International, based at Sutton Maddock in Shropshire, was founded more than 30 years ago.

It has a blue-chip list of clients in the food industry for its innovative temperature-controlled curtains, cold room doors, modular temperature-controlled zones and pallet covers – all using its celebrated Tempro thermal insulation material.

This year promises to be an exciting time for the company, as it prepares to launch new products which are set to trigger both domestic and overseas sales growth.