In one of the meat industry’s favourite traditions, today the Institute of Meat (IoM) and Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) celebrated the achievements of apprentices, employers and training providers at their Annual Prizegiving, held at Butchers Hall, London.

After welcoming a record number of attendees, IoM Chief Executive Dave Smith (F.Inst.M) revealed the winners in each category, who were then presented with their awards by the Master of the Worshipful Company, Gwyn Howells.

The winners and awards were:

The apprentice category winners each received a cheque for £250, a framed certificate and a year’s free membership of the Institute of Meat.

The most coveted award, ‘Champion Meat Apprentice of the Year’ sponsored by Meat Management magazine, was won by Nikita Somma, from Sykes House Farm. The judges were particularly impressed by Nikita’s technical ability, creativity and composure under pressure when competing in the ‘Battle of the Apprentice Butchers’ at the Great Yorkshire Show, which resulted in her winning the Golden Cleaver as well as two other awards.

Nikita received a winner’s trophy and certificate, a year’s free membership of the IoM and an additional cash prize of £500.

Commenting on his first year presiding over the prizegiving, Dave Smith said,

‘I’ve attended the IoM/WCB Annual Prizegiving many times as a guest, but standing here today to personally applaud the efforts and achievements of today’s award recipients has been doubly rewarding and enjoyable.’‘I’m especially pleased to see women so well represented amongst our apprentice winners. The meat industry is for all. It’s good to see this message gaining traction where it matters – at grass roots level.’

Also celebrated on the day was the awarding of 13 new Institute of Meat accredited Master Butchers. The awarding criteria for IoM accredited Master Butchers is rigorous and applications are invited only from very experienced and skilful butchers. Past CEO, Chief Moderator and Fellow of the Institute of Meat, Keith Fisher (F.Inst.M), awarded this honour to the following butchers:

Bill Jermey, Chairman of the Institute of Meat and instigator of the Master Butcher programme, added

In Butchers Hall today we have brought together talented people from across the whole career spectrum – new apprentices to seasoned industry professionals. Creating this opportunity to make lasting connections is an important aspect of the Annual Prizegiving and one that I hope our winners take full advantage of.’

Rounding off a special day of celebrations was the inauguration of three new Fellows of The Institute of Meat: Gywn Howells, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, Paul Miles from the Booker Group, and Paul Cadman from Crosby Management Training.

For more information about the IoM/WCB Annual Prizegiving, or the IoM Master Butcher programme, in the first instance please contact Sheryl Horne at the Institute of Meat, info@instituteofmeat.org

The countdown has begun for a landmark event in the butchery industry. On June 30th, 2025, the first-ever British Butchery Awards will take place, offering a grand stage to celebrate the best in the field. Organized by the National Craft Butchers, these awards will honour the finest talents in our industry across the UK.

Entry Categories

We are inviting entries for the title of Best Large & Small Butchery Business in regions throughout the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, North of England, South of England, and the Midlands.

Entries will have initial judging before the finalists from each category will receive a mystery shop. With the winner announced at the Black-tie awards dinner held at The Belfry in Nottingham!

The evening will also see the announcement of the nation’s Best Wholesale/Catering Butcher, Best Young Butcher and Best Butchery Supplier, along with the Special Recognition Award.

The British Butchery Awards promise a spectacular evening celebrating the craft of butchery and offering excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders, supporters, and peers.

Eleanor O’Brien, Managing Director of National Craft Butchers, expressed the organisation’s enthusiasm:

We are blessed with some of the most talented butchers in the world. The British Butchery Awards offers them the chance to have their moment in the limelight and be recognised by their fellow butchers

How to Get Involved

Entries open Monday 6^th January 2025 – further details here

Whether you are a seasoned butcher or a rising star in the industry, this is your moment to shine and shout about our fantastic industry. Join us in celebrating the passion, skill, and dedication of the butchery industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history at the inaugural British Butchery Awards!

Stay updated on entry details and announcements, follow @nationalcraftbutchers & @britishbutcheryawards on social media and bookmark British Butchery Awards .

The event is supported by industry organisations Scottish Craft Butchers, The Q Guild, and the Institute of Meat.

With thanks to all our sponsors

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

National Craft Butchers
Email: info@nationalcraftbutchers.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1892541412