Women In Meat Awards Gong

We are proud to announce that Kasia Szynal, Dalehead Technical Manager, walked away with the Manufacturing/Processing award last night during the Women in Meat Awards which saw a total of four colleagues shortlisted across three prestigious honours.

The winners of the annual awards were announced at a glitzy black-tie dinner and ceremony yesterday evening at the Hilton London Metropole which brought together colleagues, nominees and other industry leaders for a night of celebration.

Andrew Cracknell, CEO, explained: “I’m proud that four colleagues were acknowledged by these prestigious awards. I was even more happy when I learned Kasia had won. She is described as an outstanding team leader. Committed to the highest standards of quality and food safety – regularly going the extra mile. Colleagues often comment that she is not just a Technical Manager, but an immense pillar of support for the team.

“It was also impressive to learn she won this award thanks to the votes of the public and those within the industry – giving this award an even more special meaning. I want to congratulate all the other finalists and winners – and of course the organisers for hosting such an amazing evening.”

Olympic medallist and TV broadcaster Katharine Merry, who hosted the evening’s proceedings, presented the 10 winners with their trophies and certificates. Attracting over 7,000 votes for finalists this year, the event rewards outstanding female talent across the UK meat sector.

Rachel Griffiths, Joint Managing Director – Dalehead, said: “I am very proud of Kasia who really deserves this award and flying the Dalehead flag high. These awards are also a way of encouraging other women who are thinking of entering the industry to see what is possible through hard work and dedication – a huge congratulations to Kasia and all the other winners.”

Kasia added; “When I learned I was nominated I was extremely grateful to have my work recognised, but to win is even more of an achievement. However, none of this would be possible without the support of the Dalehead team around me who all work closely with one another. I also want to thank everyone for voting for me and choosing me. The Women in Meat Awards team have had nothing but positive comments for me and the evening was special – one I will not to forget.”

Finalists from Pilgrim’s UK also included:
Manufacturing/Processing: Linda Murphy – Senior Process Manager
Training & Education: Siobhan Spruce – Head of Leadership and Development
Rising Star: Grace Cabarbaye – Dalehead Commercial Manager

The Awards are driven by reader nominations and votes via the market leading Meat Management magazine, with an expert judging panel gathering to select the overall Meat Businesswoman of the Year, who is selected from one of the other category winners.

This year’s winners in full included:
The Rising Star Award – Rebecca Robinson, proprietor of Becky’s Butchers
Trade Body – Eleanor O’Brien, membership manager at National Craft Butchers
Foodservice – Debbie Middleton, HR manager at Aubrey Allen
Wholesaling – Lindsay Murphy, regional training manager at Booker
Training & Education – Jemma Wiles, senior H&S officer at ABP Group – Birmingham
Industry Supplier – Joanne Hughes, sales executive at Foyle Food Group
Manufacturing/Processing – Kasia Szynal, technical manager at Pilgrim’s UK
Craft Butchery – Bridget Borlase, owner / director of Bridget B’s Butchery
Retailing – Kathryn Meadows, joint owner of Nicholson’s Butchers
Meat Businesswoman of the Year Award – Lindsay Murphy, regional training manager at Booker.

To view a full list of the nominees and learn more about the awards, visit their website.