Meat Business Women announces partnerships with McDonald’s and Morrisons

PUBLISHING DATE
March 16, 2023
CATEGORIES

The professional community for women working in the meat industry recently announced it is launching a new partnership with McDonald’s while extending its partnership with Morrisons

McDonald’s UK and Ireland recently committed to a two-year partnership with Meat Business Women, the United Nations’ recognised professional network for women working in the meat industry. Goals include helping the community “attract, nurture and retain female talent in the meat industry,” as well as provide staff at McDonald’s access to “industry-leading resources.”

Resources include global mentoring, as well as personal development coaching and opportunities for female workers to network at industry events, connecting with industry peers.

“Having senior level commitment from McDonald’s UK & Ireland is a real endorsement for Meat Business Women,” said Laura Ryan, Founder and Chair of the organisation.

“We’re delighted to be working with their team to proactively champion the sector, and make it more accessible and attractive for female talent to choose as a career destination.”

Laura Henderson, Supply Chain Director for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, echoed these sentiments and said she is “proud to manage a supply chain team that has many talented women at all levels.”

She added: “Although progression has been made within the industry since I first entered, it’s important that we continue to drive this forward. Our new partnership with Meat Business Women presents a great opportunity to support and empower those currently in the sector, as well as those considering a career within it, which will result in a truly progressive and inclusive workforce.”

Meat Business Women is the United Nations’ recognised professional network for women working in the meat industry. (Photo: Meat Business Women)
Meat Business Women is the United Nations’ recognised professional network for women working in the meat industry | Credit: Meat Business Women

McDonald’s partnership follows continued work with Morrisons 

It was also announced earlier this month that Meat Business Women was extending its strategic partnership with supermarket chain Morrisons. Like the partnership with McDonald’s, female staff at Morrisons are granted access to an “an industry-leading suite of career development tools and mentoring opportunities.”

Because of its position as a strategic partner and sponsor, Morrisons will have the chance to offer its guidance and input regarding the strategic direction of Meat Business Women, with the wider goal being to offer an emboldened platform for women working in the meat industry. The supermarket is also entitled to first access to events hosted by Meat Business Women, including networking occasions and mentorship programmes. 

“We are excited to be continuing to work with Meat Business Women for a further year, following our successful partnership in 2021 and 2022,” remarked Andrew Thornber, Manufacturing Director at Morrisons. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to work together to support and showcase our brilliant women in the meat industry within Morrisons, and work to grow our internal talent.” 

Ms Ryan added: “We are delighted to continue our work with Morrisons as one of our strategic partners and look forward to working even more closely with their brilliant team. We know from speaking to hundreds of women in the global meat industry that networking and mentoring can make a huge difference to women’s career paths. It’s fantastic that Morrisons is investing proactively in the development of female talent and giving women throughout the business the tools they need to succeed.”

Meat Business Women develops new Gender Equality Report

In addition to announcing new partnerships, Meat Business Women recently revealed that it has initiated initial research to find out the position of women workers in the international meat industry.

The new gender equality report will be the second of its kind provided by Meat Business Women, with the first being published in 2020 with backing from the United Nations. 

The community has invited businesses operating in the meat sector to anonymously submit basic employee data to help build a comprehensive report. 


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