MEMBERS UPDATE 21ST MARCH 2025

Institute of Meat CEO Keith Fisher to step down after 15-year reign

Keith Fisher (F.Inst.M), one of the most well-known faces in the British meat industry, is to retire from his post as Institute of Meat Chief Executive at the end of March.
Fisher took up the post of Institute of Meat CEO in 2010 whilst also working as Butchery and Product Development Manager with AHDB (formerly MLC), where he enjoyed a 43 year long career.
During his tenure as CEO Fisher has not only provided professional advice on the design and development of the award-winning butcher apprenticeship standards but has also awarded over a thousand talented meat industry apprentices via the IoM Annual Prizegiving. Together with Institute of Meat Chairman, Bill Jermey, Fisher managed the IoM Master Butcher programme, resulting in 80 exceptional butchers achieving Institute of Meat Master Butcher (MB.Inst.M) status.
Though Fisher will be stepping down as CEO he will retain responsibility as chief moderator of the IoM Master Butcher programme, as well as continuing as Chief Product Judge. And with an active schedule of judging appointments in the year ahead Fisher says he will continue to uphold the ethos of the Institute of Meat – championing education and promoting the highest standards in butchery.
Reflecting on his time with the Institute of Meat, Fisher said,
'From the moment that Bill Jermey appointed me as CEO of The Institute of Meat it has been a great honour and privilege to have been given the opportunity to take the organisation forward. From graduate member in 1970 to CEO in 2010. I am also extremely grateful for the support that I have been given from all sectors of the meat and food industry and hope that support will continue for my successor.'
When Bill Jermey, then Chief Executive of The Meat Training Council (now ftc), took over the Institute of Meat as Chair his first move was to appoint Fisher as Chief Executive, something he describes as 'one of my best decisions.' Going forward, Jermey is delighted to welcome Dave Smith, who will be taking over the baton from Keith Fisher as IoM Chief Executive from 1st April.
Smith, Commercial Manager with ABP UK, started out in the retail sector and after five years joined the ABP group where he has held numerous positions including Boning Hall Manager, Technical Manager and Group Technical Liaison Manager. Today he manages the ABP Master Butcher Training Programme, which won 'Best Company Training Scheme' at the IoM and Worshipful Co of Butchers Prizegiving last month. Smith became a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers in 2011, an Institute of Meat Accredited Master Butcher in 2014 and was awarded the highest honour of Fellow of the Institute of Meat in 2023.
Commenting on his appointment, Smith said,
'I'm thrilled to have been asked to take up this prestigious post and aware that I have some very big boots to fill. Keith is an industry legend, and I have huge respect for him. I'm looking forward to taking the reins of the Institute of Meat and leading its continued development as a professional body; rewarding excellence and providing a valued forum for members to share knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the entire meat industry.
I would like to thank my employers ABP who are fully supportive of me taking on this role.'

Speciality Sausage and Make it With Haggis Evaluation – Entries now closed

Thank you to everyone who has entered the “Make it With Haggis” and “Speciality Sausage” Evaluation. We are now busy collating your entries and organising the judging panel. Letters will be sent out to entrants with further instructions, you should receive these by the 4th April. If you have any further questions, please let me know. [email protected] or Tel: 01738 637472

National Health & Safety Company

The National Health & Safety company will supply the level of service below to members of the Scottish Craft Butchers and cannot be utilised by any other group, organisation, ex-member or company.
To access these services members can contact the National Health & Safety Company on Tel: 07957561714 or Email: [email protected]

You must quote the unique reference – 715SMFTA and give your company name.
Services included in the membership package.
– A 24/7 telephone helpline to address any health & safety question or query.
– Access to all update legislation
– Subscription to NHASCO Ltd weekly e-newsletter on health & safety issues.
– Availability of Full Accident Investigation service for major reportable accidents/incidents as required under the Riddor regulations.
– Full set of necessary policies to ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and other regulations. (Policy documents are uploaded to the members only website)
– Variety of blank template risk assessments for use within the members business including: fire, manual handling, driving, lone working, storage, working at height, first aid, disability access, young person working, plus a variety of others as requested.

Services available at a substantially discounted cost to members.
>On-site assistance with all risk assessments.
>On-site audits and inspections for: disability access, fire, food safety, general compliance audits.
> Attendance at relevant training courses both open attendance at NHASCO premises or local venues.
> Be-spoke in house training at members premise or arranged venue.
> Availability of Competent Person service
Attendance at member premise to liaise with enforcing authorities

5 Grampian Court, Dedridge, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QF
T: 07957561714 – email: [email protected] – web: www.nhasco.com
Vat No. 930307751 – Company No. Sc275259.
Specially Selected Pork – Product Demo Event

Meat Managers Course

Wednesday 2 April 2025 – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue – Scottish Craft Butchers Office, 8/10 Needless Road, Perth PH2 0JW
Lunch is provided.
It is recognised throughout the UK and has been delivered (and still is being delivered) throughout this sector, indeed many Local Authorities have asked for this course to be delivered to their butchers, as it is meat and meat product specific.
This course is intense but delivered over just one day.
It is certificated by The Institute of Meat.
£300 per person
Contact Claire on 01738 637785 to book your place or email [email protected]

National Black Pudding Day 18th March

Congratulations to D H Robertson, Arbroath for being crowned Uk Champion of Champions sponsored by D B Foods and organised by Scottish Craft Buchers, National Craft Butchers and The Q Guild. There was excellent coverage on radio television and online.
We hope other members took part in National Black Pudding Day. If you have any pictures of what you did on the day, please share with us in the office. Please email [email protected]
Butchers Webinar: What's happening with Beef Prices?
On behalf of National Craft Butchers and Scottish Craft Butchers, thank you to everyone that attended the webinar yesterday and thank you to AHDB and QMS for the insight.
The slides are located on the members only website under latest news, if you require a copy, please contact [email protected].

If you have any questions, then please do come back your relevant association and we can get an answer for you. We are also aiming to make the recording available in the next couple of days.
We plan to hold future meetings with updates, once these have been agreed we will be in touch.

Scottish Meat Trade Fair – Four Stands Remaining – Sunday 11th May 2025

The event is widely recognised as the retail butchery sector big day out at the Dewars Centre, Perth.
The show will include,
Exhibitors stands, Scotland Butcher Wars, World Haggis Championship, Scottish Pork Sausage Championship, Presentation of prizes for the “Speciality Sausage” and the “Make it With Haggis” Awards, Presentation of trainee certificates.
And of course, to catch up with your colleagues in the trade. Reserve the date in your diary and come along for what is sure to be a great day out.
If you have Suppliers to the trade who you think may be interested in exhibiting, please send me their contact details we only have four free units left to fill.
If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch using the contact details below.
MEMBER SERVICES – Bruce McCall:             [email protected]                01738 637472
CRAFT SKILLS SCOTLAND – Claire Simpson:    [email protected]               01738 637785

Scottish Craft Butchers
8-10 Needless Road
Perth PH2 0JW
Tel: 01738 637472
Mobile: 01738 637472
twitter.com/scocraftbutcher
facebook.com/scottishcraftbutchers/
www.craftbutchers.co.uk