Butcher makes cut for national award

A fourth-generation North East business owner has been shortlisted for a national award recognising women working across the UK meat industry.

Kathryn Meadows, owner of Nicholsons Butchers in Whitley Bay, has been named a finalist in the Meat Businesswoman Award – Independent Retailing category at the 2026 Women in Meat Industry Awards.

Her place on the shortlist follows nominations from industry peers and marks further recognition after she won the awards’ Retailing category in 2021.

Kathryn is the first woman to lead Nicholsons, which has served customers in Whitley Bay since 1914.

Since taking over the family business from her father, she has overseen its modernisation and growth while maintaining its focus on traditional butchery skills and personal service.

Alongside running Nicholsons, Kathryn is the first female chair of the Q Guild of Butchers, a national network of independent butchers.

Through the role, she supports independent retailers, the development of future talent and efforts to encourage more women and girls to consider careers in the industry.

Kathryn said: “To be nominated by people within the industry and named a finalist means a huge amount to me. 

“I’m incredibly proud to represent Nicholsons, Whitley Bay and independent butchers across the country.

“There is so much more to our industry than people sometimes realise. 

“It brings together craftsmanship and skill with food, creativity, science, business and innovation, and I want more women and girls to see those opportunities and know there is a place for them.

“This recognition also belongs to the whole Nicholsons team. 

“Their hard work, care and commitment allow us to keep moving the business forward while staying true to the values that have shaped it for more than a century.”

Organised by Meat Management magazine, the Women in Meat Industry Awards have recognised women working across the sector since 2018.

This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on November 20, hosted by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE.

For more information about the Women in Meat Industry Awards and to see the full list of finalists, visit womeninmeatawards.com/finalists.

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