Everything you need to know about applying for Meat Business Women’s One to Watch prize

Why does it exist?

The reason we developed the prize is because we’re super passionate about supporting young women in the industry and want to give you the best possible chance to reach your goals.

As we know coaching, mentoring, training, qualifications can be fundamental in building the skills you need to accelerate your career, but they can also be a little heavy on the wallet!

So, whilst the One to Watch prize celebrate and recognises young women who are doing brilliant work in their organisation, it’s more than just an award. It also provides the winner with some financial support towards professional development that will help them along their career pathway.

Who can apply for the prize?

If you’re aged 35 or under and you work in or with the meat industry, you can apply. This includes industry bodies, supporting industries, processors, retailers, independent butchers, wholesalers, or any other part of the meat supply chain.

I’m not sure I’m good enough to apply for an award…is this really for me?

Short answer – yes! Longer answer… Absolutely yes! Seriously though, we know it can feel cringey to self-promote and put yourself forwards for recognition in this way but it’s a great way to take stock of all the brilliant things you have achieved so far, of which there will be more than you think.

At Meat Business Women we’re all about promoting your achievements and building confidence and self-belief! As one of our previous applicants says “It’s easy just to do your job and not consider what you are actually doing and achieving, this was a great way of stopping and reflecting on it all.”

Can I nominate someone who I think would make a great One to Watch?

Definitely – you can nominate someone in your team or wider business by downloading the nomination form. You’ll give them a helping hand by completing the first two questions, and they should complete the other three questions before submitting it to the MBW team.

What’s the application process like?

If you are nominating yourself, you’ll complete an application form which will ask you to answer five questions which focus on the impact you’ve had in your business, how you motivate others around you, how you deal with challenges, the future of the meat industry and why you’re passionate about working in or with it.

If someone has put you forward for the prize, they will complete the first two questions on the application form and you should then complete questions 2, 3 and 5 yourself.

Once you’ve completed your application and submitted it to the MBW team, applications close on 31st July 2023 and our judges will carefully review them all.

If you’re shortlisted, you will be contacted in August 2023.We will organise a short Zoom interview with our panel of judges who will ask you a few more questions about your application.

Following that, our judges will decide on a winner, who will be awarded with £4,000 towards her personal development at a prize ceremony and networking event on 5th October.

What our judges are looking for

We asked long-time One to Watch judge Lucianne Allen what she would be looking for in an application:

“What we are looking for is someone who can be inspirational to the wider industry and beyond.

The One to Watch will be an exceptional person with an innovative eye to the future and can demonstrate that what they have learnt can help industry to attract more talent.

It’s time to put your best foot forward and show us what you have achieved in a clear, succinct way. We love to see trackable measures and read how your involvement in the business or project has been key to the success.

We want to see your self-belief shining through!”

What our 2022 winner Olivia says

“Couldn’t recommend this enough…

When another team member first mentioned nominating me for this award, I had just returned to work from maternity leave, I didn’t feel like me, let alone feel good enough to win an industry leading award…

But I am so glad someone saw a light in me because winning the award, and being supported by so many inspirational women within Meat Business Women and all friends & colleagues at Marks and Spencer has meant I now see that light and I’m so determined to excel in my career within the food industry…

If you are thinking about applying- go for it! Being you is your best asset.”

So if you’re still reading, what are you waiting for? Apply for the prize or nominate someone who you work with!