New board appointed at IOM Meats

Follows DEFA review into governance and operational structure

A new board's been appointed to run the Isle of Man Meat Company.

It follows a review by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture into the governance and operational structure of the business.

The Island's abattoir has faced a number of issues in recent years.

In 2024, the non-executive board of the meat plant undertook a 'strategic restructure' to 'reset the company’s direction and better serve the local community'.

That was after the management of the organisation faced a vote of no confidence by the Manx National Farmers' Union following a series of processing delays and cancellations.

Now, Steve Pickett joins from Business Isle of Man as the new chair.

DEFA says he 'brings significant board-level leadership experience across both government and commercial sectors'.

He comes from his previous role as chair of Business Isle of Man, and joins existing Directors Philip Birnie and Andrew McKeown, alongside newly appointed Director David Bradford.

Mr Bradford is said to have 'extensive experience across the food sector and red meat industry'.

Meanwhile, Allan Skillicorn will continue in his role as the Fatstock Marketing Association Director.

DEFA says that with the new Board in place, the Isle of Man Meat Company is 'well positioned to build on the efforts of its predecessors and to continue to support the Island’s agricultural economy into the future'.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Pickett said: "I’m very much looking forward to getting started with the team and the Board. 

The Isle of Man Meat Company is a vital part of the Island’s agricultural supply chain, and I hope we can continue making progress in reducing the level of subvention while pursuing the significant opportunities that exist for Manx meat."

DEFA minister Clare Barber added: "I am confident that the combination of existing Board members and new appointees will maintain and strengthen the company’s momentum. 

"The food security and animal health challenges currently facing the Island underline the critical importance of the Island’s only abattoir. 

"I trust that Steve and the Board will build on the progress established by their predecessors and continue to support the Island in this essential capacity."