Entrepreneur honoured by NFU (From Western Telegraph)

Entrepreneur honoured by NFU

A partner in a Pembrokeshire meat processing business has narrowly missed out on a top National Farmers Union award.

John Davies, who runs the Welsh Hook Meat Centre, Haverfordwest, in partnership with his brother, Emrys, was named as a runner-up in the farming industrys equivalent to the Oscars - the Presidents Awards. It is the fourth year the awards have been made in recognition of excellence and innovation in farming.

John Davies, of Herbrandston Hall, Herbrandston, was a runner up in the Farming Entrepreneur of the Year category.

NFU Cymru president Peredur Hughes said he had shown initiative and great enterprise. He refered to him as an inspiring role model who served as an excellent ambassador for the farming industry.

I am delighted to recognise the entrants fine achievements showing there are individuals out there moving the industry forward, and working to help farming on the road to recovery during these difficult times, said Mr Hughes.

The Welsh Hook Meat Centre was set up following falling profit margins in lowland beef and lamb production.

With a turnover of over £2 million, it sells direct to customers. In 2000, the Welsh Hook Meat Centre was named as one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in Wales.

Mr Davies is part of a team of farmers and businessmen who have identified the need for a small abattoir in Pembrokeshire. They are hoping to have a slaughter house up and running at the Withybush Industrial Estate this year.

Caption: Pictured with award recipient John Davies (centre), are Mrs Gwenllian Davies, County Branch Chairman Bryan Ratcliffe and his wife, Alison, County Branch vice-chairman Stephen Alderman and his wife, Sara (NFU group secretary for South Pembrokeshire), Russell Evans, chairman of the NFU Wales education committee and his wife, Myfanwy and Geoffrey Evans, chairman of the County branch parliamentary committee. Picture, Meyrick Brown