Menu
Meet the team at Campbell Brothers
Butchers Campbell Brothers celebrates International Women’s Day by talking to women essential to its operation
Campbell Brothers, Scotland’s oldest catering butcher, has been in operation since 1902. From British Retail Consortium-accredited depots in Edinburgh and London, it works with Bidfood to send meat products to customers around the UK, from Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique hotels to large chains. Here, three people who are essential to the everyday supply chain of the business explain how women are coming to the fore in the industry.
Michelle Chisholm, national account manager for fresh meat
What drew you to a career at Campbell Brothers?
“I’ve always had a passion for foodservice and hospitality, originally starting off in hotel and restaurant management, an area I’m still closely connected to, with my partner owning three restaurants. However, after having a baby I needed something a little less physically demanding. Still in keeping with my love of food, it seemed a match made in heaven that I should find Campbell Brothers who share my passion for fresh, high-quality food.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“Where to begin? What drove me to the fresh meat side of things was the complexity of the category. The short shelf life, the quick turnaround of stock, the emotive connection to it being the hero product on the plate, and the necessity to getting it spot-on for customers. Having been an operator myself, I know first-hand the reward of providing a first-class meat offering, so by helping our customers achieve this really does make the job extra special.”
How can we continue to encourage women to work in fresh meat?
“I’m reluctant to draw attention to the subject as I feel it creates unnecessary stigma towards women within the industry. At Campbell Brothers we have a large number of influential women working across various roles, but whether male or female is irrelevant – we’re all people striving for the same goal and should be encouraging all to step into this fantastic category within our wonderful industry.”
Keeley Evans, office manager
What drew you to a career at Campbell Brothers?
“My journey to Campbell Brothers has probably been a little more unorthodox compared to others in the business, having previously not worked within fresh meat or even admin for that matter. However, my daughter worked within the sales team and recommended I put myself forward, and within two years I had worked my way up to office manager. That’s what’s so great about Campbell Brothers – they’re willing to take a chance on people, helping them to learn and develop, as they know it’s the people that really make a business.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“It might sound cliché but there really isn’t anything better than supporting and helping others. I know from my own experience just how far good mentoring and fostering strong relationships can go, so helping my colleagues grow and reach their full potential really is a highlight.”
How can we continue to encourage women to work in fresh meat?
“As you’ve probably gathered, I’m a big advocate for learning and development and I feel the industry can do more in this area. We need to make fresh meat more attractive to work in, establishing formal mentoring programmes and networking events that will support women’s growth will really showcase what a great career can be had within meat.”
Kornelija Maiziesiute, administrator
What drew you to a career in Campbell Brothers?
“There is really no such thing as a glass ceiling at Campbell Brothers, with opportunities available to everyone to advance within the business. I started off applying for a cleaning role before being hired as a warehouse operative, later moving to an office role as part of the admin team. Both roles have taught me so much and helped me develop in such a short space of time.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“Being in a role that is fast-paced and dynamic is so important to me. One of the best things about Campbell Brothers is that no two days are the same and every day is a chance to learn. The team ethos is like none other – it really is like a little family.”
How can we continue to encourage women to work in fresh meat?
“Showcasing women in variety of roles, whether that’s leadership, technical or operational, will help to inspire others into the category. I believe that by seeing women thrive, it motivates the next generation to pursue similar careers. Additionally, offering training programmes and workshops allows women to connect, share experiences and learn from each another.”
More from The Caterer
Most Popular
Supplier Awards 2025
Thu Apr 3, 2025
One Moorgate Place
Natural Food Expo 2025
Mon May 12, 2025ExCeL, London
The Caterer People Summit 2025
Thu May 15, 2025Events @ No 6, London
Acorn Awards 2025
Sun Jun 1, 2025Dakota Hotel Manchester
Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.
The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08713328. 3rd Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU.
© 2025 Jacobs Media
