New Meat Plant chair aims to 'look forward instead of back'

Damien Corcoran 'in listening mode'

The new chair of the Isle of Man Meat plant says he's aware of the facility's recent struggles, but is confident about its future.

Damien Corcoran's appointment was announced this week, as a part of a shake-up by the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture.

The changes follow months of review and consideration, with DEFA saying the aim is to stabalise operations and production certainty for farmers, while also enhancing food security for the Island.

Mr Corcoran says it's important to take some time to reflect initially:

Five new directors have now been appointed, including a new chair, who have experience in retail, butchery and agriculture.

DEFA Minister Clare Barber has thanked those who've served on the board until now, adding: "I am confident the foundations they have laid will allow the refreshed Board to bring the focus and energy required to build on the progress made to date, and bring much needed confidence as we look to give farmers, butchers and the Isle of Man public the meat plant they deserve.”

Following the changes, the Meat Plant Board will now have seven members in the total, with Rebecca Miah (the plant’s Managing Director) and Allan Skillicorn (Isle of Man Fat Stock Marketing Association (FMA) Director) remaining on the Board.

The newly appointed members are:

• Damien Corcoran (Chair): A food retail leader with international retail experience and a background in strategic and organisational change.
• Rob Teare: A leading Manx butcher with substantial red meat experience.
• Dr Jonathan Birnie: An agricultural economist and the principal author of a comprehensive report on the abattoir.
• Philip Birnie: An experienced red meat businessman with expertise in abattoir and meat processing operations.
• Andrew McKeown: A Manx farmer and haulier who has industry experience in the abattoir sector, particularly procurement

Nigel Davis and Dr John Taylerson have left the Board.