Contribution of Northern Ireland's Dunbia chief recognised

Dunbia chief executive Jim Dobson has appointed to the prestigious Worshipful Company of Butchers and named a Liveryman of City of London, making him a Freeman of the City of London.

The appointments are a recognition of his achievements in the food industry in the UK, where Dunbia, based in Northern Ireland, is now among the biggest processors of beef, lamb and pork. He has also been appointed an Associate of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS).

Mr Dobson, who founded Dunbia 40 years ago with brother Jack, says: "The Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society are two highly prestigious organisations representing the two industries in which Dunbia operates, food and farming.

"I am honoured and humbled to have been admitted into the inner workings of both institutions and I am committed to playing an active role to represent and promote both industries to the best of my ability.

"Dunbia has a long association with both institutions which are steeped in the history and tradition and have their heart the development and betterment of their respective industries.

"I am proud to say that Dunbia employees have won the Best Meat Processing Student award through the Worshipful Company for four years in a row. The organisation has a longstanding commitment to charitable and educational work.

"Developing young people and giving them the skills and experience to be the best they can be is something I strongly support and will continue to promote through both institutions," he adds.

Dunbia has its headquarters in Dungannon, county Tyrone and has 10 other processing plants across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It also has a joint venture in the Netherlands. The company employs around 4,000 people.

Pic Caption: Dunbia chief executive Jim Dobson