Fuelled by Ambition: Megan Cole, ABP UK
We caught up with Megan Cole, Assistant Technical Manager at ABP UK and one of our incredible UK & Ire 'One to Watch' award winners to ask her more about her career story so far. . As part of our campaign 'Fuelled by Ambition' we're sharing the stories of our community and asking them to define ambition in their own terms, as well as give us as insights into their career journeys so far.
Firstly how does it feel to have won the One to Watch award 2025?
Overjoyed! I’m incredibly excited and honoured to receive the One to Watch award for 2025. I’m looking forward to the doors this could open and, more importantly, to learning from the inspiring people around me. Winning this award means so much, I am so grateful for the support I have received throughout my career at ABP and from my family and friends at home.
Please share your current role with us and tell us more about your career journey so far.
I have worked for ABP since 2020 and have been fortunate to have gained experience across many sites, specialising in beef and lamb, kill/bone/retail pack, with time spent in meat free and frozen. Currently I am Assistant Technical Manager for ABP Yetminster based down in north Dorset, a lamb kill and bone site.
My passion for the industry started many years ago where I was fortunate to work on a family sheep farm, and latterly a dairy farm.
I was very sporty growing up and actually did a BTEC in sport at collage, my aim was to become a physio or podiatrist. Young Farmers Club was the catalyst in career aspirations where I discovered I could turn my passion into a career. I was an active member for many years, and loved getting involved in all competitions, stock judging, crafts and public speaking.
I wasn’t sure on my career path, I enjoyed working with animals on the farm, but I have always been very business minded. So, 2018 I enrolled to complete a Bsc Hons in Agri-business at Harper Adams University. As part of the 4-year course, your 3rd year was an industrial placement where I applied to be a technical placement student for ABP Food Group.
I had no experience in food manufacturing, and I was curious. I absolutely loved being in the factory, learning about farm to fork, the fast-paced environment and problem solving. On concluding my placement year, I returned to Harper Adams. Graduated in 2022, I immediately joined the technical graduate scheme with ABP.
After 18-months on program, I was promoted to Retail QA Manager for the groups largest manufacturing site. This was my first insight at team management, project management, and an insight on how I can influence and inspire others. It was only 8-months until I was promoted again into my current role Assistant Technical Manager.
What would you say your top strength or superpower is and how has it helped you in your role?
My key strength is my people skills and relationship building. I love meeting new people and networking; I have found this hugely beneficial within my roles across sites. Being able to take on positions and quickly gain support and trust from departments has been influential in both personal and professional achievements.
Tell us about one of the biggest challenges to date in you career and one key learning you took from it?
My biggest challenge to date was my first management role. Gaining the trust and respect of people who didn’t see me as a leader and still looked at me as a student with no experience. It took time, resilience and a lot of patience. I held my ground, never showed them weakness and the more they doubted me the more I thrived. My biggest learning from that experience was I never let their behaviour affect my work, I learnt I can never please everyone, but if I can do my best for my team and the people who are willing around me, then I can be fulfilled in my role.
Who do you look to as a role model and why?
My role model and someone who inspires me at home is my aunt. She embodies the kind of strength and character that inspires you to grow into your best self. She’s independent—not just in how she lives her life, but in how she thinks, makes decisions, and stands firm in her values. Even when life throws challenges her way, she handles them with grace and determination, never backing down or giving up. She sets goals, stays focused, and leads by example—showing that success doesn’t come from luck, but from commitment and hard work.
Another person who I look up to and admire is an eventing coach/ previous Olympic rider Nicola Wilson. Her resilience is something I admire deeply. She doesn’t let setbacks define her. Instead, she uses them as fuel to push forward and find new opportunities. Whether she’s faced personal hardship, a life changing injury, professional obstacles, or moments of uncertainty, she always finds a way to rise above.
Our campaign this year is called ‘Fuelled By Ambition’ where we'll celebrate everyone's ambitions, no matter how big or small they are. What does ambition look like to you?
My ambition looks like being part of a community that thrives off supporting and championing each other. I have been fortunate to be supported and mentored by kind, knowledgeable and inspirational individuals. I one day want to be in position and have the knowledge, to support others.
What would an ambitious future for the meat industry look like?
- Affordable food for all – Innovation to improve costs, ensuring the high-quality protein but accessible for low incomes without exhausting natural resources.
- Farm to Fork Educational programmes – Farming practises to become mandatory within the primary/secondary education sector, allowing the next generation to understand sustainable farming and animal welfare practises.
- Transparent supply chain – Clear view of traceability for customers, including farming practises.
- Empowerment – An industry where gender would no longer be a seen as a disadvantage or a minority. All are treated equally, supporting and encouraging one-another.
Quickfire Questions!
What’s your favourite cuisine?
Pizza, pasta or a good charcuterie board. Anything with cheese and carbs I am happy!
Favourite pastime or hobby?
When I’m not at work you can find me either walking my dog Belle across the Shropshire hills or around the horses Pancake, Wilf and Freddie. If I’m not with the animals I enjoying having friends over for food and a few drinks.
If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
Phil Colins – On My Way. Joyful, light-hearted and a little bit cheesy
Favourite holiday destination?
My favourite place to visit is France, winter or summer holiday. I love the food, the culture and the good weather!
