LaunchPad Programme wins Collaboration & Partnership Award
Meat Business Women’s LaunchPad Programme has been named winner of the Collaboration & Partnership Award at the Food Manufacture Food Excellence Awards.
LaunchPad was developed in response to two clear insights: Kepak’s own focus groups with women on the factory floor, which highlighted low confidence, gender bias in certain roles and a lack of visible role models; and Meat Business Women’s global gender research, which identified a ‘broken rung’ at first-line management level, where women’s progression stalls early in their careers.
Delivered over four months across two Kepak sites, the programme combined practical workshops, internal role-model speakers, mentoring and access to the wider Meat Business Women network. It was designed not just as training, but as a clear and visible route for women to take their next step into leadership.
Feedback from participants showed a significant shift in confidence and self-belief, with many reporting a move from seeing their role as “just a job” to recognising a longer-term career path within the business:
- 94% were more aware of their strengths
- 82% reported increased confidence to pursue professional ambitions and take the next step in their career with Kepak
- 85% felt better equipped to build support systems (through networking and mentorship) and intend to continue doing so
- 100% would recommend the programme to a colleague
- As one participant said: “My mindset has completely changed from self-doubt to confidence since completing the pilot programme.”
Laura Ryan, Global Chair of Meat Business Women, said:
“This award recognises a partnership built on a combination of listening and data. Our global research shows a clear ‘broken rung’ at first-line management, while Kepak’s focus groups highlighted the confidence and visibility barriers women face in operational roles. LaunchPad was designed to tackle both. Seeing women move from self-doubt to confidence and leadership ambition is exactly why this work matters and we’re so proud it has got this level of industry recognition.”
Kepak added:
The programme has strengthened our internal talent pipeline, increased engagement and retention among skilled colleagues, and fostered a more inclusive workplace culture. Several participants have since taken on new responsibilities or advanced into leadership roles, demonstrating the programme’s real impact.
The award recognises not only the programme’s impact, but the strength of the collaboration behind it. Meat Business Women is now rolling LaunchPad out to more partner organisations.
