Northern vegan food company Meatless Farm has entered administration and made its staff redundant, citing a lack of demand for meat-free products.
The Leeds-based company, first established in 2016 by Danish entrepreneur Morten Toft Bech, has become a fixture in major supermarkets over the years – establishing itself in the US, China, and several European countries, and at its peak selling over £11m worth of its plant-based ‘meat’ alternatives.
It had become well known for its meat alternatives with mince, chicken breasts, sausage and burgers once a popular choice, but now after a ‘difficult period’ the company has ceased trading, reports The Hoot.
Image: Meatless Farm
Image: Meatless Farm
On Friday 9 June 2023, Meatless Farm’s 50-strong workforce were made redundant and yesterday 13 June, the company entered administration.
Commercial director Tim Offer announced on his LinkedIn profile: “Sadly, my time at Meatless Farm has come to an end… the business has unfortunately made all the teams redundant.
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“I learnt a huge amount in a short space of time and have absolutely loved the people and the brand.”
Image: Meatless Farm
Image: Meatless Farm
Interim finance executive John Loughrey added: “Sadly things have not worked out for Meatless Farm so I am now looking for my next assignment, as will numerous other colleagues.
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“I have had a great time in a fantastic company, and have had the honour and pleasure of working with some amazing people. It is a shame the company has not made it through this difficult period and I wish all my former colleagues the best of luck for the future.”
Last month the company hired restructuring specialists Kroll in hopes of finding a buyer for the business.
Kroll announced yesterday that Geoff Bouchier and Benjamin Wiles have been appointed joint administrators to oversee the financial management of the business.
It comes amidst a slump in the overall demand for meat-free products.
Sausage producer Heck, also based in Yorkshire, recently reduced its vegan range citing a similar lack of customer demand for meat-free products.
While some parts of the vegan food industry continue to perform well, such as plant-based milks, cheese and yoghurt, analysis suggests that demand for plant-based ‘meats’ has slowed down.
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Daryll Umali, Managing Director at vegan food company Moving Mountains, said: “With one less brand advocating the environmental agenda, the news of Meatless Farms administration is a sad loss for the plantbased movement, and our thoughts are with all those who lost their jobs.
“However, we can confidently say this loss is not a reflection of the plantbased industry’s trajectory – the chopping and changing is part of the maturing process that comes with an evolving new industry.
“This is an exciting and fast-paced race to develop new and delicious products with advanced technologies and genuine IP. Some brands may unfortunately fall short through unsustainable business models, channeling disproportionate funds to brand building, and without a quality product to match the result is unprofitability – this is something our organically grown business isn’t subject to.
“In 2022, YouGov reported one in four consumers are reducing their meat intake. You only have to ask a group of millennials their coffee order (the answers an oat flat white) to hear the demand. And, the buoyancy and growth of Moving Mountains is testament to that unrelenting demand for plantbased options”
Featured image – Meatless Farm
Business
More than 300 new roles available at Manchester Airport jobs fair this November
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The Manchester Airport jobs fair is back this November meaning hundreds of jobseekers are in with a chance to land their dream job.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) are set to host the event, facilitating networking and connection amongst jobseekers and employers, whilst showcasing the wide variety of exciting roles across the aviation sector, available withinManchester Airport.
Jobseekers will be able to gain information on the current vacancies in sectors such as airport security, ground handling, passenger assistance, and terminal operations.
Along with other positions like hospitality, retail, catering, construction, recruitment, logistics, and aviation support services, there’s bound to be something to match your skill set and interests.
There will be plenty of employers to talk to including some pretty big names such as Accessorize, Bethell Construction Limited, DHL, JD Wetherspoon, Lagardère Travel Retail, MAN Fire Service, Pret A Manger, and Swissport.
The Airport Academy, in partnership with Manchester Airport and Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), will also be at the fair sharing information on its free pre-employment support programmes. These include fully accredited training schemes, perfect for anyone seeking some support before applying for airport roles.
More than 300 new roles available Manchester Airport jobs fair this November. Credit: The Manc Group
Tina Edwards, People Director at Manchester Airport shared: “As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re proud to work alongside our partners to create opportunities for local people – and the aviation industry is a particularly exciting one to work in.
“This jobs fair is a fantastic chance for jobseekers to meet employers face-to-face, learn more about the wide variety of roles available at the airport and take the next step in developing their careers. With around 300 vacancies at the moment, there are opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and experience.
“We want Manchester Airport to be one of the best places in the world to travel from, and if you’ve got the passion and drive to help us make that happen, we’d love to see you at this event.”
Not to mention MAG offers a wide range of benefits to its employees, including discounts on public transport, free on-site car parking whilst working and when going on holiday (what a dream!), as well as an excellent pension scheme, training programmes, retail discounts and many more.
Simply book your free tickets, bring along copies of your CV and enjoy talking with a range of recruiting employers about the opportunities they have available to suit you.
This event will be held between 10am – 2pm, at The Forum in Wythenshawe, on Wednesday 4 November.
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Greater Manchester.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit more than 300 new colleagues to support its store teams across Greater Manchester this festive season.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Greater Manchester – including Altrincham, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, Manchester Market Street, Prestwich, Sale, Stockport, Stretford, Trafford Centre, and Walkden.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available / Credit: M&S Manchester | Supplied
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Georgina Pellant -
14th June 2023 
