Our Jamie Collins Shortlisted for ‘Young Butcher of the Year’ at Smithfield Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Collins, one of our dedicated young butchers based at our Hexham shop, has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Young Butcher of the Year’ award at the 2025 Smithfield Awards. This year’s event will take place at The Butcher’s Hall in London on February 26th, hosted by the Q Guild — an organisation representing top-tier butchers committed to excellence and innovation in their craft.
The Smithfield Awards celebrate the best in the UK’s butchery industry, providing a platform to recognise individuals who demonstrate outstanding skill and promise. Jamie’s shortlisting is an incredible achievement that highlights not only his talent and dedication but also the values we hold dear at Cranstons — quality, craftsmanship, and a commitment to local sourcing.
Jamie has been with us for several years, and in that time, he has proven himself to be an exceptional butcher. His precise techniques, passion for top-quality produce, and dedication to excellent customer service set him apart. Whether he’s preparing cuts to perfection or offering expert advice to our customers, Jamie consistently goes above and beyond.
Speaking about his nomination, Jamie shared, “Being shortlisted for this award means a great deal to me. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some amazing mentors at Cranstons, and it’s inspiring to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team. This recognition reflects the hard work and support I’ve received throughout my time here, and I’m very grateful for it.”
We are committed to nurturing new talent in butchery through our apprenticeship and training programs, helping young butchers like Jamie develop their skills and build successful careers. Jamie is a fantastic example of how our apprenticeship scheme provides hands-on experience and expert guidance, allowing young talent to thrive in the industry.
Jamie’s father, Nick Collins, who manages our Hexham shop, couldn’t be prouder of his son’s achievement. “To see Jamie getting recognised like this is brilliant,” he said. “He’s worked hard, and it’s great to see him getting the recognition he deserves. Cranstons has always been great at helping young butchers get started, and this nomination is a real reflection of all the effort he’s put in.”
As we look forward to the awards ceremony, we are immensely proud to have Jamie representing Cranstons on such a prestigious stage. We are also celebrating success in the product categories, having won two gold awards for our Caramelised Onion Sausage Roll Garland and Topside & Cheddar Meatballs. These achievements reflect our ongoing dedication to producing top-quality products and developing talent within the butchery industry.
Good luck, Jamie — we’re all rooting for you!