New member for BPEX board

A new member has joined the board of the British Pig Executive (BPEX), representing the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Richard Martin is a Regional Director with Grampian, responsible for the Cookstown slaughter plant in Northern Ireland and the Case Bacon processing plant in Somerset. He has been in the industry for last 39 years and has held management positions with the Harris Pork & Bacon Group, DBC Food Services and Hygrade Chilled Foods. Richard joined Grampian in 2001 and is the third generation of his family to be involved in pig processing. He said: "My family has been involved in the industry for three generations, so it is more a way of life than a job. I have always been a great supporter of the British industry and am looking forward to using my experience to help it." Richard, 55, takes over from Neil Hammond who served on BPEX for more than two years. BPEX Chief Executive Mick Sloyan said: "I would also like to welcome Richard and look forward to the positive contribution he can make. "I also would like to pay tribute to the contribution made by Neil Hammond for which we are extremely grateful." Notes to Editors: BPEX operates with maximum autonomy within MLC's statutory responsibilities and consists of 12 people nominated by industry representative organisations. BPEX determines MLC's Pig Strategy and ensures pig levy payers' money is efficiently deployed.