Women Who Work In Rural

In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Christine Tacon CBE, one of the most influential voices in British food and farming.

Christine has built an extraordinary career spanning engineering, marketing, agriculture, food and regulation. From roles with organisations including Mars, Vodafone and Anchor, to leading the Co-operative Group’s farming business for more than a decade and serving as the UK’s Groceries Code Adjudicator, her career has been defined by leadership, innovation and a commitment to creating positive change across the industry.

Christine is also the founder of Women in Food and Farming, championing opportunities and supporting the next generation of women across the sector. Her impressive portfolio of roles has included Chair of Assured Food Standards, Chair of the BBC Rural Affairs Committee and, most recently, Member Nominated Director of the Co-op Group.

Awarded a CBE for services to agriculture, Christine brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the future of food, farming and leadership.

In this fascinating conversation, we explore Christine’s remarkable career, her experiences at the heart of the food and farming industry, the importance of supporting women into leadership, and what the future holds for the sector.

Women in Food and Farming here - https://www.womeninfoodandfarming.org/

MDS - Mothers returning to work - https://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/careers/reignite-women-returning-to-work/

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Chloe Gimson, a woman with a foot firmly in both the farming and food worlds.

Chloe is a committee member of Ladies in Pigs, works within the Food & Farming team at Savills, and runs her own catering business, Field to Fork Feasts. With such a diverse career, Chloe offers a unique perspective on the journey from farm to plate and the people, businesses and stories behind the food we eat.

We chat about her journey into the food and farming industry, her work championing British pork and supporting women in agriculture, life working as a food and farming consultant, and the inspiration behind Field to Fork Feasts.

Expect plenty of insight, passion and honest conversation about farming, food, entrepreneurship and the importance of knowing where our food comes from.

🎙️ Listen in to hear Chloe’s story – from field to fork and everything in between.

Women Who Work in Rural: Alice Welch – Derwent Buyers Group

In this episode of Women Who Work in Rural, we’re joined by Alice Welch from Derwent Buyers Group to hear about her journey and experience working within the rural sector.

Alice shares an insight into her role with Derwent Buyers Group, the importance of supporting farmers and rural businesses, and what she enjoys about working in such a diverse and evolving industry.

We talk about life in the rural sector, the opportunities and challenges facing those working within it, and Alice’s own experiences as a woman building her career in the countryside.

A great conversation celebrating the people behind rural businesses and the women helping to shape the future of the industry.

This month we are joined by co-founder of Women Who Work in Rural Iona Campbell. Iona is Senior Events & Partnerships Manager at the GWCT and grew up on a family farm in Scotland. She has been integral in promoting women within the rural sector and last year was nominated by the SLE for a Rising Star award.

Please note this was recorded pre the name change, apologies for any confusion.

This month we spoke with Nic MacLeod, Policy & Public Affairs Advisor from Scottish Land & Estates. 

Nic tells us of her different experiences within the rural sector and the lessons she has learnt along the way. We of course chat about her herd of Highland Cows and how she manages to run a small holding while working full time. 

In this month's episode we spoke with taxidermist Hollie Bird. 

Hollie lives in the Highlands and shares her stories and insights into what it's like being a female taxidermist in a small industry. 

She shares her advice on how to become a taxidermist but doesn't tell us the secret to her formula!

In this episode, we’re joined by April Coate, co-owner of Coate PR, a Cotswolds-based agency rooted in the heart of the countryside. Specialising in equestrian brands, rural businesses, and countryside events, April shares what it takes to build authentic, high-impact PR in a niche that values heritage as much as innovation. From storytelling that resonates to the realities of running an agency in a rural setting, this conversation is full of insight for brands looking to stand out with purpose and credibility.

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Holmes from AGM Venison, whose career journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From serving on a tour in Afghanistan to working as a veterinary professional, Laura has built a path defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection to animal welfare and the land.

Now working with Game Larder by Tarrant Refrigeration and running AGM Venison, she brings a unique perspective to the world of game meat—combining practical experience, technical knowledge, and a real passion for sustainable food.

We talk about her transition between careers, what she’s learned along the way, and her insights into the venison industry today. It’s an honest and engaging conversation about finding your direction, embracing change, and building something meaningful.

In this month's podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tamara Warhusrt from Farmette Media. We spoke with Tamara about her Farmette journey, starting her own business, rural media challenges, and women's visibility in fieldsports.

In this episode we spoke with the Director of the Heather Trust Katrina Candy and Chloe Thornton, Marketing, Events & Digital Manager.

We spoke about the important work of moorland management and all about the careers and experiences on Katrina and Chloe. 

Originally established in the 1980s to reconcile grouse and sheep farming interests on moorland, The Heather Trust has since broadened its goals to ensure every moorland is managed sustainably, effectively and sensitively. In recognising and understanding the many economic, social and environmental interests, we strive for moorlands to be managed for everyone’s wellbeing.