A pair of award-winning butchers who are set to battle it out in another national competition later this year say they hope to inspire other women in their male-dominated industry.

Mia Tamburrini, 22, and Elsie Yardley, 29, will take part in the Battle of the Butchers 2024 competition where nine teams will battle it out to be named the best. 

Ms Tamburrini started in the industry after deciding to leave sixth form and become an apprentice and now runs freelance butchery business Raise The Steaks from a unit in Sudbury.

She has won several awards for her craft including Best Meat Apprentice Showing Management Potential 2022, and Champion Meat Apprentice 2022.

Mia Tamburrini who will be taking part in the competition in JulyMia Tamburrini who will be taking part in the competition in July (Image: Mia Tamburrini)

Meanwhile, Ms Yardley entered the trade aged 15 with a Saturday job at Meat Inn in Braintree, later enrolling at Ipswich College and completing an apprenticeship.

She now works at Great Garnetts Farm in Barnston, Dunmow, and previously won Retail Butcher of the Year. In 2022, she made the final six in the World Butchers Challenge in Sacramento. 

Ms Tamburrini said: "I am very excited to be taking part in the competition, and really look forward to doing it along side Elsie. I feel we will make a good partnership, and have had a lot of ideas for the competition already.

Mia Tamburrini runs freelance butchery business Raise The Steaks from a unit in SudburyMia Tamburrini runs freelance butchery business Raise The Steaks from a unit in Sudbury (Image: Mia Tamburrini)

"I feel there are a lot of younger people getting involved in the trade, and there are quite a few women coming forward, which is really great.

"They seem to be finding their space in butchery, and are given the same opportunities as men which is a really great step to making the trade more diverse." 

For Ms Yardley, the competition is about promoting the industry and she is looking forward to both showcasing her skills and learning new ones.

Elsie Yardley, who will compete with Mia Tamburrini at the contestElsie Yardley, who will compete with Mia Tamburrini at the contest (Image: Elsie Yardley)

"It is massively important that all women are represented," she said.

"Butchery is constantly evolving and it isn't 'butch' anymore. It has finesse and a feminine side too. 

"It is great to be in a team of two women who can show anything is possible and I want other women to feel this way too in our industry.

She added: "You never stop developing and improving and competitions like this always leave you feeling confident, but also ready for more." 

The Battle of the Butchers 2024 competition will take place from July 9 to 12 at the Great Yorkshire Show.