The prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy has been awarded to Chris Dodds in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the British Meat and Livestock Industry. The presentation was made at the AIMS (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers) Annual Conference held at Butchers Hall, London on Friday 25th April 2025.
2025 Bicentenary Trophy Winner Chris Dodds
AIMS Chairman, John Thorley OBE, read out the citation and duly presented the trophy to a delighted Mr Dodds in front of around 100 industry colleagues. In keeping with tradition, the Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge.
L-R Geoff Burgess RSC Trustee, John Thorley OBE AIMS Chairman, Chris Dodds 2025 Winner, Rachael Wyllie RSC Vice President, Richard Saunders RSC Secretary
Chris Dodds is the Executive Secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association. Having worked for a number of prominent livestock markets in the 1980s and 90s, he joined the Livestock Auctioneers Association during 2002. Mr Dodds has served as President of the European Trade Association for Livestock Markets. He has acted tirelessly on behalf of the industry, ensuring that live sales remained open during Covid-related restrictions. Indeed, he has been involved with a number of ‘crises’ which have affected the livestock sector, such as foot and mouth outbreak and avian influenza.
Butchers Hall, London, home of the Worshipful Company of Butchers
However, this lifetime of service to the farming industry has gone beyond the realm of livestock marts. “Chris has played an active part in a number of key cattle and sheep industry stakeholder groups across trade, supply chain, animal health and welfare, livestock traceability and farm assurance sectors. In terms of the next generation, he has contributed to the development of courses in the field of education and training. He has founded, and chairs, the UK Livestock Brexit Group, calling together 25 trade organisations, along with Defra, levy board and government representatives across the devolved nations,“ read the citation.
Q&A Session at the 2025 AIMS Conference
On being awarded the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, Chris Dodds said: “I am extremely honoured to have been selected to receive this trophy, following in the footsteps of such respected peers across the sector, including of course some sharing this occasion during the presentation. I take great pride in representing the LAA and the wider British meat and livestock industry, and am truly grateful to have my work and efforts recognised in this way. I hope it reflects our commitment at the LAA, and across those members of The Royal Smithfield Club, to support a vibrant and resilient UK livestock sector.”
Mr Dodds had been separately nominated by the Farmers Union of Wales, Head Office, Llys Amaeth, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth; and Robert Venner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Sedgemoor Auction Centre, North Petherton.
In making the announcement, John Thorley said: “It is this outstanding, wide-reaching and lifelong commitment to the British meat and livestock industry that makes Chris a worthy winner of this significant award.”
Grateful thanks are extended to AIMS Chairman, John Thorley and AIMS Head of Policy Norman Bagley for facilitating the presentation to Mr Dodds
NOTES FOR EDITORS
· The Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Award was established in 1998 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798, and is a national award to publicly recognize an individual’s or company’s significant contribution to the overall benefit of the British Meat and Livestock Industry
· Chris Dodds is the 23rd recipient of the annual award which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield. The winner receives the trophy, a solid silver Armada Shield, set with 25 gold guineas all dated 1798 from the reign of George II, each sponsored by individuals or families who had a long history of involvement with the Smithfield Show, including the late Queen Mother who was a huge supporter of the Club