My Placement Year at St. Ewe Free Range Eggs

Taking the Leap

As a final-year Food Business Management student at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (Loughry Campus) in Northern Ireland, I always knew I wanted my placement year to challenge me. I’d grown up on our family farm and loved it, but deep down I knew that stepping outside my comfort zone would help me grow both personally and professionally.

That opportunity came through St. Ewe Free Range Eggs - a company our family had recently begun supplying. From the very first meeting with Bex Tonks (Founder & CEO) and Martin Glinski (Managing Director), their passion, kindness, and genuine care for their producers stood out. I remember thinking, that’s the kind of business I want to be part of.

So, when the time came to choose a placement, I took a leap. I emailed Martin, who connected me with the People Team, and before I knew it, I was packing my bags for Cornwall to begin what would become one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Life at St. Ewe

No two days are the same at St. Ewe. My rotational placement meant I got to experience several departments - from foodservice and retail, to technical, marketing and admin.

I started out in Sales visiting restaurants across Cornwall, chatting with chefs about our Rich Yolk eggs, before moving on to Tesco store visits across the country. Later, I joined the sales team, helping manage stock and coordinating sales with customers. I loved the pace, the problem-solving, and the collaboration that came with it.

Beyond the day-to-day, I got to experience some unforgettable moments - representing British farmers at Selfridges and Marks & Spencer HQ, supporting schoolchildren on the Farm to Fork Trail, and even joining in the celebrations when St. Ewe achieved B Corp certification in March 2025. From team barbecues to popcorn vans, the sense of community there is something special.

Highlights & Lessons Learned

One of my proudest moments was visiting Marks & Spencer HQ with Sales Director, Neil McLaren-Dobbie. Speaking about the journey of the egg, from farm to fork, and the importance of fair pricing felt truly meaningful - it reminded me how deeply connected we all are in the food supply chain.

But my biggest takeaway? You don’t have to have everything figured out to make an impact. Growth happens when you dive in, ask questions, and learn along the way. The St. Ewe team live their values - bold, transparent, and people-first - and have continued to cultivate a culture which made me feel empowered to do the same.

This year has transformed my confidence, my communication skills, and my understanding of the food industry. I’ve discovered how dynamic and people-driven it is - full of innovation, collaboration, and purpose.

Final Reflections

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering a placement at St. Ewe, it’s this: say yes to everything. The magic happens outside your comfort zone, and St. Ewe is the perfect place to find your feet, your confidence, and your purpose.

Three words to describe my year? Eggciting. Inspiring. Transformative.

Rebecca Kirkland

Interested in careers at St. Ewe?

We’re always on the lookout for passionate people who care about British farming, food, and making a positive impact. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, there are plenty of ways to grow with us.

Visit our Careers page to learn more about life at St. Ewe and future opportunities.