Team Spotlights: Roseanne,Yasmin and Rory Share Their County Milk Journeys
As part of our re-brand, we want to share more about the team behind the County Milk story and ongoing success! To kick off, we caught up with three members of the County Milk family who between them have over 20 years tenure with the business. Read on to hear Roseanne, Yasmin and Rory’s journeys, what they love most about their roles and what life at County Milk looks like day to day.
Roseanne Byrne: Senior Trading Managing
How long have you been part of the County Milk team and what first attracted you to join?
It’s been a little over nine years now. I studied French and Spanish at university and when I graduated, I didn’t want to lose those speaking skills, so I began to look for roles that incorporated them. County Milk’s international reach within the dairy and wider food and feed industry seemed like a perfect fit.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at County Milk and what does a typical day look like for you?
Part of working in a family-owned company means no two days will necessarily look the same, as there’s lots of collaboration across departments. In my trading capacity, I’ll begin by catching up on calls and emails, particularly as our European and international friends start their working days earlier than us. I’ll check for notable shifts in sentiment, which will then influence my buying and selling activity for the day. The account management side of my role requires lots of back and forth between myself and logistics to discuss contracts and any related issues, which like to crop up on occasion when you’re moving food!
What do you enjoy most about working at County Milk?
For me there’s a combination of things. I’m lucky to have some great friendships at County and some of us joke we’re a dysfunctional family because it can be tough, supplying perishable goods isn’t stress-free, but at the end of the day we’ll always find time for a laugh and a drink to celebrate the hard work we put in. Shout-out to our party planner extraordinaire, Gemma, for ensuring we get to play hard! The highlight for me though is where my job takes me, the people that I speak to from different countries, the cultures I get to experience on my travels. I’d never appreciated how globally connected the dairy and food industry can be before I joined, but it’s a definite perk of the job.
What are you most excited about for the future of County Milk?
I’m excited to see how we’ll change over the years, both as a business in terms of the services we provide, but also as a workforce. We’ve just had a brand overhaul for our 30th anniversary and it’s a fresh look that feels like it fits the people behind the logo. When I first joined, we were smaller in number and I was amongst the youngest here, so it’s nice to see how we’ve diversified, not just as staff, but as a business too when you look at our first office to our various sites now. I’m sure in another nine years there’ll be even more exciting milestones to look back on.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Social media suggests I’m in the midst of what you might call an early thirties crisis as I’ve taken up running. Parkruns, half marathons, anything that means I can reward myself with a good brunch or a trip to the pub with my friends!
Yasmin: Head of London Operations
How long have you been part of the County Milk team and what first attracted you to join?
I’ve been part of the County Milk team for almost 11 years. What initially attracted me was the fast-paced, ever-changing environment and the opportunity to be part of a company where no two days are the same. The energy, drive and entrepreneurial spirit within County Milk really stood out, it’s a place where you can make things happen.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at County Milk and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m responsible for sales and purchasing of dairy products from liquids to ingredients across Europe. As Head of London Operations, my role involves leading a high-performing team where collaboration, commercial acumen, quick decision-making and adaptability are essential. A “typical” day doesn’t really exist as the market moves so quickly and we need to be on top of every opportunity, every deal and every client relationship. Whether it’s supporting suppliers, resolving logistical challenges or negotiating contracts, we stay hands-on and proactive.
What do you enjoy most about working at County Milk?
What I enjoy most is the family spirit that runs through the company. Despite our size and reach, there’s a real sense of community and trust, everyone works towards the same goal. County Milk gives us the freedom to grow, take ownership and develop professionally, while the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the business keeps every day exciting. I’m proud to say that within the London team, we’ve built our own little family, supportive, driven and always ready to go the extra mile.
What are you most excited about for the future of County Milk?
I’m genuinely excited about the growth opportunities ahead both within Europe and in new international markets. County Milk has enormous potential to expand its footprint across the dairy industry. With our diverse and multilingual team, we quickly overcome cultural and communication barriers, opening doors to new partnerships and markets. With our experience, network and passion, I believe we’re in a great position to shape the future of dairy trading.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love travelling and discovering new places. I’m a real foodie and enjoy experiencing different cultures through their cuisine. I also enjoy running which keeps me energised and focused and I have a real love for good coffee, it’s my daily fuel!
Rory Fagan: Sales Manager, Feed Division
How long have you been part of the County Milk team and what first attracted you to join?
I joined the team in 2020. The close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere and the company’s extensive knowledge in food and feed production initially attracted me to join.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at County Milk and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the Sales Manager for feed blends and calf milk replacer production. My primary role is to sell calf milk replacer to an expanding network of feed merchants across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, I formulate all feed blends and manage the procurement of ingredients for our feed production site in Widnes.
What do you enjoy most about working at County Milk?
I enjoy the dynamic nature of my role, where each day brings unique challenges and opportunities to drive continuous product improvement. I truly value receiving positive feedback from customers each day, it’s the highlight of my job.
What are you most excited about for the future of County Milk?
I’m excited about the opportunity to expand our feed sales beyond Europe, where there’s significant untapped potential across the world.
What’s one fact about working in the dairy industry that people might not expect?
One aspect of the feed industry is the meticulous attention to detail required in manufacturing high-quality feed, coupled with the fast-paced nature of the sector, something many outside the industry might not expect.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy a frustrating round of golf, playing squash and catching up with friends over a drink at the pub.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about our team. We are very proud of our people and quite simply, they are at the heart of everything we do. They’re also the reason our partners trust us year after year. If you curious to learn more – read about our heritage and journey here. Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue catching up with the people behind County Milk Products