Pictured above: The panel and organisers
Four leading companies from the food manufacturing sector
entertained a packed industry audience at Sunley Management Centre,
Park Campus, recently at the second of a new series of business
events being run in partnership between The University of
Northampton and the Institute of Directors.
'Taking the Lid Off Northamptonshire's Food and Drink
Manufacturers' welcomed Bokomo Foods, Farrington Oils, British
Pepper & Spice and the Chilled Food Association as its panel
speakers, providing a valuable insight about their companies' highs
and lows, starting up, the recession and what makes a business a
success.
Alk Brand, Managing Director of Wellingborough's Bokomo Foods, a
leading manufacturer of retail own brand cereal products, told of
how he was sent by his South African bosses to start up Bokomo in
2004, with no staff, no real business plan, no customers and no
money. Listing some of his 'rules of survival', he said: "Rule 1:
The customer is always right. If the customer is ever wrong,
re-read Rule 1!"
Duncan Farrington, Managing Director of Farrington Oils in
Hargrave, told how he built his family business from its farming
roots to being the UK's first 'seed to bottle' producer of rapeseed
oil, with products available in many major retail chains. Speaking
of the challenges facing growing businesses, he offered the
following advice: "Don't underestimate the time it will take and
recognise that you may need different skills"…"Look at grant
opportunities, expect problems but don't panic."
Chief Executive of British Pepper & Spice Ian James gave a
fascinating insight to the highs and lows of his £30m
business, the largest dry curry supplier in the UK, including the
complete burning down of his Brackmills factory in 1989 and a
management buy-out in 1997. Recognising the trademark aroma that
his business generates in the area, he readily admitted that he is
frequently met with "What's that smell?" Speaking of his company's
critical success factors, he commented that "an unremitting focus
on technical expertise to deliver quality, value and consistency to
our customer base" was a key driver.
Secretary General of the Chilled Food Association Kaarin
Goodburn MBE outlined the characteristics of the chilled food
sector and highlighted a current skills shortage as a key
challenge. She also went on to criticise the Government's star
rating for food establishments.
John Jones of The University of Northampton's Knowledge
Exchange, which organised the event in partnership with the
Institute of Directors, commented:
"The University of Northampton is delighted to be working with
the IoD on this series of events. The University has a commitment
to supporting the business sector through knowledge transfer and
this event was another example of higher education and commerce
getting together at Sunley Management Centre to compare
notes.''
Paul Southworth, Chairman, Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd, who
chaired the panel debate, added:
"I was very impressed with the turnout and the quality of the
attendees; all presentations were first class and the speakers
handled the Q&A session very well. An extremely well organised
event with good feedback from the attendees."
The evening offered an opportunity for delegates to discuss
topical issues with manufacturers directly, both in questions to
panellists and on a more informal basis whilst networking.