Tell us about your career journey at Turner Price 

I have known John Gould since our school days and in adulthood we’d meet for a catch up every now and again. On one of those catch ups, he offered me a job as Company Secretary, so in 2006 I became Finance Director and joined the board. Over the last five to six years I have worked more broadly in the commercial and operational areas of the business, contributing to the expansion of Turner Price.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different, but tackling any issues that have arisen overnight is always first on the priority list. Reviewing sales and margins is also key, to highlight any changes the team need to implement. Connecting with as many team members as possible is a constant priority – and it’s often the most rewarding part of my role.

The best bit about your job? 

The challenge it brings and the satisfaction of implementing changes that positively impact the business. I’m naturally competitive, so seeing tangible, positive results is rewarding. Plus, we have a fantastic team at Turner Price, and working alongside such great people makes the experience really enjoyable.

What is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now?

Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in technology. While embracing these changes is essential for growth, it’s important to ensure the personal touch and reliable service that we take pride in at Turner Price remains.

How has Turner Price changed in the last 22 years?  

It’s hard to summarise the growth I’ve seen. When I joined there were 50 employees but now we have over 300. These people have helped to expand our product offering, with fresh produce and butchery now integral to our business. We have expanded our warehouse space sixfold, the geography of our delivery is multi-county and we also have a shipping and export division, taking our business global. We’ve invested in our website and online service, meaning over 50% of our turnover is now generated via web. The constant development, people, challenge and growth expansion means there’s never a dull moment, which is why I am still here.

If you could swap roles with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?

A very tricky question! In Turner Price it would have to be a driver or a field sales rep, as they interact with our customers more than anyone and it would be good to get a feel of that end user experience. On a personal level, I’d swap roles with my daughter, who is a paramedic. They do an incredible job that is often under-appreciated and usually it’s under the toughest of circumstances.

Fave meal after a busy day?

Chilli con carne and rice – with all the extras – would top the list.

Tell us about your career journey at Caterfood

I started with South Lincs in 2018 as their night shift manager. I moved over from a competitor so it took me a bit of time to settle and not be seen as an undercover spy!

It’s never easy implementing new ideas and adapting things that have worked previously, but I absolutely loved the South Lincs way, and the people. Simon Davison was brought on board a year into my tenure and he was exactly what we needed – he has such an infectious, positive attitude. He gave me an opportunity to become Warehouse Manager in 2021, where I had a successful two years, working very closely with Damon Ingamells, joining the ops departments together. A trip to the Channel Islands in February 2023 turned out to be the starting point of my new role as National Operational Support Manager.

What’s a typical day like? 

My days are so varied, which is what I need to keep my brain ticking. I am part of the QNetex project team and I’m currently at Caterfood SW collecting data when I can, but while I’m on site I help wherever needed. That may mean jumping on a forklift, getting in a van to deliver, or helping cover a department in operations while a manager is off, but I love it.

The best bit about your job? 

Getting to see the businesses in the group and how they work. I am a bit of a geek and like seeing the setups and finding ways to improve things. I’ve been fortunate to work at four depots in the group so far.

And the most challenging?

The biggest worry is the amount of new people I meet. I am conscious to come across in the right way, especially when there is change implementation in my role.

What skills are important when working in operations? 

Being able to do anything that you ask somebody else to do to a high standard. It is easy to bark orders, however once you have a real understanding of how to do something and are able to show others that it works smoothly – it’s a great tool to have.

Who would you swap roles with for a day? 

Sorry for the boring answer, but I wouldn’t swap. I really like my role within the group. However, if I was able to do another job for a day it would either be working in a zoo, helping to care for the animals, or driving trains. I love trains.

What’s your favourite meal after a busy day? 

Fillet steak (medium rare), chippies, onion rings and peppercorn sauce. Followed by sticky toffee pudding and a pint of Guinness... or several.