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TASTEMAKERS

Learn more about the people behind the scenes at the Caterfood Buying Group

GEORGE BAXTER

National Operational Support Manager, CFBG

From finding ways to make things work more efficiently to jumping on forklifts when needed, self-proclaimed geek George Baxter tells us about how, in operations, no two days are ever the same – and that’s exactly how he likes it 

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    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.  

DAWN RAWLINSON

Sales & Customer Service, Nicol Hughes

A customer service extraordinaire who’s been working the phones for almost 19 years, Dawn Rawlinson talks to us about funny customer moments and her secret to a long and happy career (spoiler: great bosses)

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    Tell us about your role 

    I have been with Nicol Hughes since January 2006. Day to day I make outbound telesales calls to regular customers and take inbound calls for things like customer orders, enquiries and complaints, and sort uplifts or credits for customers when wrong products are ordered or sent. 


    I also set up new accounts and convert prospect accounts. I import price quotations from the field representatives (checking margins and upping them if necessary), sort out product recalls or quarantine and track drivers and deal with their queries, amongst other things. 


    18 years at one company is impressive. What has kept you in your job for so long?

    My work colleagues, the customers (some of which I have been speaking to since I started) and my bosses are great.


    What’s the best bit about your job at Nicol Hughes? 

    Every day is different – from the conversations I have with the customers, to the laughs I have with my colleagues. I talk to my colleagues like they are friends and most days I probably tell them things I shouldn’t!


    What’s the strangest customer query you’ve 

    ever had on the phones?

    I can’t think of that many strange customer queries, but we do get members of the public randomly ringing and asking if they can buy certain products from us because they have been to a restaurant or café and have tasted the best thing since sliced bread.


    Any funny stories from your time at Nicol Hughes? 

    There are many, but one that stands out is the time a former colleague was doing her usual telesales calls when she heard a strange noise – it turned out the customer had fallen asleep while on the phone and he was snoring his head off! We were never sure if it was because my colleague was boring him or he was just genuinely really exhausted.


    How has the company changed since you joined? 

    Things haven’t changed much since I started, apart from holding more varied stock lines. Also, now we’re part of the Caterfood brand we have better relationships with different suppliers and the customers have better choice and stock offerings.


    How do you keep your energy up during a busy day?

    Drinking plenty of water and talking all day! I have always said the busier you are the more energetic you are.


    Who would you swap roles with for a day? 

    If I had to pick I would like to be a delivery driver to see all my customers face to face. Mind you, I don’t think I would get much done as I would be talking too much.


    What’s your favourite meal after a busy day? 

    A simple pork chop with homemade chips and my best cauliflower cheese.
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