What does your current job involve?

Working with our own brand developing its sales and market share within the UK and helping other companies solve their business problems.

What skills do you need for your job?

Sales, marketing and organisational skills.

How did you get to where you are now?

I left school with A levels, worked as a commercial trainee for British Leyland for a year; they then sponsored me to university where I got a degree from Manchester Uni in Economics and Social studies. I then joined Mars (confectionery) as a salesman and spent a fast track 3 years in their salesforce.  After that, I  joined a newly formed food brokerage business as a National Account Manager and stayed with the business for 6 years progressing to Commercial Director. I then moved to join AGB as Managing Director of their FMCG division providing market data and consumer insights to the whole food industry.

When AGB  was sold I left and joined Dairy Crest as Sales Director of their Fresh Division, I then moved on to Whitworths for 2 years ( I was headhunted by an ex Dairy Crest MD) then onto Tulip Foods as MD of a £150m business. After 3 years there I then moved to Lingarden a horticultural business as Chief Executive.  My role was to sort it out and then sell it, which I did 18 months later. I then became Chief Executive of a very large farmer co-operative called Centaur Grain managing and marketing the arable crops of over 1500 farmer members.

As recession struck, I merged the Centaur Grain with its largest competitor and went away to set up my own business with 2 other colleagues. In 2010-11 we launched a new male toiletries brand called Rock Face. The brand is still in the UK and EU markets and is growing nicely.

I also work as an interim business director using my experience to help other companies develop their businesses.

What’s good about working in the food, drink and retail industry?

The UK food and drink industry is a great place to work because:

• It moves very fast and you need to be on your game to succeed.
• You learn a huge amount about the way consumers buy things and about what makes for a successful new product.
• You meet great likeminded people and have fun.
• The sky is the limit there are no barriers to success, if you’re good enough you’ll progress quickly.

What do you think employers are looking for in college leavers or graduates? 

• Being on time
• A good work ethic
• Effort
• Positive body language
• Energy
• Good attitude
• Passion
• Being coachable
• Doing Extra
• Being prepared

What do you wish you’d known about career-wise when you were 16?

How to give and take communication in a way that is understood properly.

What is the best piece of careers advice you’ve ever been given?

Never, never, never give up!