Shrewsbury, England, United Kingdom
I build and fix businesses. Over 20 years I have led multi-site operations, turned around underperforming divisions, integrated merged entities and built commercial functions from the ground up - across foodservice, wholesale, field marketing and FMCG. My track record spans listed, PE-backed and family-owned businesses, from 80m to 300m GBP turnover, typically in environments where the need for change is urgent and the margin for error is slim. At WestCountry Foodservice I inherited a post-merger business that had never been integrated. Within 18 months we had a functioning ERP, a live e-commerce platform with 40% of sales migrated, an AI-assisted order capture system that replaced headcount and drove operational efficiency, a consolidated 80,000 sq ft warehouse on a greenfield site, and 1.1m GBP in recurring annual savings from depot rationalisation. The business went from two separate organisations to a coherent, scalable division with its own identity. At A.F. Blakemore I ran a B2B division that grew from 45m to 194m GBP, divested a 200m GBP cash and carry operation, and built a digital sales function that generated 7m GBP in its first year. For eight years I held full P&L accountability for a business that sat inside a 1.3bn GBP group. I am commercially led and operationally grounded. I know how to set strategy and I know how to execute it. I use data and technology to remove friction, reduce cost and free people up to do the work that actually creates value.
Delivered a step-change transformation programme across the business, compressing years of strategic change into a narrow execution window. Led the merger and integration of legacy businesses, aligning people, processes and operations into a single, scalable model. Drove major technology and operational transformation, including successful ERP implementation, launch of a new e-commerce platform, and deployment of AI-enabled voice capture and voice-picking solutions to improve accuracy and productivity. Redesigned and optimised the distribution network, delivering a new 80,000 sq ft distribution centre, closing legacy nodes, and implementing routing and ranging optimisation to improve service levels and efficiency. Built and onboarded strategic partnerships with local producers, strengthening supply resilience and supporting the regional proposition. I loved my time at Westcountry and Kitwave — a fast-paced, high-trust environment where meaningful change was delivered at speed and with lasting impact.
Wholesale industry representative on the government / industry initiative to improve the efficiency of working relationships between government and industry in the food industry. Chaired by the Secretary of State, my role was to find and voice workable solutions for our industry in forthcoming policy and legislation.
Transformed profit delivery of scale division through cost and P&L focus, customer lifecycle managment, negotiation and customer management. Lead business unit through covid response and business transformation by closing out range, influencing and cycling customers, redefining operating proposition and commercial agreements creating a simpler and more efficient business.
Scaled up under-performing, loss making distribution business 5x to become the lead distribution partner in travel and quick commerce channels, delivering brilliant service, solutions and innovation to partners. Developed performance based mindset and culture, strategic customer acquisition plans and first class customer relationships.
Wholesaler council member of the UK trade body representing the Wholesale and Food Distribution industry. Highly active in industry wins including industry concessions through C-19 response, flexiblity on driver hours etc by engaging directly with Ministers, MP's and senior civil servants.