New Year, New Resolutions

Trimming the fat and working towards a leaner physique isn’t just for the dieters – it’s at this time of year that ideas of refreshing stock, site and staff are rife.

We’ve spoken to two bastions of the speciality food industry to find out about their resolutions for the coming year, both professional and personal, and for a taste of exciting times to come.

Edward Berry, Ludlow Food Centre
Our primary business objectives for 2016 are to continue building on the incredible successes that we achieved over the course of the past year. Winning the Golden Fork ‘Shop of Year’ Award in September was a real personal highlight not just of 2015 but of the four years that I’ve spent at Ludlow Food Centre.
There are a number of sizeable changes planned. For starters, my replacement will be taking over the reins. I’m confident that my successor will do a great job overseeing the plans for the New Year, as well as introducing their own changes, I’m sure.

As always, at this time of year, each department is busy considering new product developments; their innovative streak always keeps our trophy cabinet topped up. As a resolution for everyone in the business, I think this is something we should celebrate more. There is a wonderful team spirit at Ludlow Food Centre and by sharing each other’s successes this convivial atmosphere can only be improved – it’s something that customers respond to as well. Happy staff, happy customers – what more could you want?

For our newly recruited apprentices, it will be their first full year at the Food Centre. They are already off to a flying start. Their enthusiasm for the food and drink sector is fantastic – and on a personal level it is very rewarding to have played a part in developing the next generation of artisan makers. To see them become more accomplished in their new roles is very gratifying so I look forward to seeing them all progress.
We’ll also continue to showcase seasonal produce, our handmade products made on-site and the food and drink from our fabulous local suppliers – our calendar of tastings is already looking very full!

Certain areas of the business will be expanding, such as our retail presence in Ludlow town centre. It’s a key focus for 2016 to really spread the word about what makes the Food Centre so different and to encourage new customers to come a see the quality of what we have to offer. 

Duncan Hider, Hider Foods
2015 has been a busy year for Hider Foods and the fine food family, as well as my own family growing at home. The 25% growth in order volumes has brought with it some challenges. A very busy year in terms of orders and cases handled, but we don’t necessarily feel it has been up to our normal standards (we have high expectations!). At home, with two toddlers, I’ve certainly been receiving my orders from them too, with a 25% increase in party invitations, and trips to the park bringing their own different challenges!

If I could summarise my resolutions for 2016, they would be reflection and health. With improved reflection I think we can all be more productive in the right areas of our days. I’m certainly guilty of not prioritising this, often filling my day (or having it filled!) from sunset to sunrise with either family or work-related activities. I love my work and I love my family, so I don’t intend spending less time on either of my passions, but I do intend spending the time more productively through ongoing reflection.

2016 will be the year I reflect on what we are doing and how well we are doing, and, more importantly, what we could improve on. In terms of health, ultimately I would love to keep kicking a football around or having a game of tennis with them for many years to come, I’ve recently celebrated reaching the age of 40 (the same year as the company reached 50 years) so I need to prioritise my own health and fitness regime for 2016 to make this happen! Cycling and tennis are my two main routes to fitness, I’m not designed for a gym and I much prefer the great outdoors, whether that’s walking in the North Yorkshire Moors or cycling across the impressive Humber bridge. We are fortunate to be in a part of the country close to such amazing coastline, national parks and cycle tracks along the river Humber.

On reflection I can combine all my thoughts for 2016: here’s to a reflective bike ride, towing the toddlers in their buggy over the Humber bridge cycle path, while thinking through how we can create an even better experience for our valued customers.