Speciality Bites with
Paul Hargreaves
Chief executive of Cotswold Fayre
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Exclusivity
17 April 2015 Speciality BitesThere has been some talk recently in wholesaler circles about exclusivity. To do it or not! Sometimes wholesalers are portrayed as being dictator-like insisting on control and ultimately world domination. Believe me, it is not quite like that! -
There is no substitute for meeting people
26 March 2015 Speciality BitesAfter a couple of days at IFE, I am off to Dublin tomorrow for their triennial speed-dating event which puts 100s of buyers in meetings with 100s of Irish producers -
The Importance of a Marketing Strategy
18 March 2015 Speciality BitesIt’s show-time, folks. The biennial IFE Show at Excel takes place next weekend onwards for 4 days followed a month later by the Farm Shop & Deli Show, and I am currently in Athens at the second ever Food Expo Greece... -
Soar Like An Eagle
23 February 2015 Speciality BitesLast week I was back in Kenya at the children’s centre (orphanage and school) that Cotswold Fayre supports on a monthly basis and with our charitable events -
Promoting Smaller Brands
05 February 2015 Speciality BitesAt this time of year I often spend time out with my sales team visiting retails, and this year is no exception, and I entered in to a debate yesterday I thought I would share with you -
Business Relationships
16 January 2015 Speciality BitesI recently had the misfortune to have to take an ex-employee to court, which is one of the few occasions in 15 years of running a business that I have had to engage the services of a lawyer. They don’t come... -
Planning for 2015
12 January 2015 Speciality BitesI am currently in San Francisco at the Winter Fancy Food Fair, which is not only giving me an opportunity to see what is new in the American and International food world, but also some time to catch up, reflect... -
Looking forward to 2015
16 December 2014 Speciality BitesIt’s that time to reflect on the year before we finish for Christmas. Ok retailers, I know you are far too busy to do that as your shops are packed with hungry consumers, but for those of us on the... -
Teamwork
24 November 2014 Speciality BitesI listened to part of a fascinating programme on Radio Five Live earlier this week, whilst I was driving home from a late night in the office, on what goes on in the changing room of sports teams -
Interviews, Recruitment and People
03 November 2014 Speciality BitesI have recently been conducting a number of interviews for various new positions at Cotswold Fayre, and with a wealth of good candidates to choose from, it has made me think again about how to choose the best people to recruit