Can you tell us about your career path at South Lincs?

Joining South Lincs 11 years ago was a no-brainer: I enjoy looking after a team and everyone told me that South Lincs has a proper family feel, which really suits my management style. I believe that treating people how I want to be treated always gives the best results. Once I had settled in my role as a supervisor, I was given the stock control operation to oversee. I really enjoy this part of my role as it’s where we have made the biggest difference over the years.

How has South Lincs evolved since you began?

Over the years, the growth of Caterfood Buying Group has made everything more professional – we have improved processes and better support and training. Yet, somehow, it still has that family-run feel. The next big step for our warehouse is a new operating system coming in before the end of the year. It’ll be the biggest game changer for how things work in all the time I’ve been here. 

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I am really proud of the improvements we have made to stock control – we’ve gone from an almost non-existent stock control

to a well-organised system. I also introduced our ‘ownership of area’, which gives each team member total control of a section, where they can make changes and try new things. I am a great believer that we have to trust our teams to do what’s best for our customers. This has worked really well and the difference shows when walking around our warehouse. On a more fun note, I enjoy gathering my team for a barbecue and pizza party at my house every year. It’s my way of saying thank you for everything.

What’s your dream meal after a tough day?

It’s got to be a big, fat, dirty burger with all the extras – including Lotus Biscoff sauce and crumbs – with chunky chips. Or desserts, lots and lots of desserts. Anything that’s no good for me, but tastes amazing!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different and I’m lucky to have a very experienced team where everyone knows their role inside out. I might spend the day in the warehouse working alongside the team, taking deliveries, replenishing, stock taking and doing warehouse admin. At other times, I’m focusing on planning, wages, staff reviews, team briefs and anything else that’s thrown my way. Some days the list feels endless, but I prefer being busy as it makes the day more interesting.

What’s the best bit about your job?

It’s really satisfying to see people develop their skills, which is often most noticeable when a team member changes roles from the

warehouse to stock control. To see them develop and perform at a really high standard makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s not just

about training, it’s often about the mindset change of why the small details are so important. It’s great to help make that difference.

Tell us about your career  path at Caterfood SW

I started in June 2004 as a Night Loader. After a few years, I moved to working days in the warehouse and from there onto stock management and replenishment. This led to my first buying role as an Assistant Buyer where I met good friend and excellent mentor Len Gould, who is now Head of Purchasing for the Caterfood Buying Group (CFBG) central team. After many more years and moves, I am now Head of Purchasing at Caterfood SW and proud to have come this far.

What does a typical day  look like for you?

Maintaining good relationships with our supply chain is paramount, whether that’s meeting face-to-face, on Teams, via email or with an old-fashioned phone call. No two days are ever the same – I could be negotiating better pricing, promotional planning, trade show preparation, or sourcing a product to meet a customer’s needs. 

What’s the best bit about your job? 

Being a lover of food, it’s definitely trying all the new products to hit the market… although this does require a gym membership!

And the most challenging?

Managing 325 fantastic suppliers can be extremely challenging... and very busy.

What trends are you excited about for 2025?

As we heard at the last CFBG conference, this year Turkish cuisine will be on trend with things like kofta kebab and mezze dishes, also buddha bowls and supercharged sandwiches.

You’ve been at Caterfood SW for 20 years – what has kept you in the company so long?

The progression I have accomplished has most definitely played a key part. Also, I’m lucky to work with a bunch of like-minded and talented people who make the day to day enjoyable. 

Is there a particular product you are passionate about?

There are so many to choose from and we work with some incredible suppliers, but I guess my favourite would have to be cake… and we have a warehouse full!  

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out as a buyer?

Stick with it. Although at times it will be difficult, ultimately it’s those challenges that should drive you to succeed, and progression will follow. Understand the industry, build a network of contacts and maintain good relationships with them all – and never stop learning.

What’s your favourite meal after a busy day?

As many have said previous to me (and I’m sure many more will follow!) – it’s got to be steak. Fillet, medium rare with peppercorn sauce and triple-cooked chips, washed down with a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc. 

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.