MORE APPLICATIONS , MORE DISHES .
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Woods
Foodservice
Woods Foodservice is a family-owned business that provides a broad range of specialist fine dining produce . Managing Director and secondgeneration family member Darren Labbett shares the company ’ s history : “ I took over from my parents in 2000 . It was a much smaller business then , supplying a less specialized clientele . I decided to focus on the quality end of the market , which coincided with the boom in gastropubs . During this phase , to grow the business , we reinvested any profits . This enabled our turnover to grow from £ 1 million in 2000 to close to £ 40 million today .
“ Fine dining became more accessible to people ; this , coupled with the lack of major competition , facilitated a further miniboom . There were some good companies specializing in the same area , but none that offered the high-quality ingredients required
by these chefs , along with a high level of service and competitive pricing . Because we were able to offer all of these advantages and were willing to work very hard for less reward initially , we grew quickly .
“ We continually reinvested in the business , and now we are regarded as the largest , most well-known , and best independently owned business in the sector . Although our turnover is close to £ 40 million and growing , we are still able to maintain a close , friendly relationship with our customers , suppliers , staff , and stakeholders . This makes us unique in this segment of the marketplace .
“ This approach is always our number one priority . Whenever we take on any new staff , customers or suppliers , everyone has to understand the ethos and the business model . Our number one focus as a company has never been growth or profit ; it has always been about doing what is right for
WITH THOM BATEMAN
MORE APPLICATIONS , MORE DISHES .
With the best quality ingredients , chefs can do more . foodchainmagazine . com 89