Calls for more local produce in School Meals

At the beginning of a new year, Larder Cymru is calling on the public sector and schools in particular, to increase their use of Welsh produce in meals.

A Wales-wide project run by Menter Môn, it aims to put pressure on public sector bodies to review their food supplies and work with providers to increase local food and drink on offer.

The new campaign comes in the wake of a recent announcement of new procurement guidelines and resources by Vaughan Gething, Welsh Government Minister for the Economy. A practical support package, the guidelines promote more sustainable food and drink procurement whilst keeping within relevant rules and regulations.

Dafydd Jones the Menter Môn Food Projects Manager, said: “Our aim is to keep the supply chain local, in order to keep the benefits local as well as protect jobs. We welcome the Government’s commitment to sustainability and ask public sector bodies to review how they purchase produce and to put more emphasis on regional food and drink.”

With the Welsh Government also committing to providing free school meals to all primary children by 2024, Dafydd recognises that there are further opportunities to promote local food. He added: “This is another chance for us to change policy and practice, and to secure more Welsh produce through shorter supply chains, specifically in schools. Larder Cymru lets us support food businesses to develop new supply contracts and take advantage of this opportunity. Serving high quality, healthy local food is important, with a long list of positive impacts, including a healthy diet for children and tackling climate change through reduced food miles.”

Larder Cymru has been collaborating with one local authority in north Wales to explore the feasibility of increasing Welsh produce on school menus. Conwy County Borough Council is already serving Llaeth y Llan, Edwards of Conwy and Henllan Bakery produce and are working with their main supplier, Harlech Food Service, to see look at what more they can do.

Councillor Julie Fallon, Cabinet Member at Conwy Council with responsibility for Education, added: “This is an exciting partnership with Menter Môn through Larder Cymru – and positive news for the local food and drink sector as well as our school pupils. With the cost-of-living crisis making the headlines and putting pressure on families we are pleased that we can provide free school meals for foundationstage children. Ultimately, our goal is to give them the best possible start and the opportunity to reach their potential in terms of their education.”

A series of recipes that comply with Healthy Eating in Schools regulations has been developed by Larder Cymru with an emphasis on Welsh produce. The recipes are available to local authorities and to schools that are looking to introduce new menus and procure more sustainably.

Larder Cymru is funded by the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme through WEFO and the Welsh Government. Menter Môn is looking to have a positive impact on communities through this scheme and other innovative projects, by creating and providing opportunities for businesses and local people.

Andrew Barton Managing Director of Brownlow Furniture and Young Chamber Sponsor

WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Barnlsey, South Yorkshire, in a mining village, my dad was a factory worker making squash balls for Slazenger’s and mum in charge of quality at a small sewing workshop in the next village.

I attended a local comprehensive school where I met influential friends and teachers including, Holin Hammerton. A music teacher who threw out all the rules of the curriculum and concentrated on performing. I played piano and eventually became lead singer of a 24-piece big band that played every weekend in the region’s Working Mens Clubs.

I realised too late that music couldn’t be everything and I needed a backup plan after very poor exam results and so studied part-time in College in Business Studies for 4 years and then onto university for my degree and then finally achieve a Masters in HR at Leeds.

From University I worked for a Metal Stockage company called Aalco where I was given the responsibility of Quality Assurance and then moved to Slough to be their Customer Service Manager.

After Aalco, I decided I needed to change direction and was appointed to be a Management Consultant based in the heart of London. The role of a Management Consultant is incredible. You are assigned projects based anywhere around the country and Europe (most of mine were up North as they said I spoke the language!!!) and you needed to develop a high degree of knowledge, perception, people skills and tenacity to succeed. All my projects were a minimum of 9 months so you embedded yourself in their traditions, norms and, at times, behaviours. Additionally, the variety of industries was amazing with change programmes delivered in the Manufacturing, Chemical, Food and Service sectors. This university of knowledge then and now shapes my day-to-day business and personal life.

WCNW: What attracted you to Brownlow Furniture?

In the beginning, Brownlow Furniture was a 2-week favour for my friend who came over to me in Kelsall School playground whilst waiting to pick up my son. I was now a freelance Management Consultant and just coming off projects with Kellogg’s and a cheese packing plant in Leek.

I explained to my friend that I helped businesses develop processes, systems, and their people to succeed. She asked if I would meet the business owner Rob Bennett and see if I could help. So, I did. Rob and I immediately hit it off and he appreciated a little help in understanding what was going on in his business and where he could improve. After a 2-week analysis, I offered to support further in implementing some of my recommendations for 4 months up to April 2012.

Things were very slowly starting to turn around but there was much more to do. I decided that I enjoyed the 5-minute commute from home and really felt I could make a difference to this business. So, I offered to buy in and provide some funds to support the business development and Rob was happy for me to come on board.

WCNW: Once you joined how did you get to start Change?

There were some fundamentals that needed to be done. We needed to optimise the processes and start to ensure all manufacturing sectors were always productive and efficient.

Secondly, we needed to communicate and engage with everyone status of the business. So daily briefings were set up to review how we did the previous day and what was planned that day. Everybody attended this meeting in the workshop first thing in the morning. On Friday this also included, and does today, a breakfast butty made on-site.

Thirdly, we needed to invest in the showroom and demonstrate the quality of work Brownlow’s skilled workforce produces. So, the showroom was ripped out with a new ‘high-end’ working kitchen installed. Some people left and some asked to leave. We all needed to be going in the same direction with the same set of values, skills and optimism.

One of the great successes today is the recruitment of Apprentices. Brownlow needed to develop a succession plan for an ageing workforce that had amazing skills and knowledge. As part of the HR strategy, Apprentices then and now have been critical to its success.

WCNW: What are your main responsibilities?

My responsibilities have changed over the years from the management of daily planning and operations, to now supporting the governance of the business through management of HR, HSE and financial systems. I also act as a brand ambassador for Brownlow at events and educational talks to schools in the area. Our growth and success are now being led through our Directors Hannah, Nick and of course Rob who, with their energy, passion and determination, drive the business forward.

WCNW: Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation?

The evolution of Brownlow has gone from a volume-driven-low-end furniture manufacturer to now an established creator of inspirational bespoke interiors. We design, manufacture, and install cabinetry in every room.

We also offer interior design products and services to ensure a complete solution. This has been a vision for a few years now and we are respected and acknowledged for being a leader in this sector. So, our customers are people who want to create, through collaboration, life fulfilling furniture.

WCNW: What projects are you currently working on?

We are presently working on a variety of projects based in the local area. From large-scale full house solutions including all cabinetry requirements and internal fittings to one-off kitchens and cabinetry. Our projects are bound by our passion for quality, customer service and unique designs.

WCNW: Looking ahead, what are your main aims for the organisation and how would you like it to develop?

Recently we invested in a CNC nesting machine, and we are now looking to expand our capabilities to engage with developers who need quality products for multi-occupancy projects. With our award-winning designers (Northern Design Awards 2022) and our cabinetry skills we know we can support this sector in the future.

WCNW: What are your career aims and aspirations? Is there anything else in particular you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?

I am at the stage of my career for sharing and guiding my work and personal life to support the growth and development of others. I actively support talks in schools, development of employees and apprentices at Brownlow and offer guidance to my other Directors when they are knee deep in business challenges. I, also, still need to learn and develop new skills and gain more knowledge. This being critical to driving my tenacious energy and enthusiasm for at work and life.

WCNW: What message would you give to other people in business?

Ask yourself ‘did I have a good day or a bad day?’. Good days can get better and bad days are a gift to set up improvement.

Also, always communicate and talk to others. A journey to success is based upon everyone working in the same direction and at the same pace. Here, at Brownlow, I believe we are achieving success through our collective effort to deliver beautiful furniture with pride and respectfully challenge where we can improve.