Stuart Drummond, key account manager at Woodward Foodservice, tells Karen Peattie why the leading foodservice company wants to work with SLTA members
FOR Woodward Foodservice, understanding the needs and requirements of the licensed trade in Scotland is second nature and Stuart Drummond, the company’s key account manager, is keen to reach out to SLTA members in all parts of the country to explain the benefits of its one-stop-shop approach.
Founded in 1957, Woodward is a leading multi-temperature foodservice operator which places significant emphasis on providing the best possible customer service. “We specialise in servicing smaller caterers,” says Drummond. “Over many years we’ve developed a very strong understanding of what small businesses need and that puts us in an ideal position to offer advice.”
Part of the Brakes Group, Woodward Foodservice operates as a separate company and covers the length and breadth of Scotland, including the islands. “We have a large team with two sales managers and 15 area sales managers covering Scotland and, of course, there’s also telesales support,” he continues. “With such a large team we also have considerable local knowledge which helps us make recommendations that are right for your particular business.”
A key priority for Drummond’s team is to bring value to your business. “One of our strengths is our ability to tailor menus to suit independent operators’ needs and skills,” he continues. “We also make it easy for you by offering a one-stop-shop – you only need to make one phone call or one online order and there will be just one delivery to deal with, one invoice and one payment.
“For us, it’s all about adding value to your business and making life as easy as possible,” he continues. “Whether you have one pub and a very small team of staff or operate four or five outlets the one-stop-shop approach helps you have more control over your business. With Woodward, you also have peace of mind knowing that everything you get from us comes with 100% traceability – that’s hugely important for caterers.
“As part of Brakes we are able to offer the added benefits of increased local distribution as well as access to specialty businesses within the wider group such as Prime Meats, La Boulangerie and non-food ranges.”
If you are new to food and have thought about introducing it but aren’t quite sure how to go about it, Woodward will sit down with you and help you decide what’s right for your outlet based on your location, type of business, customer demographic and, crucially, the size of your kitchen and its facilities.
A typical menu might include a choice of five starters, eight mains and four desserts with weekly or monthly specials. “Again, it’s down to what you want to do and we can offer advice on menu ideas based on the skill levels of kitchen staff,” says Drummond. “If you’re just starting to offer food it’s important not to be too ambitious – gauge customer feedback, take comments on board and make adjustments accordingly.”
When it comes to mains, Drummond continues, you can’t go wrong with perennial favourites such as fish and chips, steak pie, curry and burgers. “We can help you understand your market and design the best menu for you, taking into account the size of your kitchen and the level of prep you’re able to do. You might like the idea of doing things from scratch but bear in mind it can sometimes be cheaper to buy in – and save time.”
Meanwhile, if you have the skills within your business to be more adventurous and you’re keen to offer a different type of menu then Woodward can help with recipes and provide nutritional information. Full allergy information is also available across the Woodward range.
Provenance is also a big issue, with caterers – and their customers – increasingly demanding more Scottish products. Woodward, therefore, can supply a growing number of well-known and popular brands, including: Simon Howie (meat); Macsween (haggis); Mackie’s (ice cream); Aulds (bakery); Graham’s (dairy); Farmlay (eggs); Dean’s (shortbread, biscuits and cakes); Highland Fine Cheeses; Dawnfresh (fish and seafood); Highland Game (venison); ABP (meat); Thistle Seafoods; and Albert Bartlett (vegetables).
“We want to work with you to help enhance your business,” says Drummond. “Our comprehensive range covers grocery, chilled, frozen, fresh produce, fresh meat and non-foods – everything you need to provide your customers with nutritious, tasty meals that will add value to your business, help attract more customers and boost your profits.”
Woodward Foodservice is offering SLTA members an introductory deal until the end of December and there are also group discounts and other attractive offers/benefits. Cash on delivery and credit facilities are available. For further information and to discuss your requirements and menu ideas please contact Stuart Drummond via email (Stuart.Drummond@woodward-foodservice.com) or call him on 07739 089 679 to make an appointment.
