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increase in sales so far this year and has several initiatives in development that will further enhance its service for members
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Darren Labbett, managing director, Woods Foodservice
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A bit of a risk taker!
What have been your biggest achievements in work and outside work?
I took over Woods Foodservice in October 2000. The company had just turned over £1 million, made a small profit of £3,000, and was situated in rundown rented premises with very little in assets. Pre-COVID, we had a turnover of £20 million and I expect that to reach £50 million over the next few years. Therefore, my biggest achievement is turning a small unknown company into this multi-award-winning, carbon-neutral, BRC AA graded company that is widely regarded as the premium supplier to the quality sector of the foodservice industry in and around London.
Who has been the biggest inspiration to you?
That’s easy –my dad [Richard, who preceded Darren as managing director of Woods Foodservice]. He came from a very working class background but had an amazing work ethic and managed to be a great dad at the same time.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
My dad!
What are your interests outside work?
Running, cycling, swimming, hiking – I do one of these every day. Walking my dogs, Gilbert, a Boston terrier, and Barbara, a frug. Watching Arsenal. Cars: I have three Porsche 911s, a Triumph TR6 and a Porsche Boxster race car. Relaxing on my boat and obviously dinning out! Maintaining a work-life balance is easy: make sure you enjoy what you do and employ bloody good staff!
How would you describe your personality and what approach do you take in business (and in life)?
I would say I am goal orientated, good under stress and a bit of a risk taker.
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge, without a doubt, has been navigating the business through the COVID crisis. I overcame it by treating the situation as a series of opportunities rather than impending doom! In the past year, Woods became carbon neutral and added a full range of fresh produce, including edible flowers, fresh herbs, fresh mushrooms and truffles, sea veg, micro and baby veg, prepared fruit and veg, and freshly pressed and squeezed juices. We negotiated favourable terms on a new warehouse next door to our existing warehouse which will house a multi-temperature two-floored chiller to accommodate our new range. We updated our software to automate route planning optimisation and increase security. We are also updating the shop end of our website.
What is your favourite film, book and song/piece of music?
Favourite film: The Blues Brothers. Book: impossible to choose, I read nonstop! Song: Green Onions by Booker T & the MG’s.
If you won a holiday, where would you go and who would you take with you?
The South of France on my boat; as for who I would take, that’s a secret!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have been a single dad to three beautiful children for 10 years now. Holly is at the London School of Fashion and works two days a week for a real estate company in Marylebone; Rosie is just about to sit her A levels, has a place at Nottingham University and will be working her second summer here at Woods; and Lewis is still at school performing sporting miracles! CCM
All-roles experience
Darren Labbett started at family firm Woods Foodservice straight from school when he was 16 and has had experience in every role since. The business was founded as Woods Caterfoods over 40 years ago by Labbett’s grandfather and was rebrandedby Labbett when he took over as managing director in October 2000 –eight years after he first joined the firm. While working at Woods –a Confex member –Labbett studied a BTEC in business part-time at St Albans College.
