“There does seem to be a growing move among consumers to buy British food”

Alan Botham, chair of the Chilled Food Association and technical services director at 2 Sisters Food Group, discusses food standards, sustainability plans and buying British.
Describe yourself in three words:
Knowledgeable, restless, principled.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
Being part of the team that built a new factory, the quality management system for which was awarded ISO 9001 certification (see below).
How did you get to where you are today?
I started my working life in a microbiology lab at Bovril but soon realised that I wanted to get more involved in the manufacturing processes. Fortunately, I was offered a position in Devon, UK as a quality services manager for United Biscuits Frozen Foods, a manufacturer of desserts.
Ever restless for a new challenge, I moved into technical, hygiene and production management. I even looked after the site’s effluent plant.
In 1990, I was invited to get involved as the technical lead in a new factory to be built by UB Ross Youngs in the north east. This was a great experience and we were eventually awarded ISO 9001 certification. I developed an interest in food legislation and began to represent the company on various groups, and in 1999 I joined Northern Foods with responsibility for food legislation and food law and the group’s auditing team. This team was one of the first in the UK to be recognised by UKAS as an awarding body for the then fledgling BRC technical standard for food.
Northern Foods was bought by 2 Sisters Food Group and I now look after the group technical services facility at BioCity in Nottingham UK where there is the UKAS accredited microbiology lab and a team of technical experts that assist our manufacturing sites.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The first 30 minutes or so will involve a quick scan of emails to check on any specific issues that may need attention. Thereafter I will catch up with the team and the lab to check how things are going before working on any specific matters. I always try to put aside 30 minutes to catch up on any new pieces of legislation or developments in that area.
What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?
The opening of the 2 Sisters Food Group microbiology lab at BioCity by Catherine Brown, the CEO of the Food Standards Agency.
What is your pet hate?
Time wasting.
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months.
There does seem to be a growing move among consumers to buy British food. I think that’s something that will continue in the next 12 months – at least I hope so.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
To talk to and listen to my team and to respect their opinions.
Who do you most admire?
My grandad – he was hard working and always had a positive view on life.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
Well, I’m going to be shameless here and say 2 Sisters! Over the last year we’ve grown our group innovation team who I know have lots of irons in the fire that should come to fruition soon. We’re also about to launch our sustainability plan, which will see us up our game when it comes to managing our environmental impact at our factories.
Which words do you most overuse?
Nothing I would like to see published!
If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?
I would like to be a ‘bicycle repair man’. [Food & Drink Technology suspects Alan is a Monty Python fan!]
Tell us something about yourself that few people know.
I play the guitar – poorly.
Any vices?
Good cheeses and port.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
Not getting up at 05:30 every day.
How do you relax?
I am still a rock climber and mountain biker, even at my age.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a coach and mentor.