‘no one day is typical’
John Moxon, business development director at Clegg Food Projects, predicts growth for the retailers that separate themselves from the ‘pack’, such as Lidl, Aldi and Waitrose, and good things for their supply chains.
Describe yourself in three words:
Calm, organised, gregarious.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
Making the switch from a long career in food manufacturing operations into a business that provides a design and construction service to that industry. Having had clear and tangible business objectives to produce and deliver quality food to defined customers, the switch to being a more abstract service provider has been challenging but enjoyable!
How did you get to where you are today?
By listening to customers and work colleagues and actually hearing what they say. Always trying to deliver on commitments and being helpful when I can.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As everyone always says, no one day is typical. However, most will involve travelling, talking and typing (communication and research are definitely Internet-based!).
What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?
Firstly, identifying a need for and developing a specialism in food manufacturing facility design and construction to meet the increasing technical demands of the industry. Secondly, to develop long-term relationships with many of our customers. More recently, transferring the experience and knowledge we have in the UK to the international market.
What is your pet hate?
Lack of consideration for others, and horses being ridden on roads.
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months:
Growing consumer confidence will allow food manufacturers to make longer-term plans and invest in their business, people, processes and facilities with a focus on efficiency and value.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Honesty, openness and an acceptance that everyone has positive, if different, attributes.
Who do you most admire?
People who deal with major personal challenges – in particular, those that have to cope with friends or family who need special care or attention. I have been privileged to meet people in this situation and am in awe of their ability to remain positive and happy.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
In the food and drink industry the retailers that separate themselves from the ‘pack’, such as Lidl, Aldi and Waitrose, will continue to grow. I also believe that their supply chain, which has smaller, independent producers, will benefit.
Which words do you most overuse?
As is becoming common, I keep starting sentences with ‘so’ and including the word ‘literally’ when it isn’t required – probably influenced by the media and my children, but annoying none the less.
If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?
Realistically, working in the food manufacturing sector. Idealistically, making a living in the golf industry!
Tell us something about yourself that few people know:
When I graduated I had two job offers, one with the BBC and one in the food industry – for some bizarre reason I chose the food industry!
Any vices?
Shouting at other road users from the safety of my own car and eating too many sweets.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
I am very happy with my quality of life and other than the usual lottery win, there isn’t much I would want to change.
How do you relax?
At home with my family, eating, talking and playing games. Also, wandering around a field trying to get a small white sphere into a ridiculously small hole.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good, reliable friend.
