A FAST growing catering equipment business has brought a former rival on board as it chases clients in the South as part of efforts to turn the company into a nationwide brand.
Tom Cummings was head-hunted to join the food services equipment division of the Upnorth Group. Cummings, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, was a founding member of commercial catering equipment competitors Howell-Cummings, which he left when the business changed hands.
He has joined Upnorth as a field sales executive with a remit to win new clients for the Blaydon-based group, which also provides services including refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation systems via its other divisions.
Group director Tim Whitfield said: “With the experience he had, it made sense to get him on board.
“He will develop the business on the consultant side – new restaurants, hotels, especially in the south of the country and push the brand on a national basis.
“Tom has experience across the country with clients of that type, customers which we haven’t been working with. Where our weaknesses are, his strengths lie.”
Around three-quarters of Upnorth’s food service equipment contracts come via the construction industry and it is keen to gain a foothold in consultancy for the hotel and restaurant sector.
The division currently has a turnover of around £3m and following last year’s merger with light commercial catering equipment company Quay Catering Solutions and now Cummings’ appointment, it aims to increase this to £4.5m to £5m next year.
Cummings said: “The difference from this time last year provides us with exciting prospects for the future now that we are all working together. Our combined contacts, strengths and experience will help grow the business to the next level, increasing the service and sales of the catering equipment side of the business.
“2012 is looking healthier for the business and for me personally, and I am looking forward to the exciting challenges it brings.”
The division has 15 staff and is taking on a couple more as part of the expansion drive, while the group as a whole has around 50 employees.
Upnorth food service equipment director Richard Toye said: “Where we can, we always look to employ or contract staff from the region.”
