Leicestershire firm cooks up new jobs after office move
A Leicestershire supplier of catering equipment to the hospitality industry is set to create new jobs after moving into a new headquarters.
It’s the third time Pro Foodservice Reps (PFR) has expanded into new premises during three years of growth in the number of international and domestic manufacturers it represents in the UK and Ireland.
The firm, which has moved into the Rolleston Lodge Business Centre in Billesdon, supplies leading distributors including household names to caterers such as Nisbets and Bunzl Lockhart.
PFR was established by co-owners Andy Piggin and Ross Gibson who previously worked together for over a decade before deciding to set up by offering an innovative new approach to the supply chain, a manufacturers’ ‘Rep Group’.
Piggin, managing director, said: “We spotted the opportunity to establish a different model to the existing manufacturer-importer-distributor-customer route.
“We operate as the manufacturers’ representatives, outsourcing the sales role for the factories, giving them a route to market without us buying the stock. When we approached manufacturers, six of the first seven we asked said yes. It keeps the market price of the product down and also keeps factory overheads under control.”
The business now has six staff and Piggin anticipates taking on another two in 2018: “We currently represent ten manufacturers and are approached weekly by more. None of our brands compete and have similar customer bases, which means we can knock on one customer’s door with several relevant product ranges to offer.”
Accountancy firm Mark J Rees has been supporting PFR from the outset after partner Matt Vice was recommended to Piggin.
Andy said: “It’s always ideal when someone comes highly recommended by good friends. Mark J Rees is absolutely great. Matt and his colleague Callum are both very personable and likeable.”
Vice said: “Professionally, it has been highly satisfying to help two excellent entrepreneurs turn an idea into a thriving business that continues to grow and extend its reach both at home and abroad.”
