Spud supplier’s new boss looking to heat up expansion plans

Lincolnshire-based potato supplier Branston has appointed a new managing director to steer its next phase of growth.

Former financial director Jim Windle steps into the hotseat after nearly eight years with the firm.

Windle has been acting as deputy managing director for some time and brings 20 years’ industry experience to the role. He will work with outgoing boss James Truscott to ensure a smooth transition over the next six months.

Branston is the UK’s largest spud supplier, employing around 800 people across its four factories and handling 350,000 tonnes of potatoes each year.

Windle said: “Stepping into the role of managing director is something that has been planned for a while with our shareholder board and the executive team. I am thrilled and proud to be taking the Branston business forward and cannot wait to get started. We have an exciting plan and a strong team to deliver it.”

The firm and its sister companies B-hive Innovations and Root Extracts Ltd are currently investing in a factory to extract protein from outgrade potatoes.

Windle said: “We are constantly looking at new ways we can adapt and ensure our entire supply chain from field to shelf edge is managed in a sustainable and responsible way. It is our job to work with our growers and customers to ensure our versatile staple product provides excellent value and quality for all our customers, the importance of which has never been in more focus than in these challenging times. The current climate is uncertain for many businesses in the UK across almost every sector, but we are very well placed to drive our position forwards as experts in our broader sector, not just as potato suppliers.”

In September, Branston revealed plans to create 45 new jobs at its prepared food factory near Lincoln.