Food Wholesaler Named One of the Best Places to Work in the UK
Harlech Foodservice, which has bases in Criccieth, Chester, Carmarthen, Aberbargoed, and Telford, has been included in the Sunday Times list of the best employers in 2025.
Harlech was also recently crowned by The Caterer magazine as the best wholesaler in the UK.
The Sunday Times judges said:
'This family-owned catering supplier cares passionately about the morale of its 245-strong workforce. Teamwork is encouraged by management and this is felt key to the company's wider success.
'Colleagues are motivated to have a say, making them feel valued, and last year almost 20 per cent were promoted from within the business.
'Benefits include staff discounts and a pension scheme, cycle-to-work, a wellbeing programme and a well-regarded Christmas hamper.'
Staff said they agreed with the assessment that Harlech Foodservice was among the best places to work in the country.
Morgan Jones, warehouse manager at the firm's headquarters near Criccieth, said the opportunity of long-term employment and training at the company meant many young people didn't have to move away from the area to find a satisfying career.
Morgan joined the firm as a part-time van driver's assistant aged just 16 and 11 years later he now has a key role within the company's operations.
He has bought a home in Nefyn, something he says he would have been unlikely to be able to afford if he hadn't been able to develop his career at Harlech Foodservice.
'I first joined when I was looking for a part-time summer job while I was still in school,' said Morgan.
'I went off to university but didn't like it all, the course or uni life, so came back. Harlech offered me a job when I came back, I took it, and things grew from there.
'I am not at all surprised Harlech has been named one of the best places to work. I've worked here since I was 16 so I clearly like working here.
'Promotion within the company has not just been possible, but strongly encouraged.
'It helps a lot that the company has been developing and growing so quickly, especially the last few years, which means we need the extra staff.
'The roles are coming up because the company is growing and the positions are being created, rather than someone leaving the business.
'The growth means there is path forward for the staff, there is a path upwards.
'Having a career in our neck of the woods is not very easy at all unfortunately. A lot of people my age have moved away from the area because they want a career.
'Everyone says it's a beautiful area, and we all have very strong roots here, very strong Welsh ties.
'But it reaches a point where, because of house prices for example, and you need a mortgage, that you need a well-paid job, one with career prospects.
'Unfortunately, there are just not that many well-paid careers around here, which is why companies such as Harlech are so important.'
Managing director David Cattrall said the listing in the Sunday Times was great recognition for the firm. He said:
'I am chuffed to bits quite honestly. We have been driving sales growth in the last couple of years and to make it happen we knew the first thing we had to do was invest in our people, and strengthen our people from top to bottom.
'The fact that we have done that and a short time later we have been recognised on our first attempt when being measured by the Sunday Times and WorkL is terrific.
'The staff have fed back that we genuinely are a great place to work, so we are very pleased. It was the team that gave us the feedback and it is done anonymously.'
David said one of the company's strengths was that it remained family-owned.
He said:
'What we try to maintain as we grow is that small business feeling where everybody knows each other. We want people to be able to speak to each other, it's that small family feel that we are trying to maintain. We don't want to lose that informality you get in a small business. We also recognise from the feedback that we are doing a pretty good job on the whole but there's room to improve. What we are working on is what can we do better.
'I'm very keen on making sure that new opportunities are offered to people within the company first, so they can grow and prosper.
'We are really keen that we try to grow and develop our own people; that is our culture.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
6 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
India trade deal to boost Welsh economy by £80 million
This agreement, part of the 'Plan for Change', aims to benefit Welsh sectors such as renewable energy, creative industries, and food and drink. Welsh lamb is set to enter the Indian market duty-free, eliminating a 33 per cent tariff. The trade deal aligns with the UK's Industrial and Trade Strategies, supporting key growth sectors. The Welsh clean energy sector, employing more than 15,000 people, is expected to benefit from lower tariffs. It will also gain access to India's public procurement market. The creative sector, too, will enjoy increased copyright protections. Secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: "This is a landmark deal that is set to boost Wales' economy by £80 million annually." Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds added: "The millions brought to Wales each year from the deal we've signed with India today will be keenly felt across local communities, whether that's higher wages for workers, more choice for shoppers, or increased overseas sales for businesses." Welsh workers are set to benefit from a £2.2 billion annual UK wage increase, alongside the prospect of lower prices and a greater variety of clothes, shoes and food products.
ITV News
10 hours ago
- ITV News
What the UK-India trade deal means for Wales
Sir Keir Starmer and India's Narendra Modi are set to agree a trade deal which is understood to be the largest of its kind for its economic impact on Britain. The UK-India trade deal is worth £6 billion in investment for the British economy and will be signed off on Thursday (July 23). It's set to deliver an £80 million boost to Wales's as part of the Plan for Change, with Welsh food and drink, renewable energy and creative sectors set to benefit following a reduction or elimination of tariffs. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Key industries in Wales, such as the renewable energy sector, the creative industries and food and drink producers will see immediate benefits. "On many goods tariffs will be reduced or eliminated. And Welsh businesses will also benefit from access to India's huge procurement market with increased protections so they can confidently export goods and services." According to the Wales Office, 256 Welsh businesses exported goods worth £226 million to India last year. Among those goods is Welsh lamb, which will be able to enter the Indian market duty free from day one, removing a 33% tariff. Gareth Parry, Head of Policy at Farmers Union of Wales, said: "It's really important that we do open up these market opportunities in Asia, the Middle East and other countries across the world. "But we also have to acknowledge how important our nearest trading partners are for the operation of our food system, such as the European Union. We've maintained throughout, ever since the Brexit referendum, that we support maintaining how strong the relationship with our EU partners is, particularly for the trading of Welsh agricultural goods." 'Developing market' for whisky producers Whisky tariffs will be slashed in half, according to the Government, and will fall further over successive years, while other industries including soft drinks, cars and cosmetics are also expected to see cheaper duties. Stephen Davies, Chief Executive of Penderyn Distillery, said: "We are developing our business and brand awareness in both domestic and travel retail sectors in India. It's an exciting and developing market for us. "The agreement to reduce tariffs will provide a better platform for us and our industry to develop links and build business over the next five years. These are exciting times." For Wales' energy sector, the deal will see lower tariffs and unprecedented access to India's public procurement market. The UK already imports £11 billion in goods from India but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper to buy their best products. The creative sector in Wales will also benefit from increased copyright protections.
Business News Wales
16 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Funding Opportunities for Welsh Tech Businesses
Ben Davies, Managing Director at Hexa Finance and Workshop Partner at Wales Tech Week 2025, shares insights on how Welsh tech businesses can unlock the right funding to fuel their growth. From asset finance to working capital, Ben highlights practical solutions to help businesses scale with confidence. Over the years, I've worked with many ambitious tech businesses across Wales. Whether developing new software solutions, building AI-driven platforms, or creating digital tools, one challenge is always front and centre: funding. Securing the right financial support can feel complex, yet it's crucial to growth. Wales' tech scene is dynamic and growing fast, but accessing finance tailored to these businesses' specific needs remains a common struggle. This isn't just a challenge for start-ups. Established tech businesses also face financial barriers when scaling, upgrading technology, or expanding into new markets. Even profitable companies can experience cash flow gaps that disrupt their operations. For established businesses, the challenge is often less about survival and more about unlocking growth. Investing in staff, equipment, or new premises requires capital, even when revenue is healthy. Understanding the right finance solution can help make sure established businesses maintain momentum without overstretching their resources. Asset Finance is often a practical solution. Tech businesses investing in equipment, from hardware to specialist software, can spread the cost rather than paying upfront. This helps protect cash flow while ensuring businesses remain equipped with the tools they need. Businesses can also use asset finance to upgrade infrastructure or replace legacy systems without delaying other growth priorities. In the fast-moving tech industry, having up-to-date systems can be critical for both productivity and competitiveness, and asset finance allows firms to manage this without depleting cash reserves. Revolving Credit/Invoice Finance are options that can make a big difference. Many tech businesses rely on large customer contracts with long payment terms, which can leave businesses waiting months for funds to arrive. Scalable working capital products can unlock cash tied up in the sales cycle, providing faster access to that money to keep projects moving, pay staff, or cover everyday costs. Business Loans are another flexible option, available in both secured and unsecured forms. These loans can support growth, provide working capital, or cover unexpected expenses. Secured loans tend to offer higher limits and longer repayment terms, while unsecured loans are useful for smaller financial needs with shorter repayment terms. Businesses may use loans to fund acquisitions, enter new markets, or expand their premises to meet growing demand. In some cases, tech firms use business loans to invest in research and development, helping them stay competitive in such a quickly evolving sector. When preparing to secure finance, businesses should focus on three key steps: Document your business plan – Lenders will want to see clear growth projections, cash flow forecasts, and details on how funding will support your goals. Organise financial records – Clear financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, will make the application process a lot smoother. Consider expert advice – A partner like Hexa Finance can guide you through the options and match your business to the right funding partner. Choosing the right funding solution depends on your business's goals. Often, a combination of options, such as asset finance for equipment and working capital products for cash flow, creates the most balanced solution. While the landscape can seem daunting, with the right strategy, established tech businesses can secure the capital they need to achieve sustained growth, invest in innovation, and strengthen their position in the market. Wales is full of tech potential, and with the right support, those ideas can thrive. Want to explore how finance could help your business grow? Speak to the team at Hexa Finance for expert, tailored advice: Register your free place at Wales Tech Week 2025 to discover funding opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and unlock your business's potential:
