ENDLESS PORTFOLIO DELIVERS HAT-TRICK AT BVCA AWARDS

We are pleased to announced that two Endless portfolio companies emerged as winners at the 2016 BVCA Management Team Awards for Yorkshire and the North East which took place in Leeds on 26 May, securing three of the four awards categories available.

Chaucer Foods won the award for Mid-Market Team. The judging panel recognised the company’s “excellent job in growing this business both by broadening its global customer base and by investing heavily in the supplier and processing side of the business, notably in the US.” Chaucer Foods also won the award for Social Responsibility Team. Through its farming programs - especially in South America, Africa and China - Chaucer provides farmers with education on land and crop maintenance, supplying high quality seeds and plants, as well as expert advice to help get them started. Combining this with agreements to purchase entire crops means farmers can invest and grow their own business and change their own lives. Chaucer also works alongside major customers, such as Unilever and Kellogg’s, to promote sustainability of the supply chain.

Di Walker won the CEO of the Year award for her role as Group Executive Chair at Karro Food Group. Di has played a leading role in the company’s turnaround, delivering strong turnover and profit growth. Judges commented that “Di came into Karro in 2013 at a time when the business might easily have folded, with devastating consequences for the town of Malton, where it is the major employer. She has done a superb job, working with the existing management team to turn the business around, investing in an improved plant but without long-term reduction in employment. She has worked with employees and unions, fostering an open culture and instilling confidence in the workforce.”