Focus on Williamson Staff
To develop more effective partnerships with customers, Williamson Foodservice regularly highlights what different members of staff do within our business. This gives more of an insight into our company and hopefully improves the relationship we have with customers.
Andy Mitchell
Warehouse supervisor, micro herb enthusiast, St. Johnstone fan and soap star lookalike
Andy and his team of pickers and packers make sure the right fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce are selected and married up with items that come from the rest of the business including Williamson’s chilled produce, soft drinks, craft beers and dry goods. He then ensures these orders are loaded onto our fleet of delivery vehicles and dispatched at the right time.
Q. How did you get the job with Williamson’s?
A. I started out as a part-time cleaner with Williamson’s over 20 years ago and then got a job driving delivery vehicles which allowed me to meet customers.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. I make sure orders and deliveries are made up and sequenced correctly and then loaded onto the correct vehicle for dispatch. We have around 30 vans and trucks heading all over the north of Scotland on a daily basis so I need to plan who goes where the day before to ensure customers get their orders when they expect them. Receiving goods and keeping an eye on stock levels is also a big part of what I do.
Q. What are three words that best describe Williamson Foodservice?
A. Loyal | Ambitious | Expanding
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I like the day-to-day buzz of getting all our products delivered to our customers on time. There’s often a lot to juggle but I strive to get any issues resolved as quickly as possible.
Q. What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A. I thrive on challenge and endeavour to make sure the day runs smoothly. Staff rotas and stock levels need to be carefully planned and monitored. While orders are being made up, I’m always keeping an eye on these other important aspects too.
Q. What products can customers expect to be hearing more about?
A. I’m responsible for re-ordering our range of micro herbs which I’m quite enthusiastic about. There’s been a significant upsurge in demand for these in the past couple of years.
Q. What’s the most interesting thing you have learned about Williamson’s recently?
A. Under normal circumstances we continue to grow year on year. Life under Coronavirus has been a major challenge but new products are already being released and our commitment to bring these to our customer’s attention is impressive.
Q. What might someone be surprised to know about you?
A. I once had a trial for St Johnstone Football Club!
Q. What food can’t you resist and which style of food do you prefer?
A. I love Italian food so pizza comes high up on my list but I also enjoy chicken, steak or duck chow mein.
Q. What’s your passions in life or what do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I love spending time with my family, following St Johnstone, playing golf and watching horse racing.
Q. Is there a celebrity you most look like?
A. I’m told Max Branning from Eastenders is my double!
Q. What book did you last read?
A. Paul Merson’s autobiography.
Q. Do you have a favourite holiday destination and what’s so special about it?
A. I love Portugal as it allows me to play golf while my wife can enjoy the sun.
Q. Do you have any hidden talents?
A. I’m pretty handy at the washing and ironing believe it or not!
Q. When are you happiest?
A. When I have my family and friends around me.