We recently had the chance to spend a fascinating hour with one of the most farsighted and interesting people we spoken to for a long time.
He is Jim Rogers and he’s vice chairman of one of the UK’s major fresh food importers based here in Spalding.
Jim established Fesa UK in 1985 and recently they have been expanding their business base here and also throughout Spain where much of the produce emanates.
Fesa UK is based in Clay Lake and run a 24-hour business packing and distributing for all the major UK supermarkets.
Jim told us of his work history which fundamentally consists of only two jobs in his entire career.
He has been MD of Fesa but recently stepped down to take on the vice chairman’s role.
He has been active in trading in Covent Garden and Spitalfields in London and there is almost no one in the fresh produce industry who doesn’t know Jim.
He was awarded Business Person of the Year at the South Holland Business Awards in 2014 which recognised his efforts in establishing South Holland as the UK Centre of excellence for food processors; currently between 35 to 40 per cent of all fresh fruit and vegetable consumed in the UK touches our district prior to final distribution.
Jim is also President of the Fresh Produce Association which is based in Peterborough, he explained the workings of the FPA and the pressure it puts on Government on behalf of the industry.
Just recently he has been in Downing Street lobbying for improvements to the A16 from Peterborough to Spalding, reported in the local press.
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by Jan Whitbourn
Tulip Radio
