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| Hospitality Today | Spring 2017
Future Fit Foodservice
After a drinks reception, Andrew Selley, the chief executive of Bidfood, took to the stage to deliver the 2017 Arena Savoy Lecture.
Firstly Selley tackled the name change from 3663 to Bidvest Foodservice and now Bidfood. He explained that the change reflected the evolution of the company and followed the separation of the global Bidvest Foodservice businesses from the Bidvest Group, when it listed independently on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in May last year. This listing meant that Bidvest Foodservice in the UK, along with other Bidvest Foodservice businesses around the world have all changed their name to Bidfood to reflect this. The new name keeps the entrepreneurial spirit that the company is built on, but focuses on what it does- food! He put this issue clearly to bed, stating:“ People trade with us for our great people, product and service- and not because of the name.”
“ Future Fit Foodservice”- as a business and an industry- provided the backdrop of Selley’ s upbeat presentation.
Speaking specifically about his business, he gave an insight into how he has created a“ lean, agile, but strong, company”. Describing 3663 as a successful, growing business, but not as successful as it could have been, he took the audience through the implementation of cultural,
performance and focus change to drive the business forward. Using the momentum of the great people within the business, he created change. An employee survey revealed three things they want to change about the business, three things they want for its future, and one thing they want it to be famous for. Characteristics such as complex, political, bureaucratic, inward looking and reactive where put forward as things to change. Dynamic, passionate, innovative and forward looking were some of the future aspirations. And, they wanted to be known for service excellence. This became, and remains, the single-minded focus for Bidfood. The company values also received an overhaul. 3663 had 15 values but no one knew what they were. Selley upheld that they were all good, honourable values but they were not from the heart of the business’ s people. A series of workshops inspired employees to think about a time when they loved working for the business and as a result, three‘ home grown’, authentic values, that everyone knows, were born: Care- take pride in what you do, no matter what you do Share- work together to make great things happen Dare- take brave steps to deliver exceptional results. To show his commitment to achieving service excellence and supporting
Jamie Oliver launches Barbecoa Piccadilly this month- see video on p3