KENTWOMENINBUSINESS
KENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS:
INDIA HOAD
HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING, KORKERS SAUSAGES
Korkers is a well-loved Kentish brand with real heritage- how do you shape its voice and growth today? The growth Korkers has achieved in recent years has come from my genuine passion for the business and a willingness to evolve while staying true to our roots. Being completely self-taught and learning through trial and error has allowed me to bring Korkers firmly into the 21st century without losing what makes it special. Our heritage gives us credibility, but our voice today is shaped by transparency and connection. Evidently, it’ s the product itself that has carried Korkers through generations. Our customers share that passion, and that trust in the quality and consistency of what we produce is what continues to drive our growth.
What does a typical week look like for you and where do you make the biggest impact? No two weeks are ever the same, which is the reality of running a family business. We all get stuck into every aspect and that variety is what keeps things moving. One morning I might be in the seasoning room making sure production stays on track, and the next I could be at a trade show supporting one of our wholesalers. My biggest impact comes from being involved across the whole business. If the seasoning isn’ t made, we don’ t have sausages, and if I’ m not out attending trade shows and meeting people, we don’ t generate new opportunities or prospective customers.
How do you balance protecting Korkers’ family roots with pushing the brand forward commercially? Protecting Korkers’ family roots is central to how I push the brand forward commercially. Across all our marketing and advertising, I make a point of highlighting that we are a third-generation family business as that heritage is part of our identity and a real point of trust for customers.
It also helps that I’ m the one leading new business development. Customers and partners are always dealing directly with a family member, which keeps relationships personal, authentic and true to the values the business was built on, while still allowing us to grow in a considered, commercial way.
Food production can feel male-dominated- have you faced any challenges as a woman in leadership, and how have you handled them? Like many areas of food production, it can still feel male-dominated at times. As I’ ve grown with the business and learned every aspect from the ground up, the trust of our team has grown alongside me. I believe people can see the passion I have for the business and the ideas I bring to it. The main challenge I’ ve faced has been confidence in male-dominated meetings, particularly early in my career, but experience has given me confidence. I know the business inside out and if I have something to say, I make sure my voice is heard.
How important is it that Korkers stays proudly local- sourcing, producing and employing here in Kent- as the business expands? Staying proudly local has always been at the heart of everything we do. Kent is where our story began and where our values come from, so sourcing, producing and employing locally will always be a priority for us. That said, like many small businesses, there are times when we have to look beyond our immediate area to keep the business running smoothly and sustainably. For us, it’ s about finding the right balance to keep growing responsibly while staying true to our local roots and supporting our community wherever we can.
What advice would you give to other Kent businesswomen who occupy leadership roles? Any top tips? My best advice would be to enjoy what you do and stay passionate about it- that energy really does carry you through the harder days. Work hard and back yourself, but also remember to switch off and enjoy your weekends. Having balance is so important for your wellbeing.
korker-sausages. co. uk hoadskorkersausages
188 • www. insidekent. co. uk