2016 is shaping up to be another busy year for north east tea and coffee experts Ringtons; with the completion of a £3million expansion at its Tyneside factory in sight, plans a-foot to double its coffee offering and ambitions to significantly strengthen its business-to-business sales team.
Ringtons’ food services arm Ringtons Beverages has already boosted its sales team thanks to the appointment of Craig Lazenby as Business Development Manager. Craig has been brought on board to reach new clients and support existing business across hospitality, leisure, retail, public sector and business markets within the north east and north Yorkshire.
Craig joins the 108 year old family business from Belgian coffee company Pelican Rouge where, as Representative for the Northern Region, he was responsible for catering and hospitality coffee sales. Having started his career as a Territory Sales Representative with butchers George Adams and Sons Ltd and later Coke, Craig also worked for the food services division of bakery experts Delice de France (now Coup de pates).
Speaking of his appointment Craig Lazenby said: “Even from the first time I came across Ringtons it was clear to me it was an interesting business with great quality products and an enviable heritage and ethos. Although arguably best known as a tea merchant, Ringtons’ coffee is of equally high quality and there are some very exciting plans underway to grow the coffee business. The fact all Ringtons coffee and tea is made at the company’s own factory in the UK means it’s the freshest on the market which alongside such a strong brand name is a great opener for a Business Development Manager like me.”
Outside of work, Craig is a keen cook with a flair for desserts; he also enjoys going to the gym and in particular spinning and is a keen Arsenal fan.
John Broad Ringtons Beverages barista training and development manager said: “Ringtons Beverages has been operating for over 30 years, but it has trebled in size over the last few years thanks to the some great client wins, growth among existing customers, our brand-strengthening product rebrand and key personnel appointments. To take the division to the next level we have outlined a recruitment plan in which will increase our field-based sales presence to a team of 12, which in-turn increases our exposure and more importantly, ensures our customers continue to experience great customer service. Craig not only had the perfect background for the role but he also is passionate, knowledgeable and a great fit for the team.”
Ringtons Beverages sells through its UK-wide sales team, an expert team of customer care advisors on Freephone 0800 0461 444 or online at www.ringtons.co.uk.