New Member Spotlight on SHW Design
Gareth Sefton, Managing Director of our newest FEA member company, SHW Design, sat down with the FEA to chat more about who they are why they decided to join.
Tell us about your business and why you got started?
SHW Design was formed through the collaboration of three consultants, Gareth Sefton, Derek Horn, and Ken Winch. At the time, Derek and Ken were seeking an exit strategy while I was looking for a new direction, making the timing ideal. Each of us brought expertise in different sectors: Derek in hotels and resorts, Ken in commercial restaurants, and myself in foodservice. This blend allowed us to establish a diverse portfolio from the outset, further strengthened by Derek’s strong presence and success in the Middle East, which gave us an immediate regional presence.
Tell us how your company supports the foodservice industry?
In 2015, we launched our apprenticeship programme with the goal of bringing school or college graduates into the business and mentoring them to become foodservice consultants. We understood that many might not stay with us for their entire careers, but we saw value in helping them grow and eventually contribute to the wider industry. Over the years, we’ve welcomed eight young people into the firm, four have since moved on, with two continuing to work in the industry. We take pride in knowing that the training and development we provide, in some small way, may strengthen the foodservice industry as a whole.
What do you see is the biggest challenge for the industry right now?
We need to raise awareness of our industry among careers officers in schools, colleges, and universities. When I started in 1994, I had no idea this industry even existed, more than 30 years later, my most recent recruit said exactly the same thing. Clearly, more needs to be done to highlight the opportunities and career paths our industry offers. I can’t think of another field with such a diverse range of skills as foodservice, and I continue to find it endlessly exciting. I’m certain others would too, if only they knew it was an option.
What prompted you to join the FEA?
I’m eager to take advantage of the learning and development opportunities that the FEA offers for both our team and myself. Experience doesn’t mean we know everything, and there’s always more to learn. In return, we’re more than happy to share our expertise in foodservice design and give back to the FEA community.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve long been talking about a foodservice organisation that brings together all disciplines, and I’m excited to see that the FEA is moving in that direction.
We also look forward a reciprocal approach to the development of new talent within the foodservice industry.
Are you looking for a particular foodservice equipment product or service?
FEA members operate across all of the product categories below:
- Beverage
- Cooking
- Dealer / Wholesaler
- Food Waste
- Light Equipment and Food Preparation
- Refrigeration
- Servicing
- Software
- UK Fabrication and Manufacturing
- Ventilation and Fire Suppression
- Warewashing
You can search all FEA member products and services using our Meet Our Members filter. Simply filter by 'Product Type'.
You might also be interested in:
- Finding an FEA Accredited Service Provider
- Joining the Foodservice Equipment Association
Social Media
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Follow us on Twitter
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Like our Facebook business page
