Our Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

With over 150+ combined years’ experience in the produce industry our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is a cross-functional team of committed, skilled and passionate colleagues who are dedicated to delivering Fylde Fresh and Fabulous’ business vision and strategic goals. Our team relentlessly challenge and develop initiatives to promote growth and innovation ensuring Fylde Fresh and Fabulous continue to operate a sustainable and forward thinking ‘looking over the gate’ company that remains both competitive and relevant, all whilst remaining true to the values and culture that our business is centred around. As a team, Our SLT are passionate about developing our people to be the best they can be and offering a growth mindset in all we do.

Our SLT team includes our CEO, Head of Operations, Head of Commercial, Head of Energy, Head of Technical, Head of Engineering, People Manager, Procurement Manager, and site Operations Managers for both the Preston and Leeds sites.

Behind every great company is an even greater team and we are proud to introduce you to ours!

Simon Leaver

CEO

A graduate of the University of Lancaster with a BA (Hons) in Economics and International Relations and a MA in Diplomacy, Simon joined the business way back in 2003 before Fylde Fresh and Fabulous had peeled a single spud! Simon has over 20 years of experience in the art and science of growing and processing potatoes with his career tracking the progression of the business as it has grown over the years.  Simon has had the opportunity to lead many areas of the business such as transport, finance, and sales as well as our growing and procurement functions, which he managed before taking on the responsibility of the CEO role in 2016.  Simon is proud to support, develop and lead an incredibly talented leadership team who are creating bold new opportunities for the business.

Outside of work Simon is a keen supporter of his daughters’ sporting and creative talents, spending evenings and weekends on the touchline, netball court or in the theatre.  His personal time is spent playing football badly as well as keeping fit and getting out in the countryside with an occasional ski trip to the Alps whenever possible.

Mark Claridge

Head of Finance

An Exeter University Finance graduate, Mark is a qualified accountant and fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants with over 20 years of progressive Finance experience. Having started his career in Audit, Mark soon discovered his passion for the fast-paced manufacturing industry which is where he has focussed his career. Mark has experience in all areas of finance, with a focus in Supply Chain / Manufacturing Finance, projects and business partnering, and has worked for a number of multinational FMCG companies. His experience includes 8 years with HJ Heinz, where he particularly enjoyed the 4 years, he spent living in the Netherlands working for the newly founded European and Global Supply Chain Hubs. Having joined Fylde Fresh and Fabulous four years ago, Mark has embraced the challenges and opportunities that have been presented as the business has grown and is enjoying working with the talented and forward-thinking team at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous, where no two days are the same.

Outside of work Mark enjoys travelling, and spending time outdoors, and is a supporter of Liverpool FC.

Dave Ward

Head of Operations

Dave oversees our operation function at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous, putting his 25 years-experience in fresh produce and manufacturing to great use having headed up the Leeds site now for over 10 years. Dave brings a wealth of experience in both supply chain and operational leadership to the business, and his hands-on approach means he’s as comfortable on the factory floor as he is in the boardroom. Dave is the glue that brings our two site based and central operations functions together to ensure that we relentlessly deliver to our customers, on time, in full, to specification: day in day out. His calm, solution-focused mindset and dedication to people development make him a key part of our success and growth. Dave is NEBOSH qualified and passionately ensures Health and Safety considerations are at the front of our action and decision making. Simply put – Dave leads by example — championing high standards, continuous improvement, and a strong team culture.

In his spare time Dave is an avid Leeds United fan and enjoys spending time with his family, walking the dog and travelling the globe whenever he gets the free time and opportunity to do so.

Emma Hesketh

Head of Commercial

A graduate of the University of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Emma started her career in sales with the former WJFG business Hazeldene, further progressing her career within commercial roles at MyFresh, Florette and Troy Foods, before joining the FFF family, in late 2022.  Having always worked in the fast-paced world of produce, Emma has over the past 20 years gained a vast knowledge of the intricacies that the industry entails and a solid understanding of what it takes to manage and build effective relationships, with our partners.  Emma is also passionate about spending time with her colleagues, sharing the knowledge and experience gained through her career to help unlock, coach and develop the talent of the future.

Outside of work, Emma loves to spend time with friends and family, trotting around the globe and for her sins, spends most of her weekends following her two sporting loves: Manchester United and Team Lewis Hamilton (even with the team change).

Samantha Bartley-Pratt

Head of Technical

Sam is a graduate of Manchester Business School with a Postgraduate Diploma Senior Leadership (Distinction) & Institute of Leadership and Management Level 7 and a BSc (Hons) Applied Microbiology & Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University. Sam is an accomplished Head of Technical with over 20 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry specialising in food safety, quality assurance, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. Sam has effectively led efforts for continuous improvement, established strong quality management systems (QMS), and made sure that international food safety standards like ISO 22000 & 9001, and BRCGS are adhered to. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving consistent audit success and fostering a culture of quality across multiple manufacturing sites. Sam is passionate about combining technical expertise with strategic thinking to drive innovation, support sustainability goals, and meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands. She thrives in fast-paced environments and is committed to delivering safe, high-quality food products that exceed customer expectations.

When Sam is not working, she likes to spend time with her French Bulldog Kobe and travelling with her family, especially to Asia and the United Arab Emirates.

Simon Thompson

Procurement Manager

A former logistics specialist in the Royal Air Force, Simon served 12 years based between Norfolk and North Yorkshire and touring the Falklands, Qatar and Cyprus as part of his service. In joining the Fylde Fresh and Fabulous family in 2017, Simon adapted his skills in sourcing aircraft spares into the procurement and growing of potatoes. Over the years Simon has developed and fine-tuned Fylde Fresh and Fabulous’ growing operation and procurement base, through the development of great relationships with our growers, suppliers and contractors alike. Simon overseas procurement for both manufacturing sites developing and coaching an enthusiastic team of buyers in sourcing all things produce, whilst himself also studying for his CIPS level 4 accreditation.

Outside of work, Simon loves to spend time with friends and family, travelling and all things sport, especially football being an avid follower of Blackpool and Everton.

Emma Hill

People Manager

Emma is our People Manager at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous, a role that perfectly embodies both the company’s and her own strong commitment to its employees. Having been with the business for five years, Emma has a profound appreciation for the team and is unwavering in her dedication to treating everyone fairly. The newly introduced “SPUD” values are a particular source of pride for Emma, as they align seamlessly with her own people-centric approach.

Beyond the workplace, Emma is either passionately supporting Leeds United or enthusiastically researching her next holiday destination.

Sally Mealor

Head of Energy

Sally is a graduate of Harper Adams University, where she earned a BSc (Hons) degree in Food and Consumer Studies. Sally began her career at Avara Foods on a Graduate development scheme, before joining Fylde Fresh and Fabulous in 2017. Sally’s journey within the business has been one of continuous progression—starting on a temporary contract leading the test dig programme, she later took on the management of the Anaerobic Digestion Facility and in 2020, was appointed Head of Technical and Anaerobic Digestion. Following a recent period of maternity leave, Sally has returned to Fylde Fresh and Fabulous as Head of Energy. She brings a strong passion for sustainability and compliance to her role, driving innovation and efficiency within the business’s energy operations.

Outside of work, Sally has a keen interest in horse riding and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Richard Mizen

Operations Manger

Richard is our dedicated Operations Manager at our Royds Farm site in Leeds, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our end-to-end processes. Having been a valued member of the company for 12 years, Richard has progressed through the ranks, starting as a Dispatch Supervisor, and diligently working his way up to his current leadership role. In his capacity as Operations Manager, Richard oversees the entire operational flow at the Leeds site, from the initial receipt of goods through to final dispatch to our customers; ensuring all actions undertook are done so in a safe manner using his NEBOSH qualification to help guide this compliance. His comprehensive knowledge of each stage of the process ensures efficiency and a seamless experience for both our team and our customers. Richard is particularly passionate about people development and training, firmly believing in the power of nurturing talent and is a strong advocate for unlocking the full potential within everyone. His commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment is central to the success of the Leeds operations.

Outside of his professional life, Richard is a proud grandad who cherishes time with his family. He also enjoys holidays and is an enthusiastic supporter of any sport involving Leeds, highlighting his strong local pride.

Wojtek Dunajko

Head of Engineering

Wojtek is our Head of Engineering here at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous. With over 19 years of experience in Food Manufacturing and over 15 years in engineering roles, Wojtek has worked at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous through all stages of his career and is a testament to the businesses focus on the development of talent. One of Fylde Fresh and Fabulous’ very first employees, Wojtek has progressed from a line operative to a graduate apprentice in electrical installation, developing into a multi-skilled engineering role before progressing up the ranks to become an engineering manager and most recently our Head of Engineering across both sites. Wojtek loves turning innovative ideas into reality and solving the most challenging of problems. Wojtek has a proven track-record of delivering complex projects, including the installation and retrofitting of process and grading lines and holds a strong passion for his own team’s development.

Outside of work, Wojtek is fully dedicated to his newest passion – running. Wojtek also loves to spend time outside in the fresh air and hiking with family and follows football by supporting his team Lech Poznan.

Vicky Singleton

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager at our Preston site, Vicky Singleton is the driving force behind the day-to-day management of the site operations team and business wide transport function. With a Degree in Agri Business Management from Newcastle University, Vicky uses the experience gained during her studies to help shape the business and keep focus on streamlined processes and operational excellence whilst also championing a culture that is based on high quality and impeccable service. Vicky is not just focused on getting the job done, she is also passionate about building a supportive, people-first environment where teams can thrive and succeed together.

Preston Head office: Fylde Fresh & Fabulous, Stanley Villa Farm, Back Lane, Weeton, Preston PR4 3HN

Manufacturing site: Royds Farm Road Leeds site: Unit 3 Royds Farm Rd, Holbeck, Leeds LS12 6DX

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