Careers leaders from six Lincolnshire education providers took part in a teacher encounter at Sleaford Quality Foods thanks to the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub and the UK Food Valley earlier this month.

Staff from Kesteven and Sleaford High School, Springwell Academies, Grantham Additional Needs Fellowship, Nacro Education, University Academy Holbeach and InspireU were hosted by Managing Director James Arnold and his team.  

Sleaford Quality Foods is a leading supplier to the UK food manufacturing and foodservice sectors, and the visit began with an overview from its origins as a family run business in 1968 to its commitment to a family ethos in 2025.

James told the visitors about his parents’ vision for quality in the industry; his father earned the nickname ‘Mr Dehydrate’ for his focus on the importation of dehydrated goods!

The company has since expanded beyond dehydrated goods and now imports from 65 countries. It also manufactures some products on site, including 15 tonnes of stuffing every day!  

As a multi-million-pound business, Sleaford Quality Foods provides technical transparency and ensure full traceability of its products from field to fork. Technical Manager Rob McAndrew explained how regular international visits are integral to maintaining quality throughout the supply chain, having just returned from China.   

Quality Manager Richard Kent took the visitors on a tour throughout the factory where they got to see the packaging of pumpkin seeds and polenta. They also saw the warehouse facilities, goods in and out and the quality control testing facilities where the company tests for a range of foreign bodies and substances, including clothing dye.  

After the tour, the visitors were treated to a tasting menu by Innovation Manager Trevor Holmes in the new product development kitchen which showcased Sleaford Quality Foods products. The delights on offer included Caribbean coated chicken, a slow roasted tomato and pesto tart and salted caramel cheesecake pots to finish.  

Sleaford Quality Foods is committed to maintaining a happy workforce; the company adheres to SMETA standards for the care of staff and is living wage accredited. The business also trains to retain, and the visitors heard the careers journeys of members of staff such as Richard Kent, who have progressed through the company - food for thought for our local education providers!

It was vital for local careers leaders to gain an insight into the range of jobs offered by Sleaford Quality Foods so that they can educate their students about the careers available in the local agrifood industry. Sleaford Quality Foods is keen to develop the talent pipeline to future-proof its workforce, and connecting with local education providers helps to support this.  

If you run a Lincolnshire-based agrifood company and would like to host a teacher encounter, please contact Jessica.foster@lincolnshire.gov.uk.