Total Foodservice preparing for period of growth

Simon Howarth has taken the helm at Total Foodservice, which supplies artisan goods to the food industry in the north of England, after managing director David Pratt retired.

Mr Howarth said: “The heritage of our business is a source of great pride. To become the fourth member of my family to lead the business has been a lifelong goal and I’m looking forward to the challenges this will bring.”

George Henry Howarth, Simon’s great grandfather, set up the business almost a century ago as a fruit preserver distributing to retail outlets in the Huddersfield area. The business was then run by his son George Henry Jr before Richard Howarth, Simon’s father, took over the firm in the 1960s. Richard Howarth, who is still a board member, helped to train his son for the role along with Mr Pratt.

In 2002, the company, which was known as Howarth Foodservice, merged with Lawsons of Clitheroe, and began trading under its current name.

The Huddersfield-based business employs 110 people and has an annual turnover of £15m.

Mr Howarth said: “I’d like to thank David for the exceptional drive he has shown in leading the business over the past 16 years. He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Howarth said the firm, which supplies food to a range of catering outlets from Michelin starred restaurants to colleges, will continue to expand.

“We supply to any business which wants good quality food from care homes to high end restaurants,” said Mr Howarth.

Total Foodservice is looking for customers in the Lake District and East Yorkshire.

Mr Pratt is retiring after 40 years in the food service industry. He joined Howarth Foodservice in 1990 and became managing director in 1996.

Mr Pratt said: ““My time at Total Foodservice has been the most exciting, challenging and enjoyable years of my career.”

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