Distributor
has ambitious growth plans as it expands product portfolio
2023 is a big year for FEM –
the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Back on its first day of trading, July 4th
1993, the business employed two people, founders Harry Hogan and Jim Doherty,
had a small office in Glasgow, a small warehouse, a couple of desks and a
phone. Now it’s one of the top UK
foodservice equipment importers and distributors, employs 41 staff, has a 5,500
square metre warehouse holding over £5 million worth of stock available for next-day
delivery, runs nationwide sales and service teams, and has an annual turnover
of around £20 million.
In June, FEM held a celebratory
party for staff and business partners and the company plans more events for the
rest of the year. During the party
managing director, Harry Hogan, gave a brief history of the company before
leading the guests in a spirited rendition of ‘The Wild Rover’. Sadly, Jim Doherty, who retired from his role
as sales director in 2020, was unable to attend, due to travel plans, but he
sent a video message that had his audience both laughing and in tears.
Meanwhile, the company’s
training and development chef, Nathan Osborne, has created a 30th Anniversary
cocktail, the ‘FEM 30’, which is based on (homemade) Limoncello and gin. The full recipe is here.
Mike Inwood, sales director, for
FEM, says: “A lot has changed over the years but the ‘FEM Values’ that have
brought us so much success are still going strong. Long-term relationships are what this
business was built on, both with our suppliers and our customers, and that
continues today. After Jim’s retirement,
Harry’s son Mark Hogan, took on a more active role in leading the business
forward.”
FEM works with market-leading
brands from the USA, Italy and Spain and is known for the quality of its
products and its large stock availability.
“But for me, it’s the staff that set us apart,” says Mike. “I have never
known such a fantastic group of people.
I joined the company three years ago, having worked in the industry all
my life, and the service and support they give is the best I have ever
seen. Everyone is commercially minded
and no one hesitates to pick up the phone and help a customer. They have a ‘can do’ attitude that’s
exemplified by the two people at the top, Harry and Mark.”
As for the future, FEM has
ambitious growth plans. The company continues
to add to its portfolio – with a focus on tackling current industry challenges
with labour and energy-saving solutions.
Finally, a message from Harry,
“It’s a huge thank you,” he says. “Thank you to our customers, our suppliers
and our staff for all your support over the years. Roll on the next 30!”
The picture accompanying this
release shows, left to right, Mike Inwood, Harry Hogan and Mark Hogan.
For more
information and details of local stockists call FEM on +44 (0) 1355 244111,
email sales@fem.co.uk or visit www.fem.co.uk
The Publicity Works: 01263 761000; Email: fem@publicityworks.biz
For more news about FEM visit the
press office
at www.publicityworks.biz
Mark Hogan,
Commercial Director, Foodservice Equipment Marketing Ltd, +44 (0) 1355 244111
More information on FEM from www.fem.co.uk
Foodservice Equipment
Marketing Ltd
Foodservice Equipment Marketing Ltd (FEM) is based in East
Kilbride near Glasgow, Scotland. Since
1993 the company has represented leading foodservice equipment manufacturers in
the UK and Irish markets. Over the years FEM has established partnership
agreements with many of the industry's top brands in both smallwares and
equipment, including Vollrath, Manitowoc Ice, Cambro, Sirman, Prince Castle,
San Jamar, Hamilton Beach Commercial, Alto-Shaam and Pujadas.