Phil Ugalde, managing director of Cornish pasty maker Proper Cornish, always makes sure that Cornwall is at the heart of his business. Ugalde, who has been MD since 1999, says that the company goes to great lengths to make sure that it supports the local economy and the environment. “From early on we have worked with local farmers wherever possible to source all we can from Cornwall. We first look to buy from Cornwall, then Devon, then the West Country and then, if we have to, from further afield,” says Ugalde. “The benefits are reduced food miles, improved freshness and taste, and it also supports the local rural economy.”
The local economy, explains Ugalde, has always been important to Proper Cornish. Based in Bodmin, the company employs a local workforce of 180 employees who produce between 40,000-45,000 hand-finished pasties a day.
Proper Cornish is also a member of the Cornish Pasty Association, which is set to apply for Protected Geographical Indication status from the European Commission for the Cornish pasty. It also works closely with local colleges and universities through Unlocking Cornish Potential – a county-wide scheme that has been set up to help graduates find jobs in Cornwall. “We are already using this scheme and have recruited three new members of staff working in our marketing, sales and technical departments,” Ugalde says.
Looking ahead, Ugdale has big plans to grow the business and expand its customer base, even though its pasties are already available across the United Kingdom through the major multiples as well as a variety of retailers, wholesalers and corporate caterers. “We have been growing at 15% a year for several years,” he says. “We are hoping to reach a £10m goal in 2008 and when we achieve that we will work to reach £15m.”
The local economy, explains Ugalde, has always been important to Proper Cornish. Based in Bodmin, the company employs a local workforce of 180 employees who produce between 40,000-45,000 hand-finished pasties a day.
Proper Cornish is also a member of the Cornish Pasty Association, which is set to apply for Protected Geographical Indication status from the European Commission for the Cornish pasty. It also works closely with local colleges and universities through Unlocking Cornish Potential – a county-wide scheme that has been set up to help graduates find jobs in Cornwall. “We are already using this scheme and have recruited three new members of staff working in our marketing, sales and technical departments,” Ugalde says.
Looking ahead, Ugdale has big plans to grow the business and expand its customer base, even though its pasties are already available across the United Kingdom through the major multiples as well as a variety of retailers, wholesalers and corporate caterers. “We have been growing at 15% a year for several years,” he says. “We are hoping to reach a £10m goal in 2008 and when we achieve that we will work to reach £15m.”
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