Matthew Orme of Wenlock Spring Water discusses his role in the food and drink sector

Name​

Matthew Orme

Age​

50

Job title​

Director

Company and location​

Wenlock Spring Water Ltd, Shropshire

Education​

GCSEs, YTS, Agricultural College. I also spent two years travelling and working abroad.

Favourite food/drink​

A good steak washed down by a local beer.

What inspired you to enter F&B?​

My love of farming and the outdoors focused my mind on the importance of natural products that could taste great and be healthy.

Tell us about your role?​

My title is director but you name it, I do it!

What does a typical day look like?​

I have an early start where I give myself time to reflect on what needs to be done and get ahead before the true hustle and bustle of the day kicks in. When that happens, I can be found in meetings with the team or customers, answering queries, and discussing future planning and opportunities. I also oversee the production, operation, sales and marketing. I’ve even been known to do the 12-hour night shift. I’m not sure how much benefit I am to the team, but I'm always willing to have a go.

How did you get to where you are today?​

By never giving up! There is a thrill in business. Not everything works but keep trying, always look out for opportunities, assess risk but don’t be afraid of it. Be prepared for change, work hard and find good people. Behind every successful businessman is a great team.

When you’re having a bad day, what cheers you up?​

Coming home to the family, going for a run with the dogs, or out for a mountain bike ride with friends.

What’s your favourite part about the food sector?​

Talking to new and young entrepreneurial businesses, and helping find solutions for them. Their enthusiasm and excitement is contagious.

If you could change one thing about the F&B sector what would it be?​

Encourage the development of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) with more research and development into the recycling infrastructure. As a child, I remember my joy at finding an old, discarded bottle and returning it for a shiny 10 pence.

What’s next for you/what’s the dream?​

My dream is that I continue to thrive on the challenges that each day brings. Every day has its ups and downs, but I truly enjoy working with customers, work colleagues and machinery that also has its good and bad days. Working for a family business is a pleasure and long may it continue.

In other news, Food Manufacture spoke to four energy experts about how the food and drink sector can switch to renewable energy.​​