A new managing director has been appointed at one of the county’s best-loved food firms.
Roger and Philip Cranston are handing over the day-to-day running of master butchers and food champions Cranstons to Martin Jones, who was previously deputy managing director.
The brothers will still own and be involved in the business, Martin will head up a management team.
Philip said: “The last 16 months of trading throughout an extremely challenging pandemic has really highlighted the high performance and commitment of the whole Cranstons team.
“We are very proud of how everyone throughout the business has worked together to serve our communities in challenging times.
“Roger and I feel the time is now right to take more time out from the business, leaving it in the capable hands of Martin and our senior management team who collectively have a huge wealth of experience and share our passion for serving the best local produce.’’
Philip will move to a chairman position and focus on the business strategy for the future and Roger will continue to be involved on the meat side of the business but will focus on passing on his knowledge to the team.
Roger said: “It is crucial the company is well managed and forward-thinking if we wish to continue to thrive in tomorrow’s marketplace.”
Martin joined Cranstons as an apprentice over 30 years ago, progressing to shop manager then food hall manager, retail director and deputy managing director.
Mel Wilson has been promoted to business resources director and David Law has been promoted to production director.
They will be supported by business development and marketing manager Jane Silburn and Peter Potts, who has been promoted to retail area manager.
Martin said: “The whole management team is really excited about the future.
“Our overall goal is to continue to differentiate Cranstons from the generic supermarket shopping experience.
“We want people to feel good about coming to Cranstons. I am confident that this experienced and dedicated management team will continue to grow and develop Cranstons.”
Cranstons was established in 1914 by the brothers’ great uncle Stan Cranston and then run by their parents Jimmy and Bunty.
