Our Story
Produce is at the heart of everything we do, Produced in Kent is a trade organisation dedicated to supporting & promoting all types of food, drink and craft businesses in Kent.
We provide vital support to a diverse range of businesses which in turn provide valuable employment opportunities in Kent and are at the economic heart of our rural communities.
Produced in Kent is a strong, widely recognised brand, benefiting and promoting its membership businesses. It provides business support, advice and sales opportunities.
Our role is to promote local and seasonal produce and provide support and services to our Members.
This is underpinned by our core values:
- A commitment to quality and provenance
- Respect and trust for one another
- Driving sector innovation and expertise
- Supporting commerciality
We are governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from Kent County Council and Produced in Kent membership. Board meetings are held quarterly.
Sustainability
Minimising your carbon footprint, being good global citizens and giving back to the community – we are here to help you achieve these goals.
As an organisation representing the local independent food and drink sector in Kent, sustainability is at the core of our mission. We want to be a driver of sustainable development in the county, showcasing the fantastic initiatives undertaken by our members in the area of operational sustainability, and encouraging other members
to follow their example.
We acknowledge that we are not perfect, but we are committed to make the transition to a responsible organisation and create a better and greener future for the next generation.
Meet the Team
We are a dedicated team with a wide range of experience. We also draw on the expertise of our board, the membership and wider Kent connections to offer you advice and support. We are enthusiastic about helping businesses achieve their potential and share a real passion and interest in all things Kentish. We love where we live and look forward to working with anyone who does too!
Jill Sargent
Business Development
Jill joined Produced in Kent in February 2006 and is responsible for all aspects of the membership experience from recruitment to renewal and everything in between!
Jo Gurr
Marketing
Jo has overall responsibility for the website, bulletins, publications & social media. Originally she joined part-time in 2013 whilst operating her own business providing admin & media support to rural businesses - which utilised her experience in agriculture and desktop publishing.
The Board
Our board of directors is made up of experienced business people from the food & drink industry in the county.
Sally Newall
Founder & Owner, Simply Ice Cream
Chairperson of the Member Group. Family business owner who supports businesses working together.
Susie Warran-Smith CBE
Chairman
Experienced director and CEO in a range of sectors. An expert in SME business growth
Stephen Clarke
Managing Director, Q Catering
A long term supporter of Produced in Kent who brings a wealth of commercial experience to the board
Finn Dunlop
General Manager, Macknade
General Manager in retail with a wealth of experience in food and hospitality with a love for quality produce
Tilly Clarke
Corporate Lawyer, The Outset Group
Tilly has expertise in a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations and business sales and purchases as well as shareholders and partnership agreements and joint venture arrangements.
Stephanie Karpetas OBE
Owner of Sustainability Connections and Head, Honours Secretariat at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Experienced Director and founder of community interest companies, Stephanie has extensive experience of building business clusters and supporting communities, with a particular focus on addressing climate change.
Carol Ford
Director of Ford Synthesis Limited
Carol is passionate about fresh produce, fresh food and the wider rural sector, keen to drive a re-imaged future by bringing together people, ideas, strategy and opportunity. As well as an MBA and Business Economics (Hons) Degree she is extensively networked and is advising on several Economic Recovery Boards and the Employment Task Force.
Patron of Produced in Kent
Amanda brings her passion for all things Kentish and champions the county wherever she goes. Produced in Kent is fortunate to have had her support for many years since she championed Kent producers during her year as High Sheriff of Kent. A passionate supporter of the producers, the landscape and business success, she leads by example and is a tireless campaigner for Kent.
Our Amazing Partners
We’re both proud and grateful for the utterly incredible industry & strategic partners we have.
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