Welcome to our monthly series Meet the Team, where we spotlight the extraordinary people that make Bayley & Sage so special. This month’s feature is on Ben, part of our amazing buying team. Read the full interview below!
1. How long have you been working at Bayley & Sage and what different roles have you held within the company? What is your role now?
I have worked at Bayley & Sage for nearly 10 years now. Currently I work within the Buying Team with a focus on fresh fruit and veg.
2. What’s your favourite thing about working at Bayley & Sage?
The camaraderie between staff is great & I personally enjoy my role as Fruit & Veg buyer a lot.
3. Who or what has inspired you the most throughout your career?
My grandparents have probably inspired me the most. They’ve never been afraid of hard graft & my grandad used to have his own fruit & veg shop, so maybe something for the future there!
4. Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other types of roles have you held?
Bayley & Sage was my first job all those years ago in Parsons Green on the shop floor, before moving to a driver role where I learnt the ins & outs of the business & found my way into Covent Garden Market, which is now essentially a second home for me!
5. What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?
Persevere. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either.
6. What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
Definitely working my way through the company. Originally my plan was to only stay for 6 months. But working my way up from shop floor to driver & then to Buyer has given me a real sense of accomplishment. Who knows about the next 10 years though!
7. What are you most looking forward to this year, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I would say getting a new motor & having a nice holiday travelling through Dorset with the odd bit of sailing.
8. If you could only eat one thing from Bayley & Sage for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Either Nocellara Olives or Mortadella Ham!
9. How do you spend your time when you’re not at Bayley & Sage?
Am a big fan of the outdoors & enjoy long cycles in & around London. I also have a passion for cooking which I do most weekends for my family. I have been known though for spending all day in front of the computer!..
10. What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?
Before Bayley & Sage I attended UKSA on the Isle of Wight & took my Yachtmaster Offshore Sailing Certificate with the plan to work on private yachts. But, when life gives you lemons you make lemonade.