An example of this was the approach he took to the local Greek Cypriot restaurant community, which back then used only cash and didn’t like telesales. By meeting them regularly face-to-face and then creating bespoke order forms based on their menus, they were won over as customers.
And, many, many years later Andy flew out to Paphos to help one of those first customers to celebrate their 100th birthday – proof, if needed, of his commitment to long-term business relationships.
Later came a spell as sales and marketing director for Universe Food Service before a call in 2000 from Fred Barnes, with whom Andy had had previously worked Booker, but who was now head of one of the UK’s leading food wholesalers, 3663 First for Foodservice.
They teamed up again and, over the next twenty-plus years, Andy rose to eventually become executive director of what became Bidfood before finally stepping down last year.
On his retirement, Andrew Selley, chief executive of parent company Bidcorp said this: “Andy has been instrumental in shaping our customer and community strategies, and spearheading initiatives with Government, education providers and charities.”
But Andy was so much more than his outstanding career, and known just as much for activities outside the company.
These included lobbying Government to secure better outcomes for vulnerable children on issues such as the introduction of universal infant free school meals and efforts to tackle holiday hunger, often working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food.
In addition he dedicated much time and effort to supporting the industry charities Springboard and Hospitality Action, played a key role in the Chaine des Rôtisseurs’ national awards for young people, as well as supporting the FutureChef cooking competition.
He was also a co-founder and board member of the charity One and All Foundation.
Perhaps, though, he is best remembered for his work on the catering and hospitality’s networking organisation Arena, which he chaired on four separate terms and is today its life president.
In a citation read out on awards night it was emphasised how when people across the entire industry talk about Andy the word ‘generosity’ comes up time again, particularly with the time he gave to help, encourage and mentor others.
And when he stepped back finally last year Bidfood posted a short notice on its LinkedIn page and within two days it had generated nearly 850 reactions.
And these were not simply a ‘like’ or ‘thumbs-up’, each one was a comment from the heart about the impact our winner had had on them personally, describing them variously as an inspiration, generous, a friend, an ambassador for the industry, and a true gentleman.