This week we met with John Burman, future Managing Director of Zodiac Stainless Products at their offices in Birmingham to gain a better understanding of the business. Zodiac are one of the leading distributors of Commercial Catering Equipment and Housewares, supplying a wide range of high quality items at competitive prices across the UK and Europe.
When will you be taking the official role as Managing Director?
As Wilson Lee announced he will be retiring in 2016, I was delighted to have been offered the role by the Chairman of Sunnex, Michael Yu. I have been at Zodiac for over 30 years and taking full responsibility is a great honour. Using my experience and knowledge, plans are already in place to continually move the company forward.
This year, Zodiac celebrated their 40th year in the Catering Industry, what’s been the key to this success?
Being the exclusive distributor of Sunnex within the UK and parts of Europe is a great strength of ours. Sunnex has a strong reputation in the industry for consistent quality and having Sunnex on board has allowed us to build our reputation.
Customers and Staff are arguably the two most important aspects of any business and we believe we have a strong relationship with both, to create that perfect combination. We see year-on-year growth and that is down to the hard work and determination of our staff, in ensuring our customers are satisfied in the service they are provided with.
Why do customers choose Zodiac?
Our stock holding in Birmingham is very large and therefore our fulfilment of orders is running at a high percentage, which is very pleasing! We believe we are a friendly and personal company, with an experienced Sales team that are always happy to help, on the other end of the phone or email. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of products to our wide customer base at affordable and competitive prices.
As a company we are always looking at ways to improve the purchasing experience for our customers, in order to make ordering easier than ever before. Currently, we have a dedicated sales team available between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday to handle sales enquiries if you still fancy that personal appeal, otherwise we have a e-commerce website available that is currently in the process of being refurbished, in order to make purchasing online even more efficient and easier!
Your product range is vast, what are the current market trends?
We are always on the look out for the “next big thing” and we have a team in place to keep an eye on the market changes and developments and that is why we have been able to add to our established brands. However, in the Catering industry in particular, “presentation” is everything at the moment and we have adapted accordingly by increasing our product range with some fabulous new presentation items, made from a wide range of materials such as: Porcelain, Melamine, Copper, Stainless Steel, and even Acacia and Olive wood; which by the way look and feel fantastic and are very popular with Restaurants and Bars! Not to forget, “induction” – the ‘in’ word right now, again we have adapted to meet this growing trend with induction compatible items.
Furthermore, “Copper” is also on the rise in this industry and therefore we have recently introduced some stylish new Mini Copper and Dual Body Copper/Aluminium Serving Pans, which are ideal for presenting food.
Any exciting developments to look forward to?
Yes! Sunnex’s new five-star buffet range, which was displayed on our Stand at the Restaurant Show earlier this month (October) will be launched at the Hotelympia in February 2016. However, 2016 is going to be a big year for Zodiac as we have a ‘few irons in the fire’! Each day we are continually improving and looking at ways to become a better company for our customers.
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H&C News comment: It was a pleasure to meet with John Burman and learning all about the fantastic range of products that Zodiac Stainless Products have to offer. Just about everything you could ever think of needing in the catering business with the promise of even more exciting products to come! Another business we will be following closely in the months ahead and we wish John every success when he steps into the role of Managing Director next year .
Be part of the journey.
Contact the friendly team at Zodiac
Unit 9-14 Selly Oak Industrial Estate, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6LR
Sales enquiries or to book an appointment to visit our Showrooms: Tel: 0121 415 2540
Email: sales@zodiacspco.co.uk
Visit: www.zodiacspco.co.uk
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