A devoted &
dedicated Team

In 1992, our founder, Graham York, put his knowledge of food development and passion for baking to the test when he began to develop, make and distribute a small selection of ambient baked goods to businesses across the UK. His motto would be “quality and tradition in every case.” Over the past 30 years, we’ve progressed quite some way from these humble beginnings. But we haven’t strayed from the values that got us here: quality, honesty and making all of our products from scratch by hand.

Our enthusiastic and dedicated team are at the heart of everything we do. From artisan bakers who carefully make and finish our products by hand to warehouse workers who ensure deliveries are sent out on time, our ability to continually achieve the highest standards is due to each individual’s dedication, skill and seamless teamwork.

CEO

Charlotte Haggis

Charlotte has been with us from the very beginning, having worked her way up to the position of CEO after holding a number of positions across all areas of the business.

Hands-on and involved in all aspects of the company, Charlotte takes on all kinds of tasks, from working closely with our new product development team to create new recipes to dealing with suppliers to source new ingredients. With a detailed and thorough understanding of how all areas of the business works, Charlotte oversees the growth, strategy and direction of Food Connections.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Double Chocolate Chip Muffin.

Chairman

Graham York

Believing that handmade is best when it comes to creating authentic tasting, great looking products, Graham founded Food Connections in 1992.

With decades of experience in food development and a lifelong passion for baking behind him, Graham began to develop, make and distribute a small selection of ambient baked goods to businesses across the UK nearly thirty years ago. Today, Graham still plays an important role in this family-run business, with his unparalleled knowledge of the industry lying at the heart of all we do.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Bakewell Flapjack.

Director

Pamela York

In 1992 Pam co-founded the Company with Graham.
Pam initially focused on the finance and administration functions of the Company and now concentrates on special projects.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Milk Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Group Commercial Director

Gary Mason

Having spent his career within the packaging/food industry covering Sales and Managing Director roles, Gary adds a wealth of specialist knowledge to the business with expertise in company growth, strategy and sales.

A shareholder since 2017, Gary has been responsible for the development and successful launch of our HFSS compliant range, offering products under own label and the Food Connections brand. Keen to exit Covid on a strong footing, he was the driving force behind the implementation of our first automated line enabling us to significantly increase capacity and meet our future growth plans.

Gary continues to think creatively asking questions and always striving for the 'NEXT' thing!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Punk'd Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Finance Director

Dean Spray

A long-serving member of the Food Connections team, our Finance Director Dean oversees accounts for the entire Food Connections group.

Dean joined us in 2005 when he made the move from McVities to Food Connections. Highly knowledgeable and experienced in both finance and the food industry, Dean brings invaluable expertise to the team and not only ensures that the finance team is running smoothly but also takes charge of legal and planning issues.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Rainbow Cookie

Production Director

Chris B

Chris joined the business in 2022 with vast experience in food production & engineering, latterly running a Plant bakery for a major bread brand. He has also worked in various other sectors, running an Aircrete block plant, and even several years project managing space exploration projects for the European space agency!

Chris is responsible for looking after the manufacturing side of the business, with responsibility for the management teams at both our Flapjack & Muffin factories, health & safety on site, Human Resources, and that quality standards are maintained & developed.

Outside of work he has his hands full with 3 young children & being a governor at his sons school. He also enjoys cooking and being active!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Bakewell Flapjack

Group Sales Director

Mark Russell

Mark rejoined the company back in 2023 taking on the role of Group Sales Director. Mark has worked in the food industry for over 30 years, with roles in buying, senior sales and business development. Mark enjoys spending time with his family (he has twin girls so this keeps him very busy!), playing/watching sports with his son and the occasional pint when his wife allows him!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Punk'd Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Production Team

Our Production Team consists of technical and production experts who oversee our teams of Makers, our production facilities and the day-to-day manufacture of our products.

The members of our Production Team work closely with the NPD experts in our Operations Team, putting their practical knowledge and years of experience towards the development and manufacture of new recipes. Our Production Team also includes two quality control experts who ensure that all technical and quality standards are at the highest possible levels.

Cake Production Manager

Chris Dailey

Chris joined the company in 1997, his enthusiasm for making great products showed at an early stage and he progressed through the company. Chris now oversees the manufacturing of Flapjacks, Cakes and Protein bars. Chris is very passionate about his work and creating new amazing products for the company. Chris also works alongside his wife who he met here!

Chris is always active at work plus having two young sons, he’s always on the go - so to wind down you’d normally find him either fishing or relaxing beside his Koi pond with a nice cold cider.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Yoghurt Topped Flapjack.

Muffin Production Manager

Simon Ralph

Simon has been with the company since 2002 and has held the position of Muffin Production Manager since the day he started! He is responsible for the day to day running of the Muffin Factory.

He enjoys spending weekends with his wife & 2 daughter's along with sport activities and keeping fit.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Sticky Toffee Muffin.

Management Accountant

Jaiman Pabari

Jaiman joined the team in May 2025 and works alongside our Financial Director. He has a depth of financial knowledge being a qualified accountant.

Jaiman is responsible for payroll, management accounts, analysis reports and other financial matters within the business.

Outside of work, he enjoys watching football and socialising with friends and family.

Favouite Food Connections Snack? Bakewell Flapjack

Sales Development Manager

Kevin Talbot

Kevin joined the company in September 2025, he has spent the last 23 years working within the Cash & Carry, Foodservice and On Trade sectors, with particular focus on snacking and confectionery. During this time he has built some fantastic relationships and has a strong understanding of the needs of the businesses within these sectors.

Outside of work, he is married with 2 grown up children, spending most of his spare time either in the garden, walking the dog or watching motorsport either live or on TV.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Strawberry Jam Flapjack.

NPD Manager

Miki Symons

As our resident new product development pro, Miki is an invaluable asset to our team. In fact, Miki’s job is so important and interesting, we’ve already written a whole blog on her work! Born in Japan, she now lives in the UK. She loves music and is exceptionally good at playing the piano!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Lemon Muffin.

Warehouse Manager

Matthew Surch

Matt has been with the company since 2018, he is responsible for goods being delivered in & out, warehouse maintenance, counting/replenishing stock and high quality of food defense.

Outside of work, Matt is a father to 4 children and also a grandfather to 4……this keeps him very busy! He is an avid supporter of his Son's Rugby team, taking part in extreme sports including Ziplining & Airsofting and the odd quiz night! He also enjoys cooking, DIY and holidays across the UK.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Rainbow Cookie

Technical Manager

Gillian Currie

Gillian joined the company in January 2023, she has previously worked in various technical positions across food manufacturing companies.
She is responsible for food safety on site, compliance to standards, customer audits & site visits and product specifications.
Outside of work Gill enjoys meals out with her family/friends and trips to the theatre.....her favourite being Swan Lake! She also enjoys spending time with her 2 children and sunny holidays abroad!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Jumbleberry Muffin.

Technical / Quality Assurance Assistant

Vinay Parmar

Vinay joined the team in June 2023 and works alongside our Technical Manager & Technical Services Co-Ordinator. He has worked in similar roles at various food production companies in Leicestershire.
Vinay is responsible for daily production checks, improving technical systems, customer complaints and assisting the Technical manager.
In his spare time, Vinay enjoys spending time with his Son, playing football and socialising with friends.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Lemon Muffin.

Technical Services Co-ordinator

Louise Hicklin

Louise has recently returned to the company…..she missed us too much!

She has taken on the roll of Technical Services Co-ordinator and is responsible for ensuring internal systems match the customer standards & requirements, dealing with suppliers and supporting the Technical Manager with Audits/Training.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys socialising with friends and family, watching her favourite movies including “Harry Potter” and taking part in a local pub quiz.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Rainbow Cookie.

Senior Support

Gail Stanford

After working for Boots the chemist and B&Q in the Far East, Gail joined Food Connections in 2012 where she has been an integral part of the business in our offices in Coalville. Gail was successful in becoming our Operations Director in 2019 covering all office operations and transport. In 2021, Gail decided to persue new ventures but is so committed to Food Connections that she was persuaded to stay and remains involved in the business part-time, giving support on business projects and guidance to teams across the business.

Gail is animal mad and loves 'clearing the mind' with long walks with her new dog.....we're not sure who has the most energy!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Lemon Muffin

Purchase Ledger

Samantha Watkins

Sam started in Feb 2019 as Purchase Ledger then expanded to cover Sales Ledger as well in 2020. She raises orders and oversees the completion of them, making sure they are delivered on time and in full. Sam has a grown-up family and grandchildren whom she adores and who especially keep her busy, but she can always give them back to their mum at the end of the day! Sam enjoys forensics and spends her spare time watching and reading about crime.

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Madeira Loaf Cake.

Internal Sales Coordinator

Sarina Martin

Sarina is one of our longest-serving members and as a result is our go-to fount of knowledge. Having been with us for 20 years, there's not much about the business that Sarina doesn't know! A hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of person, you won’t find Sarina kicking back relaxing in her spare time – instead, she volunteers for the Sea Cadets, organising all kinds of events at the weekends.

Favourite Food Connections snack? Caramel Shortcake.

Sales & Logistics Coordinator

Nikki Hogan

Nikki has been at Food Connections for 10 years now. She first came to Food Connections to work in the accounts department but when a vacancy came up in Operations in 2020 she fancied a new challenge. She is responsible for transport/logistics & export, customer claims/damages if they arise and processing customer orders.
Nikki is very into the outdoors, hiking around the UK, finding beautiful places to explore for long weekends. When not doing this, she likes to watch local live bands with a G & T or two!!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Punk'd Protein Choc Chip Cookie.

Administration Assistant

Michelle Moore

Michelle joined the company in 2021, however she is no stranger to us as she has worked for us previously from 2013-2016......she missed us too much!! She will no doubt be one of the first people you speak to on the phone or come face to face with at the office. You wont miss her smile & bubbly personality!

Michelle is responsible for sales order processing, sending out samples to new/existing customers, social media and arranging all the fun events within the company!! She is a mother to a little boy and enjoys family days out along with the odd glass of wine!

Favourite Food Connections Snack? Double Chocolate Cookie.

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Quorn House, Comet Way, Hermitage Industrial Estate,
Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3FS

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