James Lambert, CEO of R&R Ice Cream, Europe’s largest own-label ice cream manufacturer, believes that it takes a three year strategy to succeed in business and companies, even those in mature markets like ice cream, must focus on the future.
Providing advice and guidance to an audience of more than a hundred delegates, Lambert took to the stage as a key note speaker at the North’s leading business to business event – The Yorkshire Mafia Conference.
Emphasising the importance of growth and having a firm strategy in place, Lambert also explained that in order for organisations to survive and then thrive they must be inclusive; encouraging engagement and loyalty from colleagues, investors, suppliers and customers.
Lambert commented: “When it comes to business, planning isn’t enough on its own. A three year strategy is needed if a company is to see real growth. Long term success needs to be championed by stakeholders, as well as those running a company. Success can be derived from a strong support network, which in turn builds brand confidence and is bolstered by performance.”
He added: “This support network should be kept informed and enthused. Business owners shouldn’t be afraid to share numbers with people, and more importantly, the organisation’s vision should be shared. If shareholders, your team, suppliers and consumers don’t believe in your organisation, then there’s no future for the company.”
Providing a brief outline of R&R’s history over the last 30 years, and how Lambert has shaped the company to become one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of ice cream in Europe with over 3,000 members of staff and a turnover of over Eu600m, he also gave an insight into how he has taken his own advice to turn passion into profits.
Giving further insight Lambert explained that the R&R manufacturing facility in Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, has agreed plans to expand this year, which will make it Europe’s largest ice cream factory.
Explaining why he chose to get involved with the Yorkshire Mafia Conference, Lambert said: “The ethos behind the Yorkshire Mafia is fantastic. There was a real buzz about the conference and you could tell that people have had enough of all the doom and gloom surrounding businesses. The reality is that people are ready to take a positive step towards their futures and manufacturing in our opinion is certainly supporting that trend.”
The Yorkshire Mafia Conference, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds over two days, has doubled in size since its one day debut last year – more than 3,000 business professionals attended the event.
With a line up of speakers and panels including the Billion Pound Panel, which featured James Lambert as well as other leading entrepreneurs including Lawrence Tomlinson, founding chairman of the LNT Group, and Paul Caplan, President of GO Outdoors, the conference has been hailed as a huge success with many exhibitors and delegates confident that they will see a profitable outcome from the relationships made at the event and advice received from the speakers.
For further details about R&R please visit their website, and go here for more information about The Yorkshire Mafia.
