The Billington Group would not be where it is without its amazing teams. In this ‘Our People’ series, we share a bit more about the diverse roles across our businesses and provide some insight into what makes Billington employees tick!
Name: Daniel Morris
Job title: Marketing Manager
How long have you been with Billington Group? Please tell us a bit about your journey within the Group and how you got to where you are today:
I have been with the group/Billington Foods for five years. I came from an advertising background, working for Trinity Mirror on their digital campaigns then moving to a marketing agency. I saw a job advert for ‘Love Marketing & Love Food’ and thought that summed me up, and not long after and became a member of the Billington team. I started as Marketing Executive and after I developed the role and progressed within it, I was promoted to Marketing Manager last year. I’m not sure what the next step is but I’m excited to find out.
Describe a typical day in your role:
This is a challenge. I know it’s a cliché, but there isn’t a ‘typical day’. One day I’m pulling a full category review, the next I’m doing a shoot with Glorious! And then the other I’m driving a van to The London Excel, to set up our stand for the Casual Dining Show.
What’s the best part of your job?
Mining the data and using the insight in a creative way to influence decision making. It’s a rush and very satisfying.
What are the biggest challenges you face in marketing within the foodservice industry?
In this current climate, lasting irregularities caused by the pandemic.
Can you tell us about something you’ve enjoyed working on recently?
Right now, a full Pub Summer Report, customer presentations, working towards The Casual Dining Show and a lot on Glorious! soups.
What makes the food sector exciting to work in?
The pace; it’s electric! I have also been very lucky and have been to a few restaurants and events that I would never have tried or attended if it wasn’t for this role – I feel very lucky indeed.
What do you think the next big food trends are for the rest of 2022 and beyond?
In my opinion, calorie counting – I think this will be a big factor and not in the way we have been used to.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the food industry?
Be prepared to take the rough with the smooth.
What makes The Billington Group stand out as a great place to work?
The people. A vast diversity of different characters who will educate, challenge and entertain you – it’s brilliant.
Now a bit more about you….
Coffee or tea?
COFFEE!
What’s your favourite guilty pleasure food?
Crispy coated BBQ nuts – (but I don’t bring them onto site).
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
I do enjoy cooking a full roast dinner and I will happily admit that my roast potatoes are superior and anyone who doesn’t agree isn’t sound of mind.
Favourite weird food combinations?
I will dip my sandwiches / pizza into a cup of coffee. (I’m not even sorry).
What do you get up to outside of work?
I currently have a love / hate relationship with golf, I play second row (I get thrown up in the air) for Usk rugby club and a new hobby is learning card tricks as I am off to Vegas in the New Year.