Marston Foods is a Frome success story - twice over. They are a major local employer, expanding even during the coronavirus pandemic, growing under the passion and dedication to the business by Managing Director Sarah Green.

So it was a pleasure to catch up with her and ask her about Marston, her plans for the future, what extra motivation she has by being a woman business leader - and of course about her own sweet tooth.

So first of all Sarah - about you ?

I've worked for Marston Foods since it started, just over 11 years ago, and I know it sounds cheesy but it is my extended family (sorry kids!). I covered the product development when I first started, moved on to Commercial working directly with the supermarket buyers, and then took over as MD nearly three years ago, when the current owner, Simon, stepped away from the day to day due to ill health.

I've had to learn on the job very quickly but with Simon's continued support and mentoring, the business has grown by over 50%, increased its profitability and now employs over 100 staff in Frome and this is all during a pandemic.

It's been a roller coaster of a ride but I have loved every minute and never stop learning. It seems a long time ago since I started out life as a food technologist developing ready meals for Marks & Spencer's in a factory in Wales, after graduating from Nottingham University. I spent the next 30 years learning my trade with various food manufacturers all across the UK, finally settling in the South West making delicious desserts in Frome.

[H2] Do you have extra motivations because you are a mum?

Back when I was a single mum with two young boys, having a family and a fulfilling career was always important to me. I never wanted to give up just because 'I was on my own'. It's certainly been hard at times juggling everything and I couldn't have done it without the support of my partner and obviously bringing home desserts for tea does get some brownie points from the kids.

I think being a mum gives you many skills that have helped me in the workplace – multi tasking is a necessity on both fronts and I always like to think I'm very pragmatic, which is a great skill when leading a team. I really enjoy working in Frome, it has this unique supportive culture, and we have loved getting to know the local charities and sports "stars". Some of our fundraising events have been legendary and we hope to get back to arranging more soon.

What makes Marston Foods so special ?

We pride ourselves on our high quality desserts and have the highest food safety accreditation, which our customers expect. This means we use the best quality ingredients and where possible sourced in the UK. Through our rigorous processes, we can trace every item that we use back to its source.

What is the best bit for you about the company?

The fantastic team of people that I work with. We are all so passionate and proud about what we do & that it makes it a great place to work. The fast pace of supplying handmade chilled desserts 365 days of the year to the supermarkets means that no two days are the same and you never know what challenges you are going to face.

So Marston Food won not just one but two awards at the Somerset Business awards

It was a truly memorable end to a really hard year, when we've had everything thrown at us – Covid, Brexit, price hikes, staff shortages - to have an external body recognise this and reward our achievements was very emotional for the whole team. Producing desserts for the supermarkets under their own labels means not many people know about us so to have that external recognition as 'Marston Foods' is great. I don't think any company has received two awards in the same year and our next challenge will be to take on the National awards so we'll keep you posted.

So can you top this year ?

We've had a great year and invested over half million in the factory so we want to continue that growth by continuing to grow with our current customers but also to move into new product areas and new channels (food service or export for example). Our fantastic development team are always on the hunt for new ideas and finding out what the next exciting flavour or trend is going to be. Now restrictions have eased they are certainly planning some food trips. The team are also very excited about relaunching our Marston Foods brand in September at a national trade show in London.

Most importantly our business has highly skilled, talented people to make our handmade desserts and so we want to make it a great place to work for them. Covid has made that hard over the last 18 months, but the staff have been great and supported us throughout. There will be a real focus on training and supporting our teams this year, with money spent on staff facilities, rewards and benefits. Externally we will continue to engage with the community and support local charities and work with schools and business support groups

And if you go out to eat - what dessert do you chose ?

I love all our desserts especially the Raspberry Pannacotta, but I have to admit when I do go out for a meal I love a cheeseboard . The kids favourite is definitely the Cookie Pie!

To find out more about Marston Foods - and some local job opportunities click HERE : where you can find out more about them