Colleague Case Studies

When did you join INSPIRED?​

March 2008​ - so 18 years ago!

What is your current role?​

I'm INSPIRED's Chief Operating Officer. I sit on the ELT and look after our factories, Thirsk, Crick, Kinmel, and Pléchátel, along with the wider supply chain, which is around 1,000 people in total. The day job is a mix of operational performance, safety, and the longer term decisions that keep us competitive. The most important aspect of my role is keeping everyone safe.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

A few things. The package was competitive, which obviously matters, but the bigger pull was the business. It was family run, the right size that I'd get proper exposure to the owners and the board, and clearly a place where there'd be opportunities to take on more over time.

How has your career developed since you started?

Hugely. I joined as an accounts assistant and through a series of promotions over the years, worked my way up to Chief Financial Officer and then into my current role as Chief Operating Officer. It's been a proper journey, and one I don't think many businesses would have offered me.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

My children, without question. But on the work side, it's the operational team we've built. We still hit challenges, as every business does, but we work through them together and collaboratively to land on the right fix, and that's something I'm genuinely proud of.

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

I'd call it demanding, fast paced and genuinely fun. We ask a lot of our teams, but we ask just as much of ourselves, and I think that's what makes it work. It's not a place to coast, but if you want to learn and progress, there's nowhere better.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

In lots of ways. The biggest by far has been the people. Two deserve a special mention: Martha McGarry, who trained, coached and mentored me for years after I joined and who I owe a huge amount to, and Richard Page, who has sponsored me through the business and gave me hours of his time mentoring me from a wider strategic perspective. Alongside that, INSPIRED has also invested in my professional qualifications, which has opened up opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have had.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

The pace and the variety. In a business like ours, you can be dealing with a manufacturing issue in the morning, a commercial conversation in the afternoon, and a board paper in the evening. That breadth is what keeps it interesting, and it's also what's stretched me the most over the years.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

If you like hard work, fun and plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and your career, then INSPIRED is the place.

It's been the making of my career, but I won't pretend it's been easy. There have been long weeks, hard conversations, and moments where I've questioned whether I was up to what was being asked. What's kept me here through all of that is the combination of three things: the people genuinely look out for each other, the business backs you when you take it seriously, and you can see your own growth happening in real time. It's demanding, but it's honest about being demanding, and I think that's rare.

How long have you been with INSPIRED?​

3.5 years.

What is your current role?​

Head of Reporting (direct report of one group accountant along with various interims across different period's, currently I have one interim member of staff also reporting into me). Lead the preparation and delivery of consolidated Group financial statements across multiple jurisdictions. Own group accounting policies and ensure consistent application across all entities. Provide technical guidance on complex accounting matters, acquisitions, disposals, restructuring, and new initiatives. Act as the primary point of contact for group auditors and coordinate audits across the group. Support M&A activity including reporting integration, accounting alignment, and post‑deal reporting. Help with the Groups annual budget process.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

PE‑backed businesses typically operate with strong commercial focus, pace, and clarity of objectives, and I’m motivated by environments where finance plays a central role in value creation rather than just reporting outcomes. The acquisition strategy is particularly attractive as it brings complexity and opportunity, from integrating new entities and aligning accounting policies, to ensuring consistent, high‑quality group reporting. That kind of change driven environment is where I enjoy working the most.

How has your career developed since you started?

My role initially combined responsibility for both Group Reporting and Financial Shared Services, leading a team of approximately eight. Alongside overseeing the reporting function, I was responsible for the accounts payable and receivable teams, with a focus on improving efficiency and increasing cash flow visibility through enhanced forecasting. As the Group has grown, including through the Butchers and more recent French acquisitions, the reporting requirements have increased significantly and required greater focus. As a result, my role has evolved into a more specialised Head of Reporting position, with responsibility for the transactional teams now transitioning to another member of staff.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

1. Integration and Group Reporting - worked closely with local finance teams to integrate the acquisitions of Butchers, Sopral, and UPD into the Group reporting cycle, including incorporation into the Group’s statutory financial statements and managing the added complexity of multi‑currency transactions.

2. Intra‑Group Transaction Project - acted as a key member of the project team coordinating the sale of trade and assets between group companies, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and reporting.

3. Reporting Systems Implementation - supported the setup and implementation of Anaplan as the Group’s reporting tool, including reconciling and validating historic data at both site and group level to ensure the system was robust and fit for purpose for an acquisitive group.

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

A fast‑moving, collaborative culture that encourages learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement, with plenty of opportunity to get involved and grow.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

INSPIRED has supported my development by giving me exposure to a fast‑paced, evolving environment where I’ve been able to take on increasing responsibility and broaden my skill set. As the group has grown, I’ve had opportunities to deepen my technical expertise, lead change, and work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business.

The business encourages learning through hands‑on experience, involvement in acquisitions and system implementations, and collaboration with talented people, all of which have contributed to my personal and professional growth.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

The people and the fast‑paced environment are what really attract me. I enjoy pushing myself and continually learning, and INSPIRED provides an excellent environment to do that.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

INSPIRED is a great place to join if you’re looking to work with talented people in a fast‑paced, supportive environment. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and develop both personally and professionally. It’s a business that encourages growth, values collaboration, and gives you the chance to make a real impact as the organisation continues to evolve.

How long have you been with INSPIRED?​

I have been with INSPIRED for 3.5 years. I joined as a Talent Acquisition Manager, where I built and delivered a recruitment strategy, successfully filling over 200 vacancies in my first year within a fast-paced, lean, and agile business. I then progressed to People Partner, before moving into my current role as Head of Colleague Experience, leading a team of five.

What is your current role?​

As Head of Colleague Experience, I am responsible for leading Talent Acquisition, Talent & Development, Learning & Development, and Reward teams. My focus is on delivering key elements of the Group People Strategy, including succession planning, performance development, strategic workforce planning, systems and process improvement, and continuously improving how we attract and retain talent.

Day to day, I work closely with key stakeholders to ensure people initiatives are delivered effectively and aligned to business priorities. 

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

The main attraction was the opportunity to join a business with clear ambition, strong growth plans, and a leadership team committed to building something long-term. However, being completely honest, Sophie, my manager who was then People Director and now CPO, really inspired me with her People Strategy , passion and determination with a clear road map of what the People function at INSPIRED would look like….…I wanted to be part of this. While the company was still developing in some areas, there was a clear direction and drive to improve, which stood out. It felt like a place where effort would be recognised, contribution would matter, and progression would be earned through delivery. Which I can now confirm was absolutely correct!

How has your career developed since you started?

My career has developed significantly since joining, with increasing responsibility and wider exposure across the business. I’ve been given the opportunity to step up, take ownership, and deliver on more complex challenges over time. A key part of my progression has been working hard, staying consistent, and being open to feedback - especially when it’s challenging but necessary. 

Hard work and complete openness to feedback, then working on that has very much paid off, and that has been reflected in each step of my journey here.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

Delivering and contributing to key people initiatives that have improved processes, outcomes, and overall effectiveness across the business, which includes reducing turnover by 50% and implementing a HRIS system that worked well for both operations and support functions. These projects required collaboration, pace, and strong execution. I’m particularly proud of the impact achieved by bringing structure to complex areas and ensuring delivery against business needs. 

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

The culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and performance-driven. There is a strong expectation to take ownership, deliver results, and contribute positively to the wider team. At the same time, ideas are encouraged, and different perspectives are valued when they help move the business forward – challenging constructively regardless of hierarchy is appreciated and valued. It is a culture where you are expected to step up but also supported when you do. If you work hard, stay accountable, and focus on outcomes, you will thrive.

A  standout point is leadership representation, with 42% of the executive team being female. This reflects a clear commitment to progression, opportunity, and building a more balanced leadership structure across the business.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

Development here is very much earned through performance, consistency, and willingness to take on more responsibility. I’ve been given opportunities to stretch myself, step into new challenges, and expand my remit over time. My manager has provided trust, guidance, and honest feedback that has helped shape my development. It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have been valuable. Pushing me to improve, adapt, and strengthen my capability. Ultimately, the more I’ve put in, the more opportunity I’ve been given to progress.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

That effort and results are recognised. There is a strong sense that if you work hard, take ownership, and deliver, you will be trusted with more responsibility and opportunity. The pace of the business keeps things challenging and interesting, and there is always scope to improve and make an impact. Progression here is not handed out - it is earned that effort and results are recognised. 

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

If you are looking to join a business where you can build your career, be challenged, and progress based on what you deliver, this is a strong place to be. It is fast-paced and requires commitment, accountability, and resilience - but if you are willing to work hard, learn, and take ownership, there are real opportunities to grow.

Finally and fundamentally - we are not perfect, but there is clear momentum, ambition, and a culture where hard work genuinely pays off.

When did you join INSPIRED?​

I joined INSPIRED in October 2011​ - just short of 15 years!

What is your current role?​

Thirsk General Manager – My role is focused on leading overall site performance across safety, quality, people, and efficiency. I set the strategic direction for the site and ensure effective my team has all the support required to deliver in key functions such as, production, warehousing, quality, and safety. I work closely with my leadership team to deliver performance against targets, control costs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

What initially attracted me to join the business, then known as Wagg Foods, was its strong family-run culture combined with the clear growth and development it was going through at the time. Having worked in a business close to Wagg, I could see first-hand the continued progress and how it was going from strength to strength.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to be part of that journey and the evolution into what is now INSPIRED. Seeing the business continue to grow, develop, and transform while maintaining its strong foundations has been a key part of why I have stayed and continued to develop my career here.

How has your career developed since you started?

Since I started, my career has evolved from being closely involved in day-to-day operational delivery to leading broader site performance with full accountability. Earlier in my career, my focus was more hands-on - working directly with processes and driving improvements at a functional level. Over time, my role has developed into a broader leadership position, where I set direction, align multiple functions, and ensure consistent delivery across safety, quality, people, and efficiency. I now spend more time enabling and developing my leadership team, making sure they have the clarity, capability, and support needed to deliver results.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

I don’t think I can pick just one, as there are several I am proud of. That said, a key highlight is the improvement in overall site performance at Thirsk over the past 18 months, driven by a strong focus on people, process, and engagement.

Thirsk as a site has reduced turnover rate by 50% over a 18 month period, which has had a significant positive impact on stability, capability, and team performance. Alongside this, we achieved an AA* unannounced BRCGS rating, reflecting our continued commitment to manufacturing safe, high-quality pet food. We have also excelled in a number of key customer audits, further demonstrating the strength of our food safety and quality standards.

In addition, we have driven a step change in operational efficiency, achieving a CPMU rate below 20 CPMU, which is the strongest performance Thirsk has delivered to date!

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

The INSPIRED culture is positive in that it encourages continuous improvement and gives all colleagues the opportunity to influence real an impactful change. Working directly for a manufacturing facility means ideas can be tested and implemented quickly, with visible impact.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

​INSPIRED has played a key role in supporting my development into my General Manager role.... Regular check-ins with my line manager have been important in helping me stay focused, reflect on performance, and continuously improve. Clear objectives have also given me direction and accountability, ensuring I understand priorities and how my role contributes to wider site and business goals. Alongside this, regular feedback has helped me identify strengths and development areas, supporting my growth in role.

This has been complemented by supportive management and development opportunities such as the iLEAD leadership programme, which has helped strengthen my leadership capability. The GM Development Programme has also been valuable in supporting colleagues aspiring to progress into GM roles, providing structured development and guidance.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

It is the ability to be myself at work and contribute in a way that feels authentic. It’s a supportive environment where people are encouraged to bring their ideas forward and make a real difference.

I also value how close you are to the operation, meaning you can see the direct impact of decisions and improvements on both the site and the teams. There is a strong culture of ownership and agility, where if you identify an opportunity to improve something, you are encouraged and supported to take it forward.

On a personal level, the canteen offering hot meals at a subsidised rate is a great and unique benefit for our location, and it really adds to the overall employee experience. Another great aspect is being able to bring your dog to work. I’ve brought Willow with me since he was a puppy, and he’s now nearly 12 years old. He absolutely loves it, although I’m still working on some of his manners!

Most importantly, I enjoy the people and the collaborative culture, where everyone is focused on improving and delivering results together.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

I would describe INSPIRED as a place where the impact of your work is genuinely visible and felt by the colleagues you work alongside every day. It is a lean and agile business, where ideas for improvement are encouraged and acted upon quickly, without unnecessary red tape. If you see an opportunity to make things better, you are supported to take ownership and drive that change.

INSPIRED is also a forward-looking and progressive business that has experienced strong growth in recent years. For anyone who is ambitious and looking to develop their career in a dynamic environment, there are real opportunities here to grow and be part of that journey.

How long have you been with INSPIRED?​

I have been with INSPIRED for 4 years, I joined as a Maintenance Planner and my first task was to streamline scheduled Maintenance and assist building the Maintenance Plan around the increase in production schedules, due to increased customer service levels as the business expanded.

What is your current role?​

I was recently promoted to Site Engineering Manager, where I lead a large team of multi-skilled engineers and oversee both preventative and corrective maintenance programmes. In this role, I ensure the engineering function effectively supports site operations, with a strong focus on prioritising key assets and reducing unplanned engineering interventions. I am responsible for driving reliability, maintaining high operational standards, and supporting the continued development of the engineering team.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

It was a hard decision at the time, but the engineering team were really engaging and the opportunity to be part of an expanding business with ambitious plans was a big factor. I could see there was a lot of potential in the role and chance to put my own stamp on it.

How has your career developed since you started?

I joined INSPIRED as the Maintenance Planner, and the fast paced growth of Inspired required me to take on more responsibility. This led to me becoming Planning and Shift Engineering Manager, a role which I thoroughly enjoyed and which I am still supporting alongside my current role as Engineering Manager.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

I am proud of how much I have developed in a relatively short period of time. There have been many challenges along the way, but I have always aimed to provide clear direction while remaining supportive to those around me. Over the last four years, the standards across our department have significantly improved, and I believe I have played a key role in driving those improvements.

I have built strong relationships within my team and feel that I am trusted to lead them forward. Throughout a period of considerable internal movement and the introduction of new roles to support the department’s changing needs, it has been especially rewarding to see the team develop, adapt, and succeed in their new positions.

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

There always seems to be a lot happening, and direction can change quickly, so adaptability is essential. You have to be willing to take on challenges you may not have expected, but when approached positively, these experiences can lead to significant personal growth and development.

INSPIRED invests in its people, and for those who are eager to learn, there are always opportunities to develop and progress. There is a great mix of colleagues who have been part of the journey from the beginning alongside newer team members bringing fresh ideas and helping to drive the business forward.

It is a fast-paced environment, and within engineering you need to be prepared for unexpected challenges. Having the initiative to think outside the box and find practical solutions is key to getting things done successfully.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

INSPIRED has been a massive part of my growth and development. I have had to do a lot of things out of my comfort zone, but I have pushed myself and it has been integral in part of my development. When joining the business if you had told me I would be the Engineering Manager in a few years I would have laughed, but I have grown and felt confident to take on the role. I have learnt a lot from the people at INSPIRED and I am still learning every day. Manufacturing was a new industry to me, but my past work life experiences helped me transition and adapt new engineering skills. My people management skills have improved, and I have learnt a lot about my own leadership and management traits and how to manage myself and improve.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

The people I work with, not just within engineering, but across all departments, are one of the aspects I value most. While we may sometimes have different perspectives or ideas on how to achieve our goals, there is always a shared commitment to delivering the best results for the business.

Work-life balance is also very important to me, especially with a young family, and INSPIRED have always been flexible and accommodating in supporting that balance. I enjoy the challenges that come with the role and appreciate the opportunities I have been given to develop and progress my career.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

INSPIRED will test you at times, and like any business there are challenges and frustrations along the way. However, it is a great place to put your existing skills into practice while also developing new ones. 

The fast-paced environment and variety of opportunities allow you to grow both personally and professionally, particularly if you are willing to embrace change and take on new challenges.

How long have you been with INSPIRED?​

4 years

What is your current role?​

Senior Graphic Designer. Responsible for overseeing a variety of different aspects of design across Wagg and Harringtons. Part of a team of three designers, but I focus solely on the mass brands.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

The culture was a big part, it's great to have joined the business when it was still growing and developed with it.

How has your career developed since you started?

I've taken on more responsibility and been able to oversee more projects.

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

It's been great to help develop both Wagg and Harringtons to become market leaders and create a unique visual identity for both. Helping to overhaul Superfoods initially from the original Harringtons Grain Free to really drive it forward was a great experience too

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

The INSPIRED culture is great, but I do think that due to our rapid expansion, it's become much more of a 'corporate' feel than before.

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

INSPIRED lets me determine my own workload, but it would be great to have clear outlines of how I can develop my career going forward, which is made evident in other departments.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

The flexibility of working really helps retain a good work-life balance,

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

It's a great place that offers you great flexibility and the work benefits are great.

It's great to be part of a company that is always growing and you are never short of work, I'm keen to see how my career can progress and the steps I can take to grow within the business.

How long have you been with INSPIRED?​

Just over 3 years

What is your current role?​

Head of Marketing - Specialist Brands. I am responsible for a team of 4, we build plans that grow our brands and category through innovation and activation.

What attracted you to join INSPIRED?​

After almost 10 years at a global FMCG giant, I was attracted by INSPIRED's agility, pace, and aggressive ambitions.

How has your career developed since you started?

My career has accelerated exponentially since joining INSPIRED; I've progressed from a Senior Brand Manager to Head of Marketing and not only developed as a marketing professional but as a leader

What achievement or project are you most proud of? ​

The relaunch and renovation of Harrington's brand; New packaging, repositioning of the Wet Dog proposition, launching the Superfoods sub-brand, new advertising, media strategy to deliver sustained growth outpacing the competition to gain share and recruit new shoppers.

How would you describe the team and INSPIRED culture? ​

We have a performance culture; we set aggressive growth aspirations and we chase them down. It can be intense and requires tenacity and dedication from the team but this creates a brilliant environment for personal growth. We also foster a collaborative way of working; we operate as one team, united with a common goal which creates a friendly and supportive environment

How has INSPIRED supported your growth or development?

Investment into leadership skills, coaching from great mentors and regular feedback.

What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

The opportunity for impact; we have amazing brands that are shaping the category and are integral to millions of shoppers' everyday routines. And on a personal level, every role has the scope for measurable impact.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining us?

We are on a journey to become a global leader in pet food; it's exciting, fast paced and a unique opportunity to contribute to building a legacy.

NSPIRED is an exciting place to work and grow. We are proudly ambitious with aggressive growth aspirations. Working in this environment shapes you and how you work; at times, you are stretched but growth happens outside of your comfort zone. If you lean into it, you will grow too.