This Month: Meet Jo – A Spotlight on Our Finance Director’s Journey, Contributions, and Vision for JFS

In this insightful interview, Jo shares her story, from her professional milestones and innovative problem-solving approaches to her aspirations for JFS and her dedication to balancing growth, sustainability, and quality. We explore her vision for the company, the qualities that have made her a driving force behind our success, and the personal inspirations that fuel her leadership. Join us as we take a closer look at the person behind the numbers and the profound impact she’s had on our team, culture, and future.

• Can you introduce yourself, your background personally and professionally?

I was born in Berkshire, where my family still live, but having gone to University in Sheffield and married a Yorkshireman, I now consider myself a Northerner and live between Sheffield and Rotherham with my husband and 13 year-old daughter. I studied Architecture and then Maths at University and then qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Practice before moving into Industry. I have held Finance and Operations Director roles in many sectors over the years but typically working in high growth businesses backed by investors. I have worked with Ben (Anthony Benton) in several businesses over a 25 year period, and when he bought JFS and asked me to come on board as Finance Director I jumped at the chance to do the type of role I love best: in a small company, with a strong people and quality culture, working with someone I respect, and where we compliment each other’s skill sets.

• What are your best personal qualities and how do you feel these have impacted the business and culture at JFS?

I like to think I do not fit the typical accountant mould. I love people most of all and have often taken on the HR and training function in organisations. I have worked mainly in regulated industries including medical devices, education, construction and have managed quality departments in these organisations. As an accountant I think my analytical and technical brain helps to navigate the complexities of compliance in our business and ensure we put the quality of our products at the forefront of everything we do. I also love a challenge and have implemented many change projects over the years. At JFS we have seen good growth and we have continued to invest in people, systems and processes to ensure our service levels and quality are not compromised.

• What is your favourite part of your job?

I never stay focussed on the finance function alone in an organisation and love to be involved in all operational aspects, helping to ensure the smooth running of the business. There is no typical day at JFS which is what I love best. Seeing people grow and realising the rewards of our hard work is very rewarding.

• What are you most proud of at JFS?

The way we have come together as a team to overcome challenges and find solutions to problems both internally and for our customers. The test is never when everything goes right but how you respond when you are faced with a challenge and when the team comes together the best solutions are found.

• An interesting fact about yourself?

I was a county synchronised swimmer in my teens and love swimming.

• Favourite place you’ve ever been?

Tough one, I have been lucky enough to visit some lovely places. I think Thailand and Santorini hold the best memories for me.

• Favourite meal?

Lasagne as a main but deserts as my weakness: homemade treacle sponge or Bakewell tart.

• What do you do for fun?

My teenage daughter keeps me busy, as a friend, shopping companion and taxi! But when I do get some spare time, I love to paint with watercolours and attempt various crafting activities as well go to the gym and travel. If I get stressed, I turn to a jigsaw!

• When you joined JFS, what were your aspirations for the company?

To protect the legacy, retain the family feel and service quality whilst gradually putting in place the processes and systems required to scale the business sustainably and meet the increasing regulatory demands.

• What is JFS doing to reduce carbon impact?

I have an electric car as I am travelling a lot from Yorkshire to Peterborough, our whole fleet is electric. We have changed many of our packaging solutions to recycled materials and our lights to LED. Freight is our biggest challenge and as a small business it is hard to lead the way but there are definite moves in the market to more sustainable transport methods by freight companies.

• Is Global Warming impacting supply of products, if so which?

Yes, all the time, whether it is drought, fire, flood, pests, sudden temperature changes, they all impact crop quality and availability. For us, trying to ensure and maintain supply options, and look for new products that meet a similar requirement are on-going to try to meet our customer’s requirements.

• What do you see as the biggest challenge for JFS, and how have you overcome it / doing to overcome it?

Our biggest challenge is continuing to manage our expansion (we are moving premises for the 3^rd time in 8 years shortly), people and processes at the pace required to keep up with growing demand.

Quick fire round –

• Smelliest product?

In a good way – spearmint, its lovely

• Favourite product?

Rose petals, very romantic!

• Most expensive product per gram?

Saffron