Inside Foodbuy Part 1: Q&A with Lauren Boon: A University of Cambridge collaboration

1 June 2023

Foodbuy are proud to be partners with the University of Cambridge, where we support various colleges at the University with their food procurement operations. With 28 separate internal businesses, each with their own different demands and challenges, our industry expertise and tailored client support has enabled the University to keep their business operations running smoothly. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we sat down with our Account Executive, Lauren Boon, to hear about her vital work at Foodbuy and her experience delivering innovative outcomes to the university.

1. What’s your day-to-day job like?

Every day is different, which keeps me on my toes. One day I could be in the Chertsey head office having meetings with my team regarding tenders, another day I could be in Cambridge meeting several clients to discuss where Foodbuy can support their needs. I plan my week around the jobs that need to get done, whether that is working from home, head office or Cambridge. The flexibility of my job allows me to have a great work life balance.

2. What do you enjoy most about working for Foodbuy?

We have a great team culture. Not only will everyone go over & above when needing support, but we also have a drive to work hard. This comes from all the team having a key drive to grow the Foodbuy business and anyone who achieves this is recognised & celebrated. Who wouldn’t want to be around a team who is, passionate, motivated & successful?

3. What trends are you seeing in your field of work?

Price, supplier reliability, quality & sustainability is the key to Cambridge’s heart along with most other clients. Our team is on hand to support each key driver showing the client how Foodbuy is essential to their business.

4. How are you supporting your clients with innovation?

We recently held a Food to Go Innovation Day at Homerton College, which was an absolute hit with the students and staff! The college came to Foodbuy asking for support on updating their product range, so we suggested an innovation day. On the day, we had numerous new brands arrive with samples for staff & students to taste, allowing them to give feedback to the brands and see if they would like to add these products to their college’s product range. The feedback from the students speaks for itself:

“All of the people were really friendly and informative; it was really fun to try new things and be involved in the process. Also, it was nice how sustainable it all was”

5. What advice would you share with someone considering an account manager job at Foodbuy?

Apply! It’s as simple as that. Taking the plunge to become an account manager at Foodbuy has been an amazing career choice for me and this could also be you.

It’s never too late to transform your university’s foodservice. We support multiple universities across the UK and can support you to bring innovative solutions, sustainable and nutritious food, and a seamless procurement operation! To find out more about a partnership with Foodbuy, contact Gordon.turner@foodbuy.co.uk