New boss takes over at award-winning Ludlow Food Centre

Ludlow Food Centre is going into 2016 with the appointment of a new managing director. Jon Edwards will take over from Edward Berry, who has been in charge for the past four years.

The centre, which was started on the Earl of Plymouth's Oakly Park Estate in Bromfield, just outside Ludlow, in 2007, sells locally sourced and artisan food.

In recent years it has won a raft of awards, recently bagging the national accolade of Great Taste Shop of the Year at the Guild of Fine Foods Golden Fork Awards.

Mr Berry supervised the addition of a 160-seater cafe and the opening of a satellite delicatessen, Ludlow Pantry.

The Clive Hotel and Restaurant next to the Food Centre at Bromfield was also added to the roster in Mr Berry's time.

David Windsor-Clive, chairman of the Ludlow Food Centre, said: "To capitalise on our recent progress we have ambitious plans that Jon will be pivotal in delivering when he joins.

"His understanding and experience of the retail sector makes him ideal for implementing our plans and will bring a fresh perspective."

Jon Edwards, a veteran at overseeing farm shops and Marks & Spencer's stores, will take over next week from Mr Berry, who said he felt it was time to move on knowing the business was doing so well and was in safe hands.

Mr Edwards has spent the past 10 years leading a similar award-winning farm shop on the Rhug Estate in Corwen, Denbighshire. As well as showcasing organic meat reared on Lord Newborough's Estate, Mr Edwards has also been responsible for championing local produce.

Prior to his time in Wales, Mr Edwards spent 10 years in retail management with Marks & Spencer throughout various North West locations.

Mr Edwards said: "Ludlow Food Centre is very highly regarded so it is a privilege to accept the position of managing director.

"I am full of admiration for the business model that the Windsor-Clive family has developed to secure a sustainable future for the estate and the local community.

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know our team, local producers and our customers."