The Swale Business Awards recognise the best and brightest of business in Swale, whether it is a Sole Trader operating out of a home office, or a business that has been at the heart of the local economy for almost a century and a half. Our next entrant definitely falls into the latter category.
Established in 1880, Bennett Opie is one of the oldest private family-owned food companies in the country and employs over 100 staff members. A true Swale institution, they have called Sittingbourne their home since the 1920’s and have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Bennett Opie are fast becoming world-renowned for their specialist products and have huge ambitions for the future. Their products are sold across the globe, from high profile restaurants and independent stores such as Macknade to large retailers such as Tesco’s and Waitrose.
Chairman William Opie surmised as to why his business has gone from strength to strength: “Many of our products have become ‘family favourites’ such as our world famous pickled walnuts, our cocktail cherries and our delicious cocktail gherkins. However we are not the sort of company who rests on its laurels, we are always looking to bring new tastes and ideas to our customers’ tables. So we’re constantly working to develop new lines to fit in with people’s changing tastes and lifestyles. We were one of the first manufacturers to use British only produce in some of our products. Whatever we create, we make sure that we select the finest ingredients to ensure the end result is of a high quality which always delivers on flavour.”
When their competitors have seen an opportunity to try to save money by transferring their manufacturing to territories outside of the UK, Bennett Opie have made a conscious decision that their manufacturing will continue on from the heart of Swale. William elaborated on his reasoning: “Not only do we feel that our Sittingbourne site is a part of our heritage, but it also provides employment and infrastructure for a number of residents and business from the Swale community.”
Even with such an established business, Bennett Opie is determined to ensure that they provide an inclusive and welcoming environment where employees can thrive. “It is not unusual for employees of Bennett Opie to stay with the Company for quite a while, with some employees having been with us over 30 years. We pride ourselves on our family values with a friendly working environment which we believe has attributed to our excellent staff retention. Investing in professional staff development is also something we are highly passionate about, and we send staff on various certified courses. We also provide staff a holiday allowance which is above the government standard and additional day are awarded based on length of service. Alongside this we also offer a job design scheme which enables staff to help create roles which compliment not only the business requirements but also their individual needs.”
Finally, when asked why he felt that Bennett Opie should be the 2018 Swale Business of the Year William replied: “We are committed to supporting the community through local events and charities such as the Sittingbourne Strider's Race and Demelza House. From the early 1900s to the present day we have been based in the same area and grown in harmony with the community, ensuring that we are contributing to, and not hindering, the local economy. We pride ourselves on flying the flag for Swale by being vocal about our origins and will continue to see Sittingbourne as our home for the foreseeable future.”
Bennett Opie Ltd
Eurolink Industrial Estate
Wentworth Court
Sittingbourne
ME10 3RN
01795 413 706
www.b-opie.com