By Rob Willetts , Key Account Director
As we move into the year ahead, my focus is firmly on what works in practice. Strategy and technology both matter, but real progress still happens on farm – through people, skills and strong working relationships built over time.
My role keeps me close to that reality. I work directly with our customers and lead the Jonahs Handling side of the business – a team of experienced handlers supporting large-scale poultry producers across the UK. As we look forward, that means staying closely connected to the challenges producers are facing and making sure the right support, people and processes are in place when they’re needed.
The integration of Jonahs Handling has strengthened our ability to support producers in a very practical, hands-on way. Looking ahead, my priority is to continue building that capability – investing in training, consistency and continuous improvement so our teams are ready for whatever comes next. Handling work is often carried out under pressure, and preparedness, professionalism and trust will remain critical as demands on the sector continue to evolve.
A key focus for the months ahead is helping producers stay in control. Biosecurity and contingency planning aren’t just about responding when something goes wrong; they’re about confidence – knowing plans are in place, people are trained and decisions can be made quickly when it matters. From my perspective, that’s what good biosecurity looks like on the ground: clear planning, strong preparedness and prevention built through consistent action.
Learning and development will continue to play a central role. Whether it’s strengthening handling skills, improving biosecurity awareness or sharing lessons learned across sites and teams, continuous improvement helps everyone perform better under pressure. Supporting our people to grow means we can support producers more effectively and more consistently.
As a business, we’ve evolved significantly over the past 15 years – from delivering essential on-the-ground services to becoming a more integrated operation that combines practical delivery with digital tools and structured support. What matters most to me is that, as we continue to evolve, we don’t lose sight of what producers value: reliability, experience and people they can trust.
Looking ahead, I see a real opportunity to bring together the best of both worlds – using insight and data to support better decision-making, while continuing to deliver hands-on support through teams who understand the realities of working on farm.
For me, the future is about strengthening relationships, building skills and staying focused on what works in practice. When producers feel supported, prepared and in control, they’re in a far stronger position to manage risk and plan confidently for what lies ahead – and that’s exactly where my focus will remain.
