All Things Business – The Podcast welcomes Nigel Wagstaff, Managing Director of Houghton Hams. Better known as Waggy, Nigel had a storied career in business throughout multiple industries – but Houghton Hams has remained his pride and joy.
Houghton Hams humble beginnings
A family-owned and run business, Houghton Hams began life in 1983. Waggy used his connections in the food business from his time as a sales manager to get started, getting his first ham cure from his former employer.
Seeing a gap in the local ham market, he used some redundancy money and a loan from the bank to start the business, producing his first 50 hams and delivering them himself.
In the 40 years since those humble beginnings, the business has gone from strength to strength, growing consistently to a head count of over 100 staff operating within a 45,000 square foot facility.
Waggy explains that reaching a pinnacle requires a wide base, emphasising the importance of robust growth and having good people around you. He’s grateful that he gets to see and work with his family every day.
Cracking customer challenges
Ben asks about the challenges he’s faced in his four decades in business. Waggy explains that his biggest challenge turned into one of his most significant successes. The business suddenly lost a major customer after a change of leadership.
Houghton Hams had to adapt, but within six months the customer returned after their customer base had asked for Houghton’s return. This showed that their product was high quality and that their brand had an excellent reputation.
Other business interests
Waggy’s other business interests have primarily come in the world of sport. He has sponsored and championed the local football, rugby and cricket teams and regularly attends them all, rugby especially.
He had a successful period running motorcycle speedway teams in the early 2000s, finding success with both Oxford and Kings Lynn. His charity work is also discussed, with significant amounts raised for Northampton General Hospital among other causes.
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