UK nutritional supplement manufacturer and supplier to the animal feed industry, UFAC-UK has appointed Nigel Bateson to the role of National Sales Manager as part of a client-focused corporate restructuring that is transforming the customer-supplier dynamic.
Robert Jones, UFAC-UK managing director, comments, “Nigel steps up from his role as Area Sales Manager to lead our drive to re-focus the important client and supplier relationship, as we develop our partnership ethos with distributors, livestock farmers and their nutritionists.”
Combining a pedigree stretching across four decades, and a reputation based on technical innovation and integrity, UFAC-UK is embracing this period of unprecedented change as a catalyst to redefine its position at the forefront of the animal feed sector, delivering proven product performance, advice and values to the benefit of the livestock farmer.
Nigel brings a wealth of experience within the animal feeds sector, across all farm animal species, having started his career after University with, the then, Pauls Agriculture. He has a background in pig genetics, and was also responsible for national monogastric sales in his previous role.
“Relationship management is key to everything we do,” say Nigel, “It is about creating a partnership approach to deliver the crucial benefits to improve livestock performance, and ultimately the farmers bottom line.
“We do not see our business as a straight-forward transaction between customer and supplier, it is very much about building partnerships and providing the market with the products it needs.”
A family owned business, UFAC-UK manufactures specialist energy, protein and omega 3 supplements from its unique manufacturing plant in Rutland, with particular expertise in the use of oils, fats, amino acids and liquid sugars. Nigel will be based from the Newmarket head office, with responsibility for all UK markets.
“I believe my experience lends itself to the demands of our end customer, the farmer putting food on the shelves. These uncertain times actually create great opportunity, but it demands flexibility, adaptability and co-operation, something UFAC-UK is ideally positioned to deliver,” adds Nigel.
“We retain our strong family ethos, matching the science of blending and bonding nutrient sources with the requirements of the evolving and developing farming landscape. We are an essential part of the entire food chain, enabling farmers to adapt to the changing demands from consumers and retailers.”
While Covid-19 has accentuated the need for flexibility, there are many economic pressures and worldwide events, including African Swine Flu, having a fundamental impact on the agriculture sector.
“Out of strange circumstances, a new way of building a sustainable business is emerging, and this is as relevant for the farming community as in any other enterprise. We must adapt and react to changing circumstances and consumer demands,” says Nigel.
“Our proactive and adaptable approach means we can help farmers meet these challenges and provide tangible solutions to ‘next day’ concerns. This is also achieved with a strong environmental focus.”
Nigel explains, “With pressures on raw materials, we focus on sustainable resources, for example supplying palm-free alternatives through our Dynalac range, meeting and exceeding the same benefits while reducing environmental impact.”
Robert Jones says, “We are a family business, this is at the forefront of what we do and with Nigel’s new role and our redefined approach we are building a bigger family, utilising our values and scientific expertise to support improved livestock production.”
Nigel, who is married with three grown-up children and lives in Suffolk, concludes, “Relationships are very much closer across the entire food supply chain, and we have an integral role with our knowledge of fats and nutrition, to enhance the value of livestock.”
