Message from the EXCO Team
The behind-the-scenes staff are often the unsung heroes of many organisations, including Kerston Foods. While they might not always be in the spotlight, their dedication and hard work are essential to the smooth running and success of the business.
We would like to take a moment to share some key principles that guide our Accounts Department, ensuring we remain committed to providing you with the best possible service.
- Partnering with Customers: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Your success is our success, and we remain devoted to supporting your business wherever possible.
- Timeous Delivery of Statements: We understand the importance of timely financial updates, and so commit to delivering statements promptly, allowing you to plan and query all payments that are to become due.
- Accuracy of Credit Notes: We recognize the critical importance of accurate financial documentation. Our team ensures that credit notes correctly reflect the details of each transaction, mitigating as many discrepancies as possible.
- Accounts Kept in Term: We aspire to keep all accounts within the agreed-upon terms, as our commitment to a transparent and trustworthy relationship.
- Plan and Manage Cash Flow: As we navigate the challenges of the financial world, we prioritise cash flow management. This not only ensures our sustainability but also ensures that we can meet our obligations to you, our customers, our dedicated staff and trusted suppliers.
We understand that the foundation of our success is rooted in the strength, dedication, and talents of our team, and have therefore implemented some guiding principles in Human Resources.
- Hiring the Best for the Job: We believe that our commitment to you, begins with ensuring that we have the right individuals on our team. To achieve this, our recruitment process is tailored to identify not only the most qualified candidates but those who align with our company’s culture and values.
- Star Qualities: We search for individuals who don’t just bring skills and experience to the table, but also possess that ‘star quality’. This means dedication to excellence, a passion for the job, and a commitment to continuously improving and innovating in their roles.
- Training and Development: We invest in the continuous growth and development of our staff through various training programs. This ensures that our teams continue to deliver the best possible service to you.
It is also our mission to meet all statutory compliance requirements and implement industry best practices, which is geared towards offering you better, more efficient, and more transparent services.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in us. We look forward to many more years of mutual growth and success.
Tessa Kershaw
Financial Manager
Kerston Foods
Dispatching at Kerston Foods
The dispatch function at Kerston Foods serves as the crucial final checkpoint before orders are sent out on the road, making it a pivotal stage in the company’s operations. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it plays a central role in ensuring the accuracy of orders. Any errors or oversights at this stage can result in incorrect deliveries, dissatisfied customers, and potential financial losses. Moreover, dispatch also places a premium on efficiency and speed. Delays in this phase can trigger a ripple effect down the supply chain, impacting not only delivery schedules but also inventory management and customer satisfaction. Therefore, the dispatch function at Kerston Foods is not just a logistical necessity; it is a pillar in maintaining the company’s reputation for precision and punctuality in its deliveries.
Our dispatch team have been handpicked and trained to perform this key role inside our business.
Meet Cecil Witbooi!
He started with Kerston Foods in February 2012 as a driver and soon after moved into our warehouse department as a stager. After a few years in the warehouse, Cecil was promoted to the dispatch position, where he has been practising his expertise to ensure our trucks are loaded and dispatched in a timeously and efficient manner.
His colleagues describe him as:
“According to me, I can tell you he is a straightforward guy, and he likes his work. He owns the place when he is dispatching, and he is very strict when it comes to work. He wants all the guys to give him respect. For me, he is a good guy when it comes to work.”
“Been working with Cecil for 10 years, he is a very respectful person, always willing to go the extra mile and give his best, always sticking to rules, and willing to listen and give advice where he can.”
“He follows the rules, is a funny guy and likes to make jokes from time to time. And he wants to get the job done.”
“I have been working with Cecil for a very long time. He is always willing to help when he is asked.”
Earthware
Earthware is committed to enabling everyone to live an earth-friendly lifestyle. You will love their products as much as the earth loves them. It’s often not easy to ditch single-use plastic or other non-degradable materials but we are going to try!
The Areca Palm drops five leaves per year.
They collect them, hand sort them, wash and transform them into beautiful plates, platters and bowls.
Bringing you the greenest disposable plates on the planet.
Work them into your garden when you are done. In fact, you can even feed them to your farm animals.
Their 18cm round plates are perfect to serve your favourite appetisers, desserts or entrees at a wedding, party, camping, BBQ, catering, and everyday gatherings.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Join us in creating awareness by tagging us on Facebook when you receive your wrapped product or spot one of our trucks on the road. Scan the QR code, find the post, #cansa & #breastcancer and you are entered into a lucky draw. As easy as 1, 2, 3… all while creating awareness during the month of October!
In The Spotlight This Month
Why I do Business with Kerston Foods
They are very well established, easy to order from and reliable. We have been ordering from them since our business started. Everything’s just good, the people, good ingredients. A lot of fun love and ambience.
About Fledgelings
Learn, and teach, always with love and passion.
We believe that this platform enables people who previously had no access to the hospitality industry to potentially forge a new career.
While being employed full-time, they receive a salary as they are continually upskilled through on-the-job training.
The aim is for the fledgelings to grow and be incorporated into one of the LDR restaurants or other establishments.
Mentor chefs and front-of-house staff from the LDR restaurants work alongside the fledgelings.
Either Luke and/or Head Chef Nathan Clarke, are in the kitchen teaching new skills or improving techniques daily.
Nathan Clarke
HEAD CHEF
THE TEST KITCHEN FLEDGELINGS