Family business is just the ticket for hands-on experience

23 April 2019

BSc Food Production with Marketing student Flossy Pritchett is currently on placement with Just Crisps & Just Oil – a dynamic company which has expanded its portfolio of products in recent years.

The family-based Staffordshire business diversified from using their oil seed rape crop to produce rapeseed oil, to products including crisps, mayonnaise and salad dressings under its Just… branding. Flossy has got involved right at the heart of the company’s efforts to grow its scope and reputation.

“The role involves admin, sales order processing and liaison with customers, plus some telesales targeting potential clients such as local pubs or Cooperative stores” says Flossy, 21.

Her tasks can include arranging the despatch and delivery of orders, helping manage the production of oil and crisps, or acting as the face of the company at trade events like the Farm Shop and Deli Show. It’s certainly a placement for those who like to get hands-on.

“Working in all areas of the business and dealing with problem-solving situations can push you out of your comfort zone. There are many challenges going from university to a working environment, which I have embraced. It has made me reflect on my professional prospects, and this is the type of company I’d like to work for in the future.

“I am now going into my final year with a positive attitude towards my academic work, aiming to obtain the best degree I can get. My placement has widened my knowledge and I am able to make better informed decisions.”

Further cementing connections to Harper, Anthony Froggatt, founder and Director of Just Oil, was on campus on Friday 8 February to speak to students about the development of his business.

He spoke about the company’s ever-widening product range, growth strategy and marketing – even giving students a sneak peek at some of their new branding (no telling…). All in all, some vital insight about taking products with a personal narrative and distinctly agricultural provenance to the great British public.