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0:00:02 > 0:00:07- Castell Howell Foods in Cross Hands - is a major distributor in Wales.
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- We're a one-stop shop for anyone - who serves food to the public.
0:00:14 > 0:00:20- They distribute 10,000 different - products to 4,000 customers a year.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- Hello, this is Castell Howell. - Can I speak to Manon, please?
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- The 350 members of staff - work at five centres...
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- ..in South Wales, North Wales - and South-West England.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- We're proud of what we've created - and established as a business...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- ..but it hasn't happened overnight.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- It's taken 20 years and more.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- If the opportunity arises, - I take it.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- I don't think about it - for a fortnight. I just do it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- It's an important week - for Castell Howell Foods.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- Their annual food festival is - about to start in Parc y Scarlets.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- Kathryn has the task of - ensuring this event is a success.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- Things change all the time but - that's the nature of the business.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- It's a family business and - I've worked here for a long time...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- ..so things change and - there's always something happening.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- There's always a challenge or - a problem to solve and it's a buzz.
0:01:54 > 0:02:00- Kathryn will face plenty of - challenges over the coming days...
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- ..at the food festival.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- This is an exhibition - for all our suppliers.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- They hold cooking demonstrations - and promote their own produce.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- We have 20 reps - on the road every day...
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- ..but they cannot promote over - 10,000 products to our customers.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- This event enables clients to see - some of the produce that we sell.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- We usually hold the event - at the depot in Cross Hands.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- It's been so successful - in recent years...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..that we couldn't get - a bigger marquee in the car park.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- By using the car park, - we lost parking spaces...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..and we didn't have room to park - so we had to change the venue.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- It had to be close to the depot - so we could fetch any extra items.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- We have links with the Scarlets - so this site was very convenient.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Kathryn's first task...
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- ..is to avoid the parking issues - from last year...
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- ..and ensure that the drivers - behave themselves.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- I tried to get them to move their - cars from outside the marquee...
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- ..but some were stubborn - and would not budge.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- This year, our advertising - was slightly different.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- We're using the security guards - of the Scarlets.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- If they park in spaces allocated for - the customers, they'll be clamped.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- I can't wait - to put the first clamp on!
0:03:29 > 0:03:35- It's a hive of activity as they - prepare for the 150 stall holders.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- But Martin has a problem.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- I injured my knee - whilst playing rugby in Aberaeron.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- I've broken - my anterior cruciate ligaments.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- A few people have said - I'm too old to be playing!
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- Martin may not be much help, but - Kathryn can always rely on Gilli.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- She's been with the company - for 25 years.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- I know the family - through the chapel.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- I had a call - and they asked if I wanted a job.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- My interview was in the front room - of the farm and I got the job.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- I started work in a Portakabin - on the farmyard...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..before moving to Carmarthen - and then to Cross Hands...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- ..so it's been nice - to watch the company grow.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Gilli has also witnessed - the growth of the food festival.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- It has grown over the years.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- At one stage, - we only had about 50 stands.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Today, we have about - 150 stall holders.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- We have also sourced - a lot of new products...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- ..that might interest our customers.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- We're always on the lookout - for new products.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- In no time at all, - Gilli and Kathryn face a problem.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- Daioni's pulled out.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- One company cannot be present - due to ill-health.
0:05:03 > 0:05:09- It's difficult when people - pull out at the last minute...
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- ..but there's not a lot - we can do about it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14- Will your hair be white by tomorrow?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- Will your hair be white by tomorrow?- - It's already white but I colour it!
0:05:21 > 0:05:27- From humble beginnings of selling - frozen foods from the farmyard...
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- ..Castell Howell Foods - has grown immensely.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- They employ 350 workers...
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- ..who sell, cook, distribute - and market their produce.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- But they are always on the lookout - for new opportunities.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- They have submitted a tender - to supply food to schools...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- ..in the Vale of Glamorgan, - Swansea and Cardiff.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- Tenders are always difficult - because pricing is very tight.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- We hope to get more work - from the Welsh councils.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- We use these contracts - to help purchase our stock.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- It means our purchases - are stronger.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13- We have a range of customers on our - side which can only help our cause.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- It's a difficult time for everyone.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- Contracts of this kind - do not come about every day...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..and they are difficult to secure.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- If they win the tender, - they'll need more lorries.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Martin took a gamble - and has spent 800,000!
0:06:33 > 0:06:39- I've bought ten extra lorries - to add to our current fleet...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- ..and I hope we can use them all.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- However, if we fail - to secure the extra work...
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- ..we can sell some of the old fleet.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- Back in Parc y Scarlets, - the preparations are well under way.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- An array of fresh food and drinks - are being exhibited...
0:07:03 > 0:07:08- ..so dozens of fridges and a strong - supply of electricity is needed.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- I need one six-foot chiller - for Cool Delights over here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- I need a six-footer over here.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17- Time is running out...
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- ..so Kathryn takes the reins - and shows everyone who is boss.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Heineken want a doubler - and need a single.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- We use Eirian Jenkins every year...
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- ..so some companies - book directly with him.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33- He hasn't got his own list...
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- ..so things might be clearer - when he brings the final load.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- We'll find a home for them - - no problem!
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- Amidst the hustle and bustle...
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- ..Martin gets a call to say the new - lorries are ready for collection.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- A Swansea company - is supplying the lorries.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- The first two are ready for - collection so I'm going to Swansea!
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- He leaves Kathryn and Gilli - to deal with the stall holders.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- How are you?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Very good. Are you Gareth? - I recognize your voice.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Can I go and find my spot?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Can I go and find my spot?- - You're in the far corner.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- Kathryn has been waiting - for the stall holders all morning...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- ..but most are leaving everything - to the last minute.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- It's 3.35pm and I was hoping - to see more people here.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- They expect us to still be around - at 6.00pm...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- ..and think they can arrive - at any time.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- I'm worried that everyone will turn - up at 5.00pm and want everything...
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- ..so we'll have a lot to do - in the morning.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- This year's festival is on - a grander scale than last year...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..and brings new problems.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Today, it's electricity.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- He's needed more cables and - more fuse boxes than he expected...
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- ..so it's worrying me now.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- Some of the stall holders want - to put their stock in the freezers.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- They want to unload their stock and - set up so that everything is ready.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- This is the current hold up.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- I did speak to him but he responded - with two words so I left him to it!
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- A lot of power is being used so I - hope everything is working properly.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- It'll be a long week of - waiting around if nothing trips.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- It keeps me busy - so I can't complain.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Martin has managed to avoid - all the problems at Parc y Scarlets.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- He's been to collect - the new lorries from Swansea.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- It's a brand-new advert - for the company.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- We use a lot - of 12-tonne lorries...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..and they cost 80,000 each, - so they are not cheap!
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- These white lorries look - quite simple from the outside...
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- ..but the box on the back is - worth half the value of the lorry.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- We need a freezer - and have other requirements...
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- ..such as the location of the doors - and these all add to the final cost.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- The tail lift is a few thousand - pounds, so it all adds up.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- We try to get 10 to 12 years - out of the box...
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- ..and five to six years - out of the chassis.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Lorries and anything - on four wheels...
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- ..have always been a part - of Martin's life.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- As a child, I enjoyed - being around tractors and lorries.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- I can't say that I love them...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- ..but I like to think - that I understand them.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- I spend a lot of time in them - and was a full-time driver...
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- ..so I understand how it all works.
0:11:00 > 0:11:00- .
0:11:02 > 0:11:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- The big day has arrived.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- The opening of the Castell Howell - Foods Festival at Parc y Scarlets.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Kathryn is on site to ensure - it all runs like clockwork.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- This is when it gets awkward.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- The suppliers try to keep their cars - in this enclosure.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- Some complain about a bad knee, - a bad back or a bad head.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- They'll have a headache - when I'm finished!
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- A few problems - could give Kathryn a headache.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- I need to phone two stall holders - who haven't turned up.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- The electricians didn't arrive - as early as I expected...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- ..so some stands didn't have - electric to do their cooking.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53- The generator went down.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- It's registering 'no fuel' - but there's plenty of fuel in it.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- It's nothing more than usual!
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Can I have your attention, please? - I need an electrician.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Seventy-six.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- An electrician to stand 76, - thank you.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- I hope there's going to be - a good turnout.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Some 500 places passed - through the door last year...
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- ..which is the equivalent - of 1,500 people.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- I hope that we'll have - a larger number this year.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Brian Jones is the boss - at Castell Howell Foods.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- He's delighted with the way - the food show has developed.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- There's a real variety here because - we stock 9,000 different products.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- There should be something - to suit everyone.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- As an avid fan of the Scarlets...
0:12:49 > 0:12:55- ..is it right that Castell Howell - exhibits food on this hallowed soil?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- This building - was built for rugby...
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- ..but they have recognized the need - to make money to maintain the sport.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- We started putting things in place - last Friday...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- ..and we should be - out of their way by Thursday.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- I know that some of the - Scarlets players don't like this.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- They are bigger than me - so I won't argue with them.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- The event is running smoothly...
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- ..so Martin seizes the opportunity - to return to Cross Hands...
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- ..to check his new lorries.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- It's always nice to have something - new in the fleet.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- I want to do some checks - and ensure they are roadworthy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- I'll check the doors - and location of the equipment.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- It's these little things that - help the drivers work effectively.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Little things can make - a world of difference.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Over the years...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..we've noticed that the newer - lorries are missing a few parts.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- We like to have two braces - to hold the door in place.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- If there's one brace - and the wind catches the door...
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- ..it can swing out - and cause serious damage...
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- ..so the second brace is important.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- We request a second brace - that turns upwards.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- We tend to load our frozen foods - in the front section.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- A wall is put in place - in the middle...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- ..and the fresh and dried foods - go at the back.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- Each section - has a different temperature.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- The fresh food department - is rapidly growing...
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- ..and Martin recently took charge - of this sector.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- Every day, we prepare - fresh sandwich fillings...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- ..cooked meats, cakes and pies.
0:15:07 > 0:15:13- We've also taken on a contract - with Coffee 1.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- It's part of our - contract with Brains.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- This part of the business - is growing.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- As a company, we are always looking - for ways to improve...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- ..and offer more to our customers.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- We take advantage - of a gap in the market...
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- ..and create something for our - customers that is not available.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- We could follow the trends but - we'd rather be ahead of the times...
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- ..by creating something new...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- ..as opposed to waiting - for the market to change.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- We want to be ahead of the market...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- ..before one of our competitors - catches onto the idea.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- If you want to be successful, you - should take an interest in things.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- Our expertise lies in food - and it does help.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- I'm not passionate about it - and I'm certainly not a chef.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- I struggle to make - a bowl of Corn Flakes...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- ..but I like going out - and appreciate good food.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- Martin wants to monitor this - department before it can expand.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- At the moment, I want to concentrate - on our current output.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- The costings and the product - both need to be correct.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- We've restructured - the management team.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Before we can progress - and increase our sales...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- ..we must ensure that - everything in-house is in order.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50- The customers at the food festival - in Parc y Scarlets are delighted.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- We're here to see - what Brian has on offer.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- And to support him.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- Peter and I have supported him - from the very start.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- We're very grateful to Brian, - his wife and the children.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- If we run out of food on Sunday, - we only have to phone Brian.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- He'd jump in the van - and deliver the food straight away.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- No other firm in Wales - would do that.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Brian's done a tremendous amount - for Welsh food.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- He means a lot to everybody.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- If you take him a Welsh product...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..he'll do as much in his power - to get it selling.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- Kathryn has managed to escape - from the hustle and bustle...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- ..to reminisce about - her first food festivals.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Some customers remember - the exhibition in Llanina...
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- ..where we had 15 stalls.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- They have seen the business develop.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- It's nice to see the same faces - return year after year.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- It's a buzz, a challenge. Great!
0:17:56 > 0:18:02- Kathryn's children Ffion and Aled - are amongst the crowds today.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- Aled comes every year - but it's Ffion's first festival.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Ffion has had a bit of a shock.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- She's familiar with the site because - she plays for the Scarlets...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- ..so it's rather odd - for her to see these stalls.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- She can usually only see the grass.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- Ffion has told me that she wants - nothing to do with the business.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- I've told them that I want them - to go to university or college.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- I didn't do that - and came home to work.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- I want them to get something under - their belts before coming home.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- The show is coming to an end...
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- ..and Neil and the other sellers - completing their final orders.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Most people have been - placing orders all day.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- They have tasted everything - and created their orders.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- We'll go to see Angharad - and Gillian...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..to see what orders have come in...
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- ..and if they've ordered - anything new.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- We'll also chase up the orders.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- However, it all boils down to money.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- We've had a lot more this year - than we did last year...
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- ..so I think everyone's happy - with the turnout.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- I'm glad it's over but - this is when the hard work begins...
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- ..and we have to load the orders - onto the computer.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- We've taken all the orders - and they are in a few boxes...
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- ..that will be sorted out next week - but it isn't all about the orders.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- It's great to get big orders...
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- ..and it's good for the customers - to have the extra discounts...
0:19:50 > 0:19:56- ..but the event is more about the - products and what we have to offer.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- It was great last year when - it was on the site in Cross Hands...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- ..but this year - has been exceptional.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- It's much easier if they come - to see what we have on offer...
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- ..as opposed to visiting everyone - to show them all these products.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- We're grateful to those - who made the effort to be here.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- There are people - from Anglesey, Bristol...
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- ..and from our delivery areas.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- It's all over for another year.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Not quite, there's the - small matter of tidying up.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- In ten minutes, everyone will be - in their jeans to help tidy up.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- Everyone pitches in - no matter what job they do.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- We all clean up together - because we're a team.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- What about - the future of the company?
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- The results of the county councils - tender have been announced.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02- We've been fortunate to secure - some work in East Wales...
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- ..which means that we can fill - the extra lorries in our fleet.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- We haven't won some areas - due to the tender process...
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- ..but we have secured - a lot of extra work.
0:21:16 > 0:21:22- It means that we won't have - to lose ten lorries...
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- ..so it isn't a complete loss.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- We might sell - two of the older ones...
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- ..but we have ten new lorries.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- A boss depends on his workers - and they are very important.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- They want to enjoy the success - with their boss.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- I've been with them from day one.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- It's been 28 years since I started - with Brian and Castell Howell.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- This isn't a company. - They are just like my family.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- I can't see myself working - anywhere else.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- As long as Castell Howell exists, - I hope to be a part of it.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- Most of our workers at Castell - Howell are part of the family.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- If I didn't like it, - I wouldn't do it.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- The phone is always ringing - with people wanting orders...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..or asking about the deliveries.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- They call on Saturdays, - Sundays and in the evening.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- I'll pack it in if I look at the - phone and don't want to answer it!
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- This is where my future lies.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- It's all I know.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Dad is 65 now.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46- He did mention retiring - at his last birthday...
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- ..but then he smiled, - so we knew he wasn't serious!
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- I'd like to be here when I'm 65...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- ..or older!
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:17 > 0:23:17- .