Our Story
Produce is at the heart of everything we do, Produced in Kent is a trade organisation dedicated to supporting & promoting all types of food, drink and craft businesses in Kent.
We provide vital support to a diverse range of businesses which in turn provide valuable employment opportunities in Kent and are at the economic heart of our rural communities.
Produced in Kent is a strong, widely recognised brand, benefiting and promoting its membership businesses. It provides business support, advice and sales opportunities.
Our role is to promote local and seasonal produce and provide support and services to our Members.
This is underpinned by our core values:
- A commitment to quality and provenance
- Respect and trust for one another
- Driving sector innovation and expertise
- Supporting commerciality
We are governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from Kent County Council and Produced in Kent membership. Board meetings are held quarterly.
Find out more about our Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives in the member pack
Sustainability
Minimising your carbon footprint, being good global citizens and giving back to the community – we are here to help you achieve these goals.
As an organisation representing the local independent food and drink sector in Kent, sustainability is at the core of our mission. We want to be a driver of sustainable development in the county, showcasing the fantastic initiatives undertaken by our members in the area of operational sustainability, and encouraging other members
to follow their example.
We acknowledge that we are not perfect, but we are committed to make the transition to a responsible organisation and create a better and greener future for the next generation.
Meet the Team
We are a dedicated team with a wide range of experience. We also draw on the expertise of our board, the membership and wider Kent connections to offer you advice and support. We are enthusiastic about helping businesses achieve their potential and share a real passion and interest in all things Kentish. We love where we live and look forward to working with anyone who does too!
Jill Sargent
Business Development
Jill joined Produced in Kent in February 2006 and is responsible for all aspects of the membership experience from recruitment to renewal and everything in between!
Jo Gurr
Marketing
Jo has overall responsibility for the brand identity and marketing. Originally, she joined part-time in 2013 whilst operating her own rural admin & marketing businesses, and never left. Her roots are in desktop publishing and agriculture.
The Board
Our board of directors is made up of experienced business people from the food & drink industry in the county.
William Burton
Strategic business growth & team development consultant
Business owner (business growth, advisory and coaching consultancy), experienced Director in FMCG, across Retail, Wholesale, and Manufacturing
Stephen Clarke
Managing Director, Q Catering
A passionate supporter of Produced in Kent, bringing extensive commercial experience and a track record of driving growth and innovation to the board.
Tilly Clarke
Corporate Lawyer, Acuity Law
Tilly is a corporate lawyer and recognised as Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners UK 2025 legal directory. Tilly specialises in mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganisations, equity investments, and shareholder arrangements as well as commercial contracts. Her experience spans a wide range of sectors, with particular depth in advising digital, technology, and food and drink businesses.
Finn Dunlop
Owner – Finnian’s Deli
Business owner with a wealth of experience in food and hospitality with a love for quality produce
Carol Ford
Director of Ford Synthesis Limited
Carol is passionate about fresh produce, fresh food and the wider rural sector, keen to drive a re-imaged future by bringing together people, ideas, strategy and opportunity. As well as an MBA and Business Economics (Hons) Degree she is extensively networked and is advising on several Economic Recovery Boards and the Employment Task Force.
Linda Garcia
Director of Alluxi Consulting
Born in Aylesford, Kent and originally from a scientific background, Linda brings extensive corporate management consulting & global productivity expertise to the SME sector. She founded Alluxi Consulting Ltd in 2015 to support Kent based business owners in establishing and growing their companies.
Stephanie Karpetas OBE
Owner of Sustainability Connections and Head, Honours Secretariat at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Experienced Director and founder of community interest companies, Stephanie has extensive experience of building business clusters and supporting communities, with a particular focus on addressing climate change.
Julie Maddocks
Director at Straight to the Point PR
Having been born in Whitstable, growing up in Canterbury, working in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, West Malling and now living in Hythe, Julie considers herself to be a true Kentish Maid. She incredibly proud of everything about the county she has always called home and is well known in the area after broadcasting for a number of organisations including the former Invicta Radio, BBC Radio Kent and Your Kent TV.
Sally Newall
Founder & Owner, Simply Ice Cream
Sally launched multi-award winning Simply Ice Cream in 2005 after running a catering company for 20 years. Since then the business has grown into an internationally renowned brand available in both independent and chain retailers across the country.
Susie Warran-Smith CBE
Chairman
Experienced director and CEO in a range of sectors. An expert in SME business growth
Patron of Produced in Kent
Amanda brings her passion for all things Kentish and champions the county wherever she goes. Produced in Kent is fortunate to have had her support for many years since she championed Kent producers during her year as High Sheriff of Kent. A passionate supporter of the producers, the landscape and business success, she leads by example and is a tireless campaigner for Kent.
Our Amazing Partners
We’re both proud and grateful for the utterly incredible industry & strategic partners we have.
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