We’re introducing Ambassadors to TableCrowd, who are passionate about their sector or industry.

This means there will be someone with their ear on the ground on the most interesting speakers, as well as a face you’ll recognise at every dinner for that industry. Find out more about Ambassadors here. Our Food and Drink Ambassador is Rob Ward. We’ve caught up with Rob to find out more about him and his business:

 

Explain what you do in one sentence?

I run two businesses: Grocery Accelerator (GA), a food and drink investment business for early stage ambitious brands. Grocery Intelligence (Gi) – a game changer for market insights into UK FMCG food and drink for food businesses.

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What were you doing before you launched your businesses?

Tech business: International buyers and sellers networking and matching service – Food Marketing Network.

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If you have business partners, where did you meet them?

One – at a networking dinner (this was before TableCrowd!) and another on LinkedIn.

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What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

Collaboration beats independence! Better to share a bigger pie, for both financials and satisfaction.

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What will the next year bring?

High stakes economic situation will bring stunning new opportunities. 2018/19 we are going to be leaders for UK FMCG innovation, with new food brands and market intelligence.

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One piece of advice for someone starting a business in your sector?

Timing. Here’s a surfing analogy – it’s all about spotting the right wave and when to surf it.

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Convince someone to use your product/service in under 50 words!

Grocery Accelerator – UK’s only independent FMCG food and drink coaching and investment service. Run by entrepreneurs that know what it takes to help entrepreneurs succeed in this market.

Grocery Insights – Access to new automated data service that leap-frogs old analogue, manual processes to create faster, more accurate B2B analysis of the food and drink market.

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What’s your favourite business in your sector (not including your own)?

Young Foodies!

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What are you passionate about being an Ambassador in this sector?

The sheer pleasure of helping people learn, network and make great new connections in a relaxed, fun environment!

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What’s your favourite London restaurant?

Terroir – Covent Garden.

 

Meet Rob at his first Ambassador dinner:

Dine with co-founder of New Covent Garden Soup co. & Little Dish >> Building, Growing and Exiting an FMCG Business

 

Interested in becoming a TableCrowd Ambassador? >> Read this blog