Nick Padley has been named a Director of New Covent Garden Market wholesaler P&I Fruit, joining Paul Emmett and Paul Bishop on the board of the group that includes both P&I Fruit and Side Salads.
Padley began his career at the Market 23 years ago as a porter at the age of 19, becoming the fourth generation of his family to work at NCGM. He joined Side Salads as a junior salesman in 2011 after P&I acquired the company and has led Side Salads since 2018.
© Covent Garden Market Authority
Now stepping up to oversee the entire business, Padley said, "I always had a long-term view that I wanted to be involved in overseeing the business. I've learned the trade from the bottom up, every role, every supplier and customer, the hiring and firing. I'm now looking forward to contributing at a higher level."
Reflecting on the company's values, Padley added: "Side Salads and P&I have always followed a clear blueprint in how we operate. We take pride in looking after our staff—we want them to be happy, because without them, we don't have a business. Our foundation has always been about looking after our suppliers. You're only as good as the growers you work with and their willingness to collaborate. If everyone understands that we all need to make a living, there's room for everyone to succeed."
In a joint statement, Emmett and Bishop expressed their confidence in Padley's appointment: "We are very pleased and proud to appoint Nick as a Director. He has shown tremendous commitment, dedication, and hard work, and it's been a pleasure to work with him on his journey through the business."
They added that while both remain actively involved in the strategic direction of the company, they are no longer present in the Market on a daily basis. "Nick will manage day-to-day operations at New Covent Garden and be the face of P&I on the ground. He is well-liked and respected throughout the Market and represents the future of the company. We look forward to working alongside him to take P&I to new levels in the coming years."
For more information:
Covent Garden Market Authority
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7720 2211
Email: [email protected]
www.newcoventgardenmarket.com
