About Us

Our People

Everyone says it, but in our case it really is true; the continued success of our business is all down to our people.

Each and every one of our team is amazing in their own right, but when we combine our experience, dedication and ambition, we achieve even greater success!

We're very proud of the team and how we've grown. We now operate one of the largest network of procurement managers in the UK, but it still feels like it did when there were just a few of us.
Say hello to our talented team

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Management Team

Alex Demetriou

Managing Director

Alex Demetriou

Managing Director

Hospitality has always been in Alex's blood having been involved in his mother’s and grandparents' catering businesses from a very young age. Alex started his training in kitchens and he then went on to work in, own and operate various hospitality businesses, ranging from an 80-seater à la carte restaurant to two, side-by-side 350-seater restaurants with one central kitchen, and most things in between. 

Alex also owned an events business, which most famously secured the contract to deliver the first ever mobile vending at the Olympic Games for London 2012. To deliver this, Alex worked in partnership with Coca-Cola, Heineken and Cadbury’s Ice Cream to sell their products across the Olympic Park, and the business subsequently went on to support the Rio 2016 Olympics in a consultancy capacity.  

Regency Purchasing Group was initially created to manage the beer contracts for Alex’s family businesses of around 15 sites, and has now developed into a cross-category support service for the hospitality and leisure industry with over 5,000 members.

Alex maintains an active role as Director at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, as well as holding a Director role at The Old Thatched Cottage restaurant, the first restaurant his grandfather purchased over 60 years ago and an important legacy in the family business.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with his family on his small farm where he rears pigs, sheep and chickens.

Ben Hoskin

Chief Operating Officer

Ben Hoskin

Chief Operating Officer

Ben joined the team in 2009 as a Procurement Manager having spent several years working in the on-trade beer industry.

After four successful years with the company, Ben was promoted to National Sales Manager, and five years later, Ben took on the role of Sales Director managing the largest network of procurement managers in the UK. In January 2022, after almost 13 years with Regency, Ben was appointed as Chief Operating Officer.

When he isn’t working, Ben enjoys spending quality time with his family and days out exploring new parts of the country.

Hayley Dobbs

Customer Development Director

Hayley Dobbs

Customer Development Director

Hayley joined the team in 2019, having previously worked for Brakes Foodservice for an impressive 26 years, with roles including Area Sales Manager, National Telesales Manager, National Consortia Account Manager through to Regional Sales Manager of the South West.

In her spare time, Hayley loves to watch all sports, as well as any good box set.

Lucy Graham

Group Marketing Manager

Lucy Graham

Group Marketing Manager

Lucy has been part of the team since 2019 and leads a team of marketing and design specialists who work across the portfolio of businesses to plan and deliver various marketing and communication plans.

Lucy joined us having worked in consultancy roles for a number of years and prior to that, she held senior marketing roles in the leisure and hospitality, retail, finance and technology industries

When she’s not at work, Lucy spends most of her time running around after her three young children.

Martin Renwick

Commercial Manager

Martin Renwick

Commercial Manager

Martin joined us from Woodward Foodservice in 2012 with experience in and passion for catering development and craft beer. Now, as an experienced multi-site pub operator, Martin uses his first-hand knowledge to support Regency members and key clients with their drinks purchasing and strategies, while managing brand owner and route-to-market partnerships.

Since the arrival of his son Harry, spare time is not something Martin is currently familiar with!

Nick Pursey

Head of Commercial Operations

Nick Pursey

Head of Commercial Operations

Nick joined us in 2017 and heads up our Commercial team where he manages both our supplier and brand owner relationships, whilst working closely with all the other departments to drive operational excellence across the business.

Outside of work, Nick loves to travel and when staying closer to home, can be seen riding around on either his scooter or motorbike “livin' the dream”!

Sharon D'Arcy

Office Manager

Sharon D'Arcy

Office Manager

In 2013, Sharon joined us as a member of the administration team and was promoted to Office Manager in 2020. Sharon mainly supports the sales and management team, while overseeing the office operations and keeping a check on the wider team.

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys tennis, reading and going on long dog walks with her family.

Sian Collins

Business Development Director

Sian Collins

Business Development Director

Sian is Regency’s longest serving team member having joined us in 2006.; she has successfully built our nationwide coverage and now predominantly works with larger group operators.

Sian also manages new projects and product launches - including our multiple marketing-leading software solutions - as well as overseeing our association partnerships, coordinates our events and mentors and trains the Regency team in account management.

When Sian isn’t helping our members she enjoys travelling with her family, walking her two whippets and if that's not enough, she's also in the process of building her own house!

Simon Browett

Technical Director

Simon Browett

Technical Director

Simon joined the team in 2018 and manages the portfolio of Regency solutions. A self-confessed geek, he loves solving real-world problems with technology and is always thinking about the next innovative solution we can offer our customers to help them save time and money.

Simon lives in Somerset with 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog called Richard.

Stephanie Hurne

Executive Assistant

Stephanie Hurne

Executive Assistant

Steph has been with us since 2011 having previously worked in the accounts department at one of our other businesses - the Grand Pier. Originally joining us as a member of the administration team, Steph has expanded her skills working her way through various departments and now supports Alex, our MD and the management team.

When she’s not at work, Steph enjoys reading, writing, and dancing around her living room to Beyoncé!

Field Team

Andrew Chan

Development Chef

Andrew Chan

Development Chef

Andy has worked in the catering and hospitality industry for over 20 years, including roles at Marriott, Hilton Doubletree, Luxury Family Hotels and Loch Fyne Seafood.

Andy was awarded South West Chef of the Year in 2013 and during his Head Chef role at Polurrian Bay Hotel in Cornwall, Andy and his team were awarded Two Rosette status - a first for the hotel.

When Andy's not supporting our members with menus, food concepts and operational advice, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and the occasional run.

Andrew Sleight

Procurment Manager

Andrew Sleight

Procurment Manager

Andrew joined the Regency Purchasing team in 2024 bringing with him forty years worth of foodservice experience.

When he isn’t helping his customers secure the best pricing and service in the market, Andrew can be found sampling the latest craft ale offerings or on the Golf course.

Anna Matthews

Procurement Manager

Anna Matthews

Procurement Manager

Anna started with us in 2018, following 10 years working in the drinks industry within our supplier network. Anna manages group accounts and has forged strong relationships with partner suppliers and members alike.

Anna is regularly seen running along Weston seafront before a team meeting, and has an active social life. She sits as treasurer on her local primary schools PTA, and enjoys days out with her husband and son.

Bill Barber

Procurement Manager

Bill Barber

Procurement Manager

Bill joined the team in 2021 having worked in the hospitality industry for the past 17 years. Bill's experience includes 11 years working as a chef for various hotel chains and Michelin-starred restaurants, followed by account management and business development roles at Brakes Group and Birchall Foodservice.

Bill loves nothing more than spending time with his family and when he's not working, he's likely to be found on a quad bike in a muddy field with his son and two dogs. He's also a keen golfer.

Carole Stainforth

Procurement Manager

Carole Stainforth

Procurement Manager

Having worked alongside our teams for a number of years in her previous role at Booker, Carole joined the team in 2017. With a profound knowledge of the industry and a wealth of experience, Carole works beyond the call of duty to ensure her customers are always at the heart of what she does.

Outside of work, Carole keeps herself busy spending time with her daughter, looking after a menagerie of pets, and can generally be found pottering on her allotment.

Claire Green

Procurement Manager

Claire Green

Procurement Manager

Claire has over 25 years' experience in the catering, hospitality and license trade industries having worked in both wholesale and on-trade operational management roles. She now uses this wealth of experience to save our members both time and money.

Claire loves living life to the max, sharing good times with a large loving family and many great friends, discovering new cocktails and is very proud to hail from Yorkshire.

Chris Hill

Procurement Executive

Chris Hill

Procurement Executive

Joining the team in 2021, Chris has 18 years' experience in foodservice, including 16 years at Brakes where he held various roles including Area Manager, Business Development Manager and National Account Manager (Independent and Corporate).

Chris is a self-proclaimed sport fanatic and when he's not working, he watches as much live football (he supports Aston Villa), cricket and rugby as he can.

Debbie Beech

Procurement Manager

Debbie Beech

Procurement Manager

Debbie joined us in 2016 having previously held an account management role at Thatchers Cider for nearly 6 years (Regency was actually one of Debbie's accounts!)

Aswell as working with our lovely customers, Debbie also helps with overall team training & development and was proud to achieve a Carbon Literacy certificate herself in early 2024.

In her spare time, Debbie likes binging on Netflix box sets, baking treats for the office and looking after her own cat, as well as all his visiting cat friends.

Edwina Platten

Procurement Manager

Edwina Platten

Procurement Manager

Edwina joined the Regency team in January 2023 after 9 years in FMCG working as a National Account Manager for Premier Foods and Britvic Soft Drinks. Whilst working at Britvic, Edwina managed the Regency account so she feels like a member of the team already.

Edwina lives in Hinckley with her partner and two children. She enjoys spending her free time walking her dog, experimenting in the kitchen and catching up friends and if she has any time left, she’s singing in the rock choir!

Eileen Killen

Procurement Manager

Eileen Killen

Procurement Manager

We welcomed Eileen to the team in 2022. A chef by trade, Eileen spent over 10 years heading up kitchens before moving on to become a Sales Manager for Brakes Foodservice, covering the South Wales region for an impressive 25 years. After a couple of years in the meat trade, Eileen then joined the Regency team.

In her spare time, Eileen enjoys walking her dog along the Welsh coast and enjoying the Welsh scenery. She also has a real passion for food.

Gareth Davies

Procurement Manager

Gareth Davies

Procurement Manager

Gareth joined Regency in 2022 following a successful career within the hospitality industry where he had roles with Woodward Foodservice, Booker & Birchall Foodservice.

Gareth is a sport fanatic; he’s represented his county at rugby and cricket, he is a qualified rugby referee and coach and he plays golf when he can. Gareth cycled from London to Paris to raise funds for Children with Cancer and ran the Great South Run for SANDS Charity.

Gary Charalambos

Procurement Manager

Gary Charalambos

Procurement Manager

In 2014, Gary joined our team bringing with him over 12 years' experience in the drinks trade.

Outside of work, Gary is a keen golfer, sometimes we joke that there isn’t a club in the UK he hasn’t visited!

George Harris

Procurement Executive

George Harris

Procurement Executive

George has worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years across our own estate mainly operating within the F&B department at The Grand Pier. George joined the Regency team in 2023 to help fellow operators with their challenges within our local area.

In his spare time George enjoys socialising with friends and watching the football.

Greg Finney

Procurement Manager

Greg Finney

Procurement Manager

Following a 29 year career in the catering industry, Greg joined Regency in 2023 having spent 20 years working as an operator and 9 years working as a Regional Account Manager for Total Produce. With his operator knowledge, Greg is even more passionate about how he can support fellow operators across the hospitality industry.

In Greg's spare time he enjoys getting stuck in with a crime thriller book or playing a game or two of golf and tennis.

Ian Bage

Procurment Manager

Ian Bage

Procurment Manager

Ian has over 30 years on trade experience across the North of England, working for several National and regional brewers, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the drinks industry. 

Ian enjoys holidays overseas and walking with his dog Pippa along the river in my home city of Durham

Janine Shaffery

Procurement Executive

Janine Shaffery

Procurement Executive

Janine joined us in January 2024 bringing with her a wealth of brand experience which includes Ferrero, Nestle and most recently a Customer Development Executive for Walls Ice Cream.

In her spare time Janine studies Tarot, enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her family and new granddaughter Bonnie.

Jaz Sahota

Procurement Manager

Jaz Sahota

Procurement Manager

Jaz Started with the Regency family in 2024, she brings with her first-hand operator knowledge and experience. She has been running family businesses with her husband for the last 15years. Before joining Regency Jaz worked with Brakes within the lease & tenant pub division. She has also worked in the world of FMCG for William Grant and GSK and has a strong retail background.

Jaz loves anything to do with food & drink and enjoys cooking with her 3 sons. Her other greatest passion is art, design, and home renovation. Being with her family, friends and her beautiful Cockerpoo Miller, is her happy place.

Jordan Jones

Procurement Manager

Jordan Jones

Procurement Manager

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 13 years, Jordan first got to know our team while working as Catering Manager at the Grand Pier. For five years, Jordan worked alongside our team on our internal and external functions until eventually he took the plunge and came to join us in 2020.

Jordan is a keen golfer, but he is a self-proclaimed fair-weather player only!

Kamila Walczak

Procurement Executive

Kamila Walczak

Procurement Executive

Kamila has a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector, having held various supervising roles in well-known restaurants. Kamila completed work experience with us in 2018 via Weston College and officially joined the Regency team in 2019.


In her free time, Kamila loves nothing more than going out for food and drinks with friends.

Keely Duran

Procurement Manager

Keely Duran

Procurement Manager

Keely joined our team in 2020 after 13 years at M&J Seafood’s where she started in the telesales team and worked her way up to Regional Sales Manager.

Keely loves to kick back with a glass of wine, good food and company. At home, Keely has two very spoilt cats that are very used to getting their own way, and her favourite band of all time is Roxette, much to her husband’s disgust!

Laura McGill

Procurement Manager

Laura McGill

Procurement Manager

Laura joined the company in 2022 and has an extensive background in catering having worked in various independent and chain restaurants. Laura spent eight years working in field sales for Imperial Brands followed by three years at Brakes Foodservice.

Laura is a Mum of two girls and she enjoys swimming, New Zealand wine and is a self-proclaimed foodie. Laura is also a big fan of rugby union especially Ireland as her parents are from Belfast & County Mayo.

Liz Worswick

Procurement Manager

Liz Worswick

Procurement Manager

Liz joined us in 2016 and brought with her over 13 years' chef and catering experience. Liz works with our existing and new members to develop their menus and find the best suppliers for their business with a strong focus on customer service.

When not at work, Liz likes to spend time in the gym, cycling and eating Jelly Beans. She is also a massive Harry Potter fan!

Louisa-Jane Noble

Procurement Manager

Louisa-Jane Noble

Procurement Manager

Louisa has been with us since 2016 having previously spent most of her career in the foodservice industry working for Cearns & Brown and DBC Foodservice. Louisa-Jane supports Regency members in the Norfolk and Suffolk area, assisting with all purchasing requirement’s and adding value to their business.

When not at work, Louisa likes to go on long walks, and loves her garden, especially on a sunny day with a glass of wine in hand.

Michelle Coundley-Hughes

Procurement Manager

Michelle Coundley-Hughes

Procurement Manager

Michelle joined the team in 2022 following a 28 year career in the catering industry; she worked as Assistant Manager and Site Manager for the Forte Group of hotels before spending 25 years working for Booker as Catering Development Manager covering South Wales.

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and making memories. She’s also a keen baker and enjoys baking and decorating cakes for friends and family.  

Nathan Bell

Procurement Executive

Nathan Bell

Procurement Executive

Nathan joined Regency in 2024, bringing with him sales experience from a variety of sectors. He now utilises this diverse working history to help offer cost saving solutions to Regency members.
Outside of work, Nathan enjoys the Scottish countryside as well as the occasional game of golf.

Petra Rose

Procurement Manager

Petra Rose

Procurement Manager

Petra has worked within the hospitality and leisure industry across all different sectors for 12 years. Having previously worked for Bidfood, Brakes, Matthew Clark and most recently C&C. She joined the Regency team in 2023 where she will use the knowledge she has gained to assist and support customers in Scotland.

When not at work, Petra has a passion for books, music, medical dramas, her chocolate Labrador and most importantly for food and wine!

Phil Gaffney

Procurement Manager

Phil Gaffney

Procurement Manager

Phil started with Regency in January 2023, with a sales and marketing background, working for several major food and drink manufacturers. The last 10 years have been spent in the food service and out of home sector, which included being a Regency supplier.

In Phil’s spare time, he can be seen picking plastic waste off the beaches in Looe, Cornwall and surrounding areas with the local marine conservation group. 

Phil Leppard

Procurement Manager

Phil Leppard

Procurement Manager

Joining Regency Purchasing Group in 2024, Phil brings with him a wealth of experience from the Leisure industry. Having previously worked with First Leisure and the Spirit Group he’s now shifting his focus towards his local area to assist businesses in saving money and time. When he isn’t knocking doors he can be found watching sports, playing golf (badly) or enjoying a concert.

Samantha Beard

Procurement Manager

Samantha Beard

Procurement Manager

Samantha joined Regency in 2023 after spending many years in sales across various industries such as merchant services, media and food. She spent a few years running her own pub and restaurant where they catered for weddings and functions in East London.

With a passion for food and cooking Sam enjoys Asian Food and is partial to a BYO restaurant on the weekends where she socialises with her family and friends exploring new restaurants within her local area.

Sharon Cakebread

Procurement Manager

Sharon Cakebread

Procurement Manager

Sharon joined us in February 2024 having spent over 20 years in Foodservice with Brakes starting in telesales to Key Accounts across the South East and London.

She loves to relax by spending time with her family and loves nothing more than watching rugby and going to matches. She enjoys trips away in her caravan with her husband and 2 black labs.

Shaun Williamson

Procurement Manager

Shaun Williamson

Procurement Manager

Shaun joined us in 2016 having previously worked in the drinks industry for over 20 years, working for businesses such as Bass Brewers, Molson Coors and Matthew Clark. Shaun also helped manage a 36 date festival business in 2019.

In his down time, Shaun enjoys most sports, but in particular running, football and cycling.

Steph Jude-Morris

Procurement Manager

Steph Jude-Morris

Procurement Manager

Steph Joined the team In January 2024, in her spare time Steph is often seen on the rugby pitch with her second family playing prop and is a great advocate for women’s sport. Steph also enjoys being outdoors and during the summer months can be seen falling off her paddle board!

Stuart Murray

Procurement Manager

Stuart Murray

Procurement Manager

Stuart joined Regency in 2023 after relocating to Edinburgh with his family from the Pacific Northwest U.S.A where he worked in the specialty coffee industry for 7 years.

An avid musician, Stuart spent 20+ years touring the world extensively with various Rock/Metal bands as a drummer and drum technician. Prior to this he was owner/operator of his own Martial Arts Academy.

Outside of work, you’ll find Stuart drumming or Museum hopping with his Wife and Daughter!

Sue Buchanan

Procurement Manager

Sue Buchanan

Procurement Manager

Sue joined us in 2023 with her extensive background in drinks after working  both regional and national roles for Waverley TBS and Matthew Clark.  With Sue’s passion for food and wine she is well equipped to support our members.

Outside of work Sue enjoys spending time with her family and friends watching sport. When Sue can get away she enjoys going abroad to visit a vineyard or two whilst enjoying the local cuisines.

Susan Cameron

Procurement Manager

Susan Cameron

Procurement Manager

Susan joined us in 2020 having previously spent 24 years at Booker Wholesale group where she developed her experience within the catering industry working in various roles, from telesales to group accounts.

Susan enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her beloved dogs and likes nothing better than attending shows and musicals, in particular The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Tyrone Jordaan

Procurement Manager

Tyrone Jordaan

Procurement Manager

Tyrone is a chef by trade and built a successful career in South Africa where he was chef and sales support for various large manufacturers including Hobart, Rational, Merrychef, Henny Penny. After moving to the UK, Tyrone returned to the kitchen and progressed his career as a chef until his daughter was born and he made the decision to step away from the kitchen. Tyrone went on to work for Brakes for almost six years supporting customers to achieve their goals before joining the Regency team in 2022.

One of Tyrone’s many achievements was being the youngest designer to develop, construct and implement a government hospital kitchen to serve 1,200 meals per sitting.

Head Office Team

Becky O’Rourke

Commercial Coordinator

Becky O’Rourke

Commercial Coordinator

Becky joined the team in 2019 and works closely with both our Commercial and Systems departments. Becky has many years of experience in both the commercial and customer service setting, having owned her own businesses within the hospitality industry.

When not at work, Becky enjoys spending her time with her children and working on her house project.

Brooke Lewington

Customer Support

Brooke Lewington

Customer Support

Brooke joined Regency Purchasing in September 2024 to complete her Apprenticeship in Business Management alongside Weston College.
Brooke is enjoying expanding her knowledge within a local business whilst working towards her qualifications.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family as well as dancing with her friends in a local dance group where their competitions take them all over the UK.

Chantelle Hawkins

Office Procurement Executive

Chantelle Hawkins

Office Procurement Executive

Chantelle joined our office based sales team in 2024 bringing with her over 15 years worth of customer service experience.
When she isn’t helping customers she enjoys cooking, walking and can quite often be found on the football pitch cheering her daughter on.

Charlotte Freeman

Office Procurement Executive

Charlotte Freeman

Office Procurement Executive

Charlotte joined the Regency team in 2022 having previously worked for Nisbets for over 6 years (during this time she also supported the Regency account).  

When Charlotte is not at work she is busy being a mummy to her little girl Nellie. In any spare time she gets from mum duties Charlotte enjoys socialising with friends and the odd shopping trip or two!

Elsia Reames

Customer Support

Elsia Reames

Customer Support

Elsia joined the team in 2018 and took a short break away from the business following her maternity leave in 2020. We were pleased to welcome Elsia back to the team in 2021.

Elsia is now a busy Mum and enjoys spending time with her family.

Imogen Talbot

Customer Support

Imogen Talbot

Customer Support

Imogen or Immy, as she likes to be called,  joined our Head Office team at the end of 2023 after graduating university with a 1st class degree in Event Management, where she represented the university as a student ambassador.

In her spare time, Immy enjoys shopping, beach walks and she recently joined a local netball league.

Jake Maynard

Customer Support

Jake Maynard

Customer Support

Jake joined the team in 2022 after graduating at University Centre Weston.

In his spare time, Jake enjoys kayaking down the Congresbury Yeo and playing a game of pool in the local pub. Jake has also been nominated the best tea maker in the office. 

Lee Tuck

Senior Developer

Lee Tuck

Senior Developer

After 12 years in the Royal Air Force working in electronics, Lee retrained and moved into IT. Now, Lee holds over 20 year's experience as a software developer, producing reliable solutions to help businesses achieve their goals.

Away from work, Lee enjoys racing on the PlayStation, dining out and socialising with friends.

Mya Buck

Office Procurement Executive

Mya Buck

Office Procurement Executive

Mya Joined the office team in November 2023 after gaining three A levels in Law, English and Sociology, Mya then went on to work in a Property Law firm for the first year after leaving College, gaining a wealth of experience in customer service and administration.

In her spare time, Mya enjoys taking her dog to the beach, eating out with friends, shopping and going to the gym.

Oliver Pirie

Senior Analyst

Oliver Pirie

Senior Analyst

Ollie joined the team in 2013 as a member of the administration team. Not long after he joined, Ollie's technical ability was identified and he soon moved departments and put his technical skills to work as part of the systems team. Ollie now helps to build and develop our internal and external software solutions and systems.

Sophie Holder

Operations Executive

Sophie Holder

Operations Executive

Having previously worked in the retail industry, Sophie began her career in procurement when she joined the team in 2016 as an Apprentice, and began working with us full-time in 2017. Sophie has previously worked within the Customer Support team. Since returning from maternity leave in 2024, she now supports the Procurement Team in their day to day operations.

Whilst Sophie isn’t typing away in the office, she is at home tackling her house project and spending time with her son.

Vicky Langdon

Accounts

Vicky Langdon

Accounts

With 25 years’ experience in finance, Vicky was welcomed to our team in 2019. Vicky has successfully streamlined our accounts processes and improved our efficiency, cementing herself as a valued member of our team.

Vicky enjoys countryside walks as well as attending rugby games, something she was introduced to through her two son's love for the sport – it’s something she’s grown to love!

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To unite, empower and support businesses of all sizes enabling them to buy and operate to their full potential.

Spearheaded by honesty, trust and integrity, we work collaboratively with our members placing ourselves as an extension of their team, to build and nurture long lasting partnerships

Want to talk to us?

+44 (0) 1934 646 135






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