Wilson Vale appoints handmade knives craftsman as marketing manager

Foodservice company Wilson Vale has appointed a handmade knives craftsman and former graphic designer as its new marketing manager, to oversee its internal, external and social media campaigns.

Ben Edmonds comes to the company after nine years' experience as senior graphic designer for Derby agency Alt Design, which helped create Wilson Vale's distinctive branding. Before his post at Alt Design, Edmonds also spent time at another design agency, River, based in Burton-upon-Trent.

As well as graphic design, Edmonds also runs Blok Knives, a company specialising in knives with hand-carved wooden handles and hand-shaped steel blades, born after Edmonds decided to try his hand at making his own chef's knife and found he enjoyed the process and was good at it.

Wilson Vale has made it clear that Edmonds has been encouraged to continue his project alongside his new role, and has lauded the new manager's creativity as a key reason for his hire.

Andrew Wilson, co-founder and managing director of Wilson Vale, said: "We have built the company on the basis that people should have the creative freedom to use their skills. Our chefs do, so why not our marketing manager? Ben is a great example of an individual who is buzzing with ideas and has the drive, passion and talent to make a difference to this business. There is no doubt that he is a passionately skilled artisan whose love of his craft reflects in everything he does. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on-board."

Edmonds said: "Food and design have always been my passions so it really is serendipity to have a marketing role within a fresh food company and still be able to make knives for my growing client-base."

This is the second new appointment for the firm of late, which in June took on Alan Beddie as operations director.

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