British Enterprise Triumphs: Father-Son Duo Build Food Empire from Three Vans
In a remarkable testament to British entrepreneurial spirit, a father and son from Lancashire have transformed a modest three-van operation into a thriving food empire serving over 100 locations across the nation.
Paul Foster, 68, and his son Dan, 42, exemplify the kind of traditional British values and business acumen that built our nation's commercial success. Twenty years ago, they spotted what Paul's extensive experience in food service sales and Dan's professional chef background told them was a significant gap in the market.
From Humble Beginnings to National Success
2U Food began operations in June 2006 with just three vans operating from a small unit in Skelmersdale, serving the Liverpool area. Today, the company boasts a fleet of more than 100 food trucks and employs 170 people across the North West and North East.
James Massey, the company's national sales manager who joined four years ago, explains the business model: "We feed workers that don't necessarily have shops nearby. We don't serve in city centres but focus on out-of-town office complexes, factories, and hospitals. Everything from veterinary practices to major global brands, warehouses like DHL, and even Ministry of Defence sites."
Traditional Values Drive Modern Success
What sets this British success story apart is the family's commitment to hands-on leadership. Despite the company's substantial growth, both Paul and Dan remain actively involved in daily operations, embodying the kind of work ethic that has long defined British enterprise.
"Pretty much every day, our managing director Paul is in the bakery helping the night shift finish at five o'clock in the morning," Massey notes. "He'll put his apron on and work the production line finishing sandwiches and salads. He doesn't have to do it, but he does."
Supporting British Supply Chains
The company's success reflects a commitment to supporting local British suppliers, with fresh ingredients sourced from Burscough and meat from Wigan. This approach has created a network of mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen the broader British economy.
"The vast majority of companies we deal with are family-run," Massey explains. "Their businesses have grown with ours. We treat them fairly, they make their margin, we make ours, and we pass the value onto customers."
The company's three-pronged approach includes mobile food trucks, vending machines, and corporate catering services, demonstrating the kind of diversified business strategy that ensures resilience in challenging economic times.
This Lancashire success story serves as a powerful reminder that British enterprise, built on traditional values of hard work, fair dealing, and community support, continues to thrive in the modern economy.