This month, we’re celebrating an incredible achievement – Jason Duffin marks 30 years with Finlay Beverages! His story is one of perseverance, passion, and continuous growth. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, the changes he’s witnessed, and what excites him about the future at Finlays.
Congratulations on this fantastic milestone, Jason! What has kept you at Finlays for so long?
Jason: Thank you! It’s been a mix of things, really. The environment here is fantastic – friendly people, a positive team spirit, and a real sense of everyone pulling together to achieve our goals. The practical side helps too: the location is close to home, the hours, the holiday benefits. But what’s really kept me here is the job satisfaction. I’ve always been fascinated by the commodity we work with, there’s so much scope to develop it, and even after all these years, there’s still so much to learn. Every day really is a school day.
I’ve also appreciated the recognition I’ve received over the years. A big part of my role involves the commercial side – competitor analysis and quality assurance – which keeps things varied and interesting.
Tell us about your career with Finlay Beverages – how did it all begin?
Jason: It’s been quite a journey! I actually started in the coffee salesroom as an assistant. I was looking for a job with training opportunities, as I didn’t have any experience at the time. I spotted the role in the Yorkshire Post and sent off my application.
My first interview was with Mr. Strong, the Personnel Manager, but I didn’t get the job initially. I asked for feedback and was told they needed someone who could travel to Croydon – but I didn’t have a car! They kept me on file though, and while I was doing voluntary work at a charity shop, I got a call back for another interview with Mr. Mullins. I had to do a maths test and even brought in some coffee to taste. That time, I got the job!
Since then, I’ve stayed in the same core role, but it’s evolved significantly. I’ve taken on more responsibilities, and my job title has changed slightly over the years. It’s been such a joy to be given a chance at something I enjoy and can grow in. Apart from family, my work and career have always been a top priority – and I’ve never looked back.
What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen over the last 30 years?
Jason: There have been some major milestones. I remember in 1996 we celebrated 100 years of Paynes – I still have the pen to prove it! We even had a family day where everyone could come and visit the business.
When I first joined, Sainsbury’s was our only customer. We really had all our eggs in one basket, so we had to go out and find new customers. That led to us picking up many other supermarkets over time.
Another big shift was when we sold off the confectionery side of the business to Northern Foods, which left us with just tea and coffee, and the Paynes name was sold. We became Finlays overnight. But through all of that, we’ve remained on the same manufacturing site – everything was built from scratch, and it’s been our home ever since.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in the natural beverages industry today?
Jason: Be like a sponge – soak up as much knowledge as you can – and remember that teamwork and flexibility are key. Listen to the advice of experienced colleagues and embrace the values our company stands for. Even after 30 years here, I still find that there’s so much wisdom around you if you’re open to learning.
What excites you about the future of Finlay Beverages?
Jason: The changing preferences of consumers and their shopping habits really excite me. It keeps us on our toes and makes us think about what the next big thing might be. New product development is a big area of interest, especially expanding our out-of-home (OOH) range where I feel there’s a real opportunity to build on what we’ve started.
I’m also excited about the variety of drinks we can create – cold brews, colourful drinks, different presentations. There’s so much scope. We’re even revisiting coffee bags again; convenience and speed are becoming more important than ever.
Final Thoughts
Jason’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and a love for what you do. His 30-year journey with Finlay Beverages is an amazing personal achievement.
Congratulations, Jason, and thank you for everything you’ve contributed over the years!
