Introducing Klane Sales Solutions, the FEA's newest member
Kat Lane C.F.S.P. took the time to tell the FEA more about the business and the decision to apply to be an FEA member.
1. Tell us about how your business got started.
Klane Sales Solutions was born as a direct result of the COVID pandemic. The catering equipment industry has been hit hard and as a result we have seen lots of redundancies across manufacturers, distributors as well as end-users. Sadly this has not just been a loss of people but also a loss of industry knowledge and skills. As businesses look to recover, I was left questioning how they will rebuild their sales and cope with work loads whilst still recovering from the financial impacts and also use this time as an opportunity to win market share, and in some cases diversify their offering, without the resources they once had available.
I created Klane Sales Solutions in order to help bridge this gap offering experienced, quality sales people on a freelance basis which would allow businesses to develop and implement their sales strategies, attack new business whist maintaining existing accounts, help with project management & tenders and everything else in between; without a long term commitment and the associated overheads with directly employing staff.
2. What do you love most about the foodservice equipment industry?
Hmmm, that's a hard question to answer as there is so much to love! I enjoy the constant development of new products both in terms of styling but also the technological advances that are consistently happening (there is always something new to see and to talk about!). The changing trends in foods and styles, the excitement of new openings and refurbishments but, honestly, the main reason I love it is because of the people. Everyone I meet, from chefs to sales people to managing directors, are all passionate about what they do and how they do it and there is a sense of camaraderie even between competitors.
3. What is the biggest challenge for your business right now?
Like every new business, getting the message out to potential clients and building up an understanding of what you can do and how you can help is challenging, especially when it is a service slightly out of the norm. With the uncertainty around lockdown and relaxation of rules it has made for a very different kind of world to operate in but with difficulty and challenge comes creative problem solving and new ways of working which can only be a good thing!
4. What are the drawing factors for joining FEA?
The FEA has been a big part of my life in the industry, whether that's been attending exhibitions and seminars, completing the CFSP course, receiving the monthly briefings etc. It is always there supporting not only it's members but the industry as a whole. Therefore, it made sense to want my business to be a part of that and as a new start-up be able to leverage the credibility being a member provides. Not only that, but also, being able to utilise the information, support and the knowledge base that is available is a huge draw. Being part of the FEA is also a statement, from myself and Klane Sales Solutions, that we are committed to serving the foodservice industry and to aiding businesses to grow, develop and succeed in their plans.
You might be interested in:
- FEA Brexit Hub
- Finding an FEA Accredited Service Provider
- Joining the Foodservice Equipment Association
Social Media
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Follow us on Twitter
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Like our Facebook business page
- Follow us on Instagram