IN Brief:
- Jonathan Taylor will retire at the end of March 2026, handing leadership of Branston’s South West site to Simon Jones.
- Branston said a £9 million investment programme, launched in 2019, modernised the Ilminster operation with upgraded facilities and automation.
- Jones said priorities include capacity growth, further sustainability investment, and continued technology upgrades.
Branston has confirmed that Jonathan Taylor will retire as general manager of its South West site at the end of March 2026, with operations manager Simon Jones stepping into the role following a handover.
The Ilminster, Somerset, site focuses on the production and packing of new and salad potatoes. Branston said Taylor joined the business in September 2017 and oversaw a period of expansion and operational change, with site turnover more than doubling during his tenure. The company said the site underwent a £9 million investment programme beginning in 2019, aimed at upgrading facilities and introducing automation, alongside wider improvements intended to raise efficiency and improve working conditions.
Taylor described the period as a sustained operational push, tied closely to performance and peak-season planning. “It has been wonderful — it’s been a lovely place to work and it’s going to be hard to leave. The team is the best and nicest I’ve worked with, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he said. “From growing the business to investing in automation and seeing the site become such a modern, efficient operation, it’s been a fantastic journey. One of the most satisfying parts has been watching the operational numbers improve week after week and of course dealing with the incredibly busy Christmas period each year, when volumes more than double, requiring the team to plan months in advance.”
Jones has been with the South West operation since January 2012, joining initially as a night shift supervisor before moving through shift manager, production manager, and operations manager roles. Branston said he was promoted to general manager in January 2026 and will take full responsibility following a three-month transition period.
Jones pointed to continuity in operational focus, alongside additional site development priorities. “I started at Branston as a night shift supervisor and over the years I’ve been given incredible support to progress, with Jonathan playing a big part in that. I really understand the business from the bottom up and that’s something I’m very proud of,” he said. “Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to grow the site, increasing capacity, investing further in sustainability such as solar energy, and making sure we stay at the forefront of technology in our industry.”
Jim Windle, chief executive officer of Branston, said Taylor’s tenure combined growth with investment-led modernisation. “Jonathan has made an outstanding contribution to Branston and to the success of our South West operation. Under his leadership the site has grown significantly, embraced innovation and consistently delivered exceptional standards for our customers,” he said. Windle added that Jones’ appointment reflects internal development and succession planning, describing him as “the ideal person to take the site forward”.
Taylor is expected to leave at the end of March 2026, with Jones leading the site thereafter.
