We believe our people are what sets us apart from our competitors. We offer excellent training and aim to continually develop our individuals, encouraging them to grow within the company. This allows the opportunity to promote from within. The training we provide is based on exceeding expectations and making every customer’s experience memorable.
Our in-house service excellence training programme ‘A Vaulkhard Experience’ is a process linked to achieving our staff’s individual goals. It offers an opt-in package of training modules and allows site managers to refer staff for specific training. We believe that by involving staff in achieving their goals, the whole organisation becomes motivated into achieving the company mission.
This initiative was introduced to provide a benchmark for our drinks service standards. We monitor the service by test purchasing soft and mixed drinks in all our sites, identifying issues and ensuring consistency throughout the company.

In his 30th year with the company it seems that Ollie has completed the working trial. During those three decades some aspects of industry have changed beyond recognition and yet some of the constants are there to be embraced and are the foundations of the Group. In 1995 the world was pre iPhone, pre mainstream internet and largely an analogue world, since then we have experienced the global financial crisis and the period of Covid restrictions. All these changes have shaped the direction and focus of the business but despite that, some things remain constant. Ollie has tried to stay away from trends and fads and has concentrated on building a business that is rooted in quality, consistency and the people and businesses of the North East.
Having traded though times of boom and bust the great lessons have formed the values he holds true, so trading relationships with suppliers and customers are something he works hard on making long term. It’s his vision that customers can stay loyal to the company over a lifetime of socialising, although perhaps not always in the same venue. The same can be said for relationships with suppliers where a deals are done on a handshake but last decades. These relationships with customers and suppliers are a source of great pride and a huge strength of the business.
Although often perceived as the figurehead, Ollie is very much part of a team that includes many members that have been on the journey since the 90’s. Alongside Sarah and his brother Harry they are looking forward to the next 30 years, and whatever that may have in store. As the world and industry has evolved the company continues to do so and evolution not revolution is part of the companies DNA
Customers, integrity and a focus on the long term rather than the quick buck are the elements that Ollie bases all decisions and believes they are the cornerstone of the companies longevity.

