Dennys Brands - Next Generation

2 January 2024

After more than 50 years in the business, Nick Jubert becomes Chair of Dennys Brands and his daughter, Carolyn Ramage, takes over as MD.

Nick says, “it is only right that the next generation should drive the business forward. Along with well-known hospitality industry specialists, Dominic Green and Steve Blanchard, Carolyn will be guiding the company through the next evolution of Dennys Brands.

Established since 1840, there is deep knowledge, skill and stability in Dennys Brands. “In these unsettled times for hospitality, it is vital that we, as a business, can respond to customers to give them the quality products they need, at a price they can afford” says Nick. “For Dennys, Le Chef and AFD catering clothing and shoes, we hold stock on the shelves for next day delivery. Joseph Alan specialises in a bespoke design service for front of house – with emphasis on service. In our strategy of developing different brands, this has seen us through difficult times so we don’t hold all our eggs in one basket.”

Carolyn has worked in the company for 11 years and, during that time has got to know each department, streamlining processes while retaining service focus. Environment and sustainability are of key interest and Carolyn sees those as core values for the company. In visiting partner manufacturers, she is keen to continue to develop even more environmentally-friendly fabrics and attain more sustainability accreditations.

When asked, Carolyn says “I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead. Dom and Steve know the industry inside out. There is a lot more competition out there, but we will keep proving to customers that we have the finest quality and service available. Finding best ways to communicate with customers – large and small – is key. We have developed bespoke online portals for larger customers to allow them and their staff to place orders when it is convenient to them, but nothing replaces the knowledge of our Sales Support Teams in Leatherhead and London. Our Berners Street flagship store holds stock of best-selling items as well as knives, shoes and accessories – with the Joseph Alan showroom providing a central venue for hotels to visit, select designs and fabrics and for staff to have fittings.

We have exciting developments in the laundry sector where we will offer a seamless uniform and laundry service. This is being trialled at the moment and we believe this is something our customers have wanted for a long time. Laundry can be a real issue for hospitality, so we are working to take the stress off customers.

Having come through the ‘Covid years’ we are ready for any challenges that the economy and international situations can throw at us. Our staff are encouraged to come up with ideas for new services and improvements and, as a team, we are all working towards a bright future for us and our customers.”