Whitby Seafoods, founded in 1985, is an independent family-run business from the coastal town of Whitby in North East England. Over the years, it has grown into the leading scampi brand, widely recognised as the top choice for caterers. Today, Whitby Scampi is a favourite on menus in pubs and restaurants across the UK, symbolising quality and culinary distinction.
To maintain high standards of hygiene and professional presentation, Whitby Seafoods partnered with Johnsons Workwear for their laundry and workwear rental needs. This case study explores how Whitby Seafoods, led by Site Services Manager Mark Nicholson, was temporarily forced to switch suppliers but ultimately returned to Johnsons Workwear for our unmatched quality and customer service.
The fact that Johnsons Workwear took the time to handle the rebadging process on-site showed a level of care and commitment that went above and beyond what was expected.
Mark Nicholson
Whitby Seafoods
THE CHALLENGE
Mark had long appreciated the consistent quality and reliable service provided by our Gateshead site. The workwear, especially the white coats used in the manufacturing plant, had always met the company’s strict standards for cleanliness, durability, and timely delivery. However, following a company acquisition, Mark was required to re-evaluate supplier contracts based on pre-existing contracts. Despite his satisfaction with Johnsons Workwear, this led him to switch to another laundry provider.
Unfortunately, the new supplier did not meet the expectations Mark had grown accustomed to. Issues like inconsistent service, delays in delivery, and a lack of attention to detail started affecting both the manufacturing plant’s performance and employee satisfaction. When the contract with the new provider ended, Mark took the opportunity to return to us, where he knew the quality and service were second to none.
THE APPROACH
We gladly welcomed Whitby Seafoods back and immediately set to work on ensuring a smooth transition. Understanding the vital role that workwear played in Whitby Seafoods' daily operations, we focused on resuming service without any disruptions.
A key part of the contract renewal involved rebadging all the workwear to reflect the updated branding at Whitby Seafoods. We sent a dedicated team to Whitby’s site for four full days, working around shift schedules to ensure that every coat was rebranded without impacting production.
The on-site rebadging not only eliminated delays but also avoided any inconvenience for employees. This level of personalised, proactive service delighted Mark and his team. He remarked, "The fact that Johnsons Workwear took the time to handle the rebadging process on-site showed a level of care and commitment that went above and beyond what was expected."
My relationship with Johnsons Workwear is very strong. It’s important to have a regular point of contact who can quickly and knowledgeably address any issues.
Mark Nicholson
Site Services Manager, Whitby Seafoods
THE RESULT
Whitby Seafoods saw immediate positive outcomes upon returning to Johnsons Workwear. Mark commented, “Having a managed workwear service allows me to focus on things that add real value to the business. We believe in working with people who know their industries and letting them do what they do best."
He continued, “My relationship with Johnsons Workwear is very strong. It’s important to have a regular point of contact who can quickly and knowledgeably address any issues. The team at the Gateshead plant are long-serving professionals, and I trust them to resolve any challenges efficiently. If any issues like delivery delays arise, they’re communicated to me right away.”
Our focus on quality, attention to detail, and dedication to customer satisfaction has reaffirmed their role as a key partner for Whitby Seafoods. By going the extra mile with on-site rebadging and seamless service, we’ve proven that we are more than just a service provider, we’re a partner committed to the success of Whitby Seafoods.
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