Malc Thompson began his career in the fruit and vegetable business at the age of 17, working for Rosemans in Buxton in 1969. He progressed to become the buyer and later a Director of the Buxton branch. After a decade at Rosemans, Malc, with the assistance of his wife Deb, ventured out to establish their own business in February 1986. They purchased a small fruit and vegetable shop located on a side street in Buxton, giving birth to Thompsons, as they were known back then.
Moving forward, Malcolm understood the importance of high-quality produce and regularly visited the New Smithfield Market in Manchester to personally select his items. It was there that he formed strong bonds with the suppliers. Juggling the responsibilities of raising two young children, Malc and Deb worked tirelessly to make the shop a success. Their dedication was evident when, within a year, the turnover had doubled, and the need for a larger space was apparent.
They took the leap and purchased their first warehouse at the old cattle market in Buxton, a clear sign of their unwavering commitment to their business. As the business grew with Malcolm at the helm, Deb, his partner and a strong pillar of support, began working on the administrative side. She had previously trained to be a PE teacher and worked part-time in that field as well. By this time, they had 10 employees, and the business was thriving, a testament to their teamwork and shared vision.
In 1996, Malcolm suffered a massive heart attack, which left him out of the business for 6 months. Deb was thrown into the deep end over the May bank holiday. The business then changed because we were no longer able to go to market with a wagon. Instead, we began to acquire senders from Lancashire, Lincolnshire, and Dutch senders to deliver directly, which in itself made the business grow and provide a wider variety of products and better quality.
The company took on the contract to serve some Derbyshire schools, something Malcolm and Deb were immensely proud of, and they continued to serve for over 20 years.
With their rapidly expanding business, they leased a larger warehouse on Staden Lane. Within three years, it became evident that they required an even larger warehouse. In 2008 they purchased a larger warehouse, which is where we are based today. Marc and Kirsty have taken over from their parents, Malcolm and Deb, and have upheld their values. They currently lead a team of 23 local employees.
Sustainability
At Tomsons, we place great importance on sustainability in all aspects of our operations. We are committed to implementing practices that safeguard the environment and support local communities. We prioritize using local suppliers whenever possible, and our drivers consolidate deliveries at the end of their runs to minimize transport emissions. Additionally, we have suppliers located near each other who deliver their goods using one vehicle.
We aim to minimize packaging without compromising product quality, by using the cardboard boxes our fruit and veg arrive in to reduce waste. Our warehouse is equipped with energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption.
We have comprehensive recycling programs for cardboard, plastic, and other materials to minimize waste sent to landfills. Onsite, we have two skips for cardboard and general waste, which are emptied once a month, reducing emissions. Additionally, we give our food waste to a local pig farmer twice a week. As a company, we prioritize the planet and its people, striving to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all