Growth, diversification and the challenges faced by a successful family business over 50 years were the focus of a talk by University Food Group’s Managing Director Maurizio Marcocci at the most recent MNFG Business Briefing and Networking Forum, held at Uni Hill Conference Centre Bundoora in May.
Over 40 businesses from the Melbourne’s North Food Group and the food and beverage industry came together for the forum, where attendees had the opportunity to network and listen to talks from two MNFG partners over lunch.
The networking event was the first in a series of business briefings that are taking place throughout this year. Last year, an industry roundtable discussed future possibilities and opportunities the MNFG could undertake to further benefit the food and beverage industry. The roundtable advised that businesses would like more networking events to build their industry relationships.
Maurizio gave attendees an insightful overview of his business and his family’s journey. The business has been operating for over 50 years in the food industry, drawing on their Italian heritage and a passion to share their food experience. The group now consists of three businesses: Service Sphere are coffee equipment and service specialists who also offer training for espresso machine technicians; University Meat is the original business that has grown into a large meat wholesaler; and Country Cooked is a manufacturer and supplier of processed cooked meats.
Modern Business Group Director Rob Verri continued proceedings with an insightful presentation on effective accounting strategies. He cited these strategies as ways to help businesses stay on top of their finances. Modern Business Group are business advisors that help guide small and medium businesses towards growth by giving them the skills necessary to think like a big business. Rob emphasised the need for businesses to become familiar with these strategies to help plan for financial prosperity.
Following both talks, attendees had the chance to ask the speakers questions. Maurizio shone some light on a few business challenges that are common in the industry and how they are combating them. Rob shared additional advice and detail about how to successfully execute his strategies.
Maurizio was pleased to tell his business story to MNFG partners.
“It was a great pleasure to be invited by the Melbourne North Food Group to present our University Food Group story to partners and to learn about Rob Verri’s profit plan budgeting model,” he said.
MNFG General Manager Membership, Events and International Trade, Margaret McLelland, brought the event to a close by thanking MNFG partners Hot Coals for the catering, Uni Hill Conference Centre for the hospitality and the two speakers for presenting.