Management Profiles

Robin Holiday

CLF Founder & Group Managing Director

A dynamic futurist, Robin's keen interest in sports and sports nutrition is longstanding and rich with achievements; a professional motor cycle road racer in the US during the early 1990's, becoming the USA national GTU endurance champion in 1993. Robin has since been a body builder, completed two marathons, participated in cycling time trials, and still mountain bikes regularly.

On his return from the USA in 1997, Robin began to distribute sports nutrition products for his ex-sponsor. He established CLF in 1998 distributing sports nutrition products to specialist UK sports nutrition outlets, gyms and sports clubs. In response to appeals from customers, the company, based in Downton, Wiltshire, has since extended its portfolio to include organic and health food products, vitamin and mineral supplements; supplying over 12,000 products across 600 leading brands including sports nutrition to the independent health food trade.

Growth has been both rapid and successful, purpose built warehousing facilities enable CLF to hold increased levels of stock providing the assurance of continuity of supply. A state of the art EPoS and replenishment IT system help ensure that the CLF group of companies and brands continue to meet the changing requirements of today's retailer.

Simon Longhurst

Commercial Director

Having several years of experience in logistics and operations, Simon, an active and keen sportsman with special interest in sports nutrition, joined the company as Warehouse Manager in June 2000. He worked closely with Robin Holiday playing a pivotal role in the company's growth.

In particular, Simon was instrumental in the development of improved supply chain management for retail customers. Since becoming Commercial Director in 2010, Simon's remit has remained broad; in addition to his role as a senior member of the management team, he also oversees all day to day logistical operations including: purchasing, warehousing and customer service with the sales and trade teams and continues to bring efficiencies and improvements to the business.

Sandra Sampson

Finance Director

Joined the company in 2008 to develop and provide a professional accounting function within the growing organisation. Taking responsibility for the company's finance functions, including, accounting, financial planning and analysis; Sandra is a committed finance professional with over 20 years commercial experience.

Earlier in her career, she successfully provided financial support to both quoted and private companies, managed the integration of three major acquisitions and two successful Management Buy Outs.

Fiona Guy

Operations Manager
After travelling across the USA having completed her educational studies, Fiona joined the Company initially in the Customer Service team in 2004. Quickly recognised for her dedicated and excellent level of service to clients, she soon advanced to team leader and was subsequently promoted to Key Accounts Manager in 2006. Newly appointed the Group's Operations Manager in 2010, she oversees the Group's day-to-day organisational and personnel requirements and continues to bring efficiencies and developments across a wide range of undertakings.

Martin Farrin

Emporio Managing Director

Part of the CLF Group, Emporio are a leading provider of Electronic Point of Sale and Information Communication Technology support. A keen cricket enthusiast and honours graduate in Software Engineering Management, Martin has worked with large international companies such as BAE Systems and WDS Global.

His extensive experience with Microsoft's Retail Management System, facilitates Emporio's continued growth. With focus on the understanding of retailer requirements and the role of adapting EPoS in the modern retail environment, Emporio under Martin's guidance, have helped many retailers to maintain a competitive advantage by creating significant reductions in supply chain costs.

Gary Cope

Warehouse Manager

Starting his career as a personal trainer, Gary is still a keen footballer and tennis player; after joining CLF as a warehouse operative in 2004, he worked his way up the ladder to become Warehouse Manager in 2008.

His determination, interest in sports nutrition and commitment to the business have helped develop and grow the now 40,000 sq ft warehouse facility. With responsibility for warehousing, stock-control, recruitment and staff training; Gary and his support team of 33 staff members provide a daily delivery service and maintain consistency of supply of over 12,000 products to our retail customers.