Championing quality, tradition and innovation in British sausages

When you think of great British sausages, one name stands out: Porky Whites. An award-winning brand with deep roots in Surrey, Porky Whites has become a staple in many households, with products stocked in leading supermarkets like Sainsbury’s.

Behind the brand’s success is Fran Wyatt, a dynamic entrepreneur who has carried forward a family legacy while innovating to meet modern consumer tastes. In this exclusive interview for Sussex Business Times’ International Women’s Month edition, we sit down with Fran to discuss her journey, challenges, and the future of women in business and the food industry.

From family tradition to supermarket shelves

Porky Whites has a long-standing reputation for quality sausages. Can you tell us about the origins of the brand and how you became involved?

Absolutely! Porky Whites is more than just a brand — it’s a family legacy. Our story began back in the 1930s, with a simple mission: to make the best sausages using the finest ingredients and traditional methods. Over the years, we’ve grown from a beloved local butcher to a nationally recognised brand, but that passion for quality remains at the heart of everything we do.

I took the reins in 2019, stepping into the role without formal business qualifications but with a deep respect for the brand’s heritage. It was a steep learning curve, but I surrounded myself with great mentors, joined Vistage, and leaned on a strong team. Now, I’m focused on expanding our range, investing in automation, and ensuring Porky Whites continue to stand out in an ever-changing market.

Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry

The food industry has traditionally been male-dominated. What challenges have you faced as a female business owner, and how have you overcome them?

It’s true — manufacturing and food production have historically been male-led, and stepping into this world as a female leader wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I had to work twice as hard to prove myself, especially in negotiations and business growth discussions.

The key for me was confidence—trusting my instincts, backing myself, and making sure I had the right support around me. I’ve built a strong team, invested in leadership development, and made sure we focus on results. At the end of the day, success speaks for itself.

I also believe in championing other women in business. Whether it’s supporting my team, mentoring, or simply leading by example, I want to help pave the way for more women to thrive in this industry.

Last year, I had the incredible honour of winning the Meat Business Awards – Wholesaling, and without a doubt, it stands as my greatest achievement. Our industry is filled with so many talented and inspiring women, so to be recognised among them was truly humbling. This award holds a special place for me, representing not just a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that drives Porky Whites forward.

Keeping up with consumer trends

Consumer preferences are always evolving. How has Porky Whites adapted to changing demands in the food industry?

Adapting is key to survival in this industry. Today’s consumers want more than just great taste — they’re looking for quality, provenance, and innovation.

We’re expanding beyond sausages, exploring new products like pies and pork pies, and focusing on premium, health-conscious, and even plant-based options. The frozen food category is another area of interest, as convenience plays a big role in modern shopping habits.

Sustainability is also on our radar. We’re always looking at ways to improve our processes, from reducing waste to investing in automation and facility production to make operations more efficient.

Advice for women in business

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in their industries?

Believe in yourself, surround yourself with the right people, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

I stepped into this role with no prior experience in running a business, but I didn’t let that stop me. I sought out mentors, joined business networks, and kept learning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, seek guidance, and invest in your own growth.

Also, don’t try to do everything yourself. Build a great team, trust them, and focus on the bigger picture.

The power of peer networks

You’re a member of Vistage Sussex, a well-respected leadership development network. How has being part of this group influenced your approach to business and leadership?

Vistage has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me access to experienced business leaders, valuable insights, and a support network that’s helped me navigate the challenges of running a company.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of working on the business, not just in the business. As a leader, you have to step back, look at the bigger picture, and make strategic decisions. Vistage has helped me do that.

Lessons in leadership

Vistage brings together business leaders for shared learning and support. Can you share a key insight or experience from your time with Vistage that has helped shape Porky Whites’ success?

One of the most valuable insights I’ve gained is the power of clear, strategic planning. Through Vistage, I’ve learned to focus on financial stability, long-term growth and ensuring every decision aligns with our core vision.

Having a clear strategy in place makes all the difference.

What’s next for Porky Whites?

Finally, what can we expect from Porky Whites in the future?

Big things! We’re expanding our product range, investing in automation, and focusing on building a brand that stands the test of time.

We’re also exploring new retail and foodservice opportunities, refining our marketing strategy and making sure we have the right people in place to take the business to the next level.

At the heart of it all, though, our commitment to quality never changes. No matter how much we grow, we’ll always stay true to what makes Porky Whites special — great-tasting, traditionally crafted, premium sausages.