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Our Story

Meet the Raynor family

Husband & Wife

It all began with two chefs, Ray and Rosemary Raynor, who both met while serving in WW2 in South Africa. They later married and ran a successful restaurant at the Chelmsford Golf Club. Both husband and wife knew they had more to offer, especially with a talent for innovative recipes. They initially started making and supplying cakes for local businesses, starting small by renting an Enterprise unit.

Whilst supplying cakes they spotted a gap in the market, the local Co-op in Chelmsford needed a reliable sandwich supplier. With that realisation, everything changed. In 1988, the Raynor’s officially began their journey, setting up their first truly humble operation at Robjohns House in Chelmsford. 

Born into sandwich making

Brother & Sister

The true grit of Raynor’s was forged with that very first order.
He credits the brilliance to his chef father: “He used the roast beef dripping to replace the butter. It was the best sandwich I had ever eaten.”
That day, the team made 350 sandwiches, it took us nine and a half hours. Today, we make up to 110,000 sandwiches a day, but that first taste of success and that incredible roast beef sandwich is the high-quality standard we still chase. Matt introduced the first IT network system into the business, this really separated Raynor’s from the current landscape back in the day, showcasing our operational excellence and drive for innovation.
The entrepreneurial spirit was doubled when Heather Raynor (sister) officially joined the business. Bringing a robust finance background, Heather quickly became the backbone of office management before focusing her genuine energy on the sales department as Sales Director. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Heather’s approach was defined by authentic care and honesty, securing new business through trust—a key principle that still defines Raynor’s relationships today.

A future for the people

In 2023, the Raynor family made a powerful and authentic commitment to the team. Raynor’s transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT).
This wasn’t just a business decision; it was a deep expression of trust and gratitude to the many people who helped them build Raynor’s success. The family ensured that the people who were instrumental to their story would become the true owners of the business’s future. The Raynor’s journey is a family story that has now become the people’s story.

Matt

Raynor

Non-Executive Director

“Be not afraid of sandwich making, some are born into sandwich making, some achieve sandwich making, and some have sandwich making thrust upon them.”

Heather

Raynor

Non-Executive Director

“For us, it’s about making sure people don’t have the ‘Sunday Scaries.’ They are genuinely happy to come into work on a Monday, and they feel they can speak up and feel heard.”

Matt

Raynor

Non-Executive Director

“Be not afraid of sandwich making, some are born into sandwich making, some achieve sandwich making, and some have sandwich making thrust upon them.”

Heather

Raynor

Non-Executive Director

“For us, it’s about making sure people don’t have the ‘Sunday Scaries.’ They are genuinely happy to come into work on a Monday, and they feel they can speak up and feel heard.”