The Seven Sins of Lance Forman |
MD of H Forman & Son |
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Before taking over the 4th generation salmon smoking family business, Lance Forman started out as President of the Cambridge Union, qualified as a chartered accountant at Price Waterhouse and was then appointed Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
He joined Forman's in 1994 and has developed the business, pioneering the growth in speciality British Food, through the launch of Forman & Field.
His battle with former Mayor of London over the compulsory purchase of the Forman's factory led to the development of a new premises, venue and restaurant – Forman's Fish Island – in record breaking speed. It is the closest venue in London to the 2012 Olympic Stadium. |
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| Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
The most expensive restaurants wanting to buy the cheapest ingredients. This happens much more than you think. Glistening chandeliers often means they cut back on quality ingredients. Cheap food is rarely good food, but just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s good.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Penelope Cruz (is my wife reading this?). Seriously though … there are so many foods I love, it’s impossible to pick one, it depends on my mood at the time.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
Gardening. There is nothing like a bit of back-breaking weeding, or hedge trimming, to take your mind off life’s day to day challenges. I also wrote a book “Forman’s Games” which was a brilliant way to unwind. It tells our David and Goliath story about how we fended off the Olympic bid from destroying our business.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
My family. I have been blissfully together with my wife for 35 years and my three kids are all stars, doing what they do in their own very unique way.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
A few people were suggesting I stand for Mayor of London including three cabinet members. I have had so many challenging experiences in business which would be invaluable in that role. Moving from oily fish to politics seems pretty natural … but I don’t think I will.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
Not my style. I take great pleasure in seeing other people succeed. I love what I do too. First thing each morning I walk onto the smokehouse floor and have a taste of our finest London Cure Smoked Salmon. Why envy anyone else?
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
I don’t like to think I am gluttonous although my rounded figure my reveal otherwise. One morning I was standing on the scales holding my tummy in. My wife shouted “holding it in isn’t going to help”. “Yes it is” I responded…”I’ll be able to see the numbers!”
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| We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
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