Creed Foodservice Limited Review - Real Employee Experience

Rating:
2/5

Published: 18 November 2025

Creed Foodservice is often described as a “family-run wholesaler” with deep local roots in Gloucestershire and national reach. But for many employees - especially in Cheltenham and Staverton - the reality is far more complicated.

While the company offers training, the day-to-day workload can be heavy, roles are subject to long hours, and some staff say that management favours certain people. This review cuts through the marketing gloss to lay out what working here is really like, based on accounts from current and former workers.

Editorial note: Content on this page reflects commonly reported employee experiences observed across publicly available review platforms. It represents opinion and commentary, not verified facts, and does not reproduce individual reviews.

Table of Contents

Company Details

Depot & Operational Information

Primary Depot Locations

Additional Phone Contacts

Business Scope

Site Characteristics

Additional Notes

What employees actually say

Employee feedback is split. Many current staff describe supportive colleagues, useful training and a business that invests in operations. At the same time, a significant number of reviews report problems you should not ignore: long or unpredictable hours, frustration with middle management, perceived favouritism or nepotism in some teams, and pressure on drivers or warehouse staff during busy periods.

In short, the experience depends heavily on the role, the depot and the immediate line manager. If you join, your day-to-day experience will depend a lot on which team you land in.

Shifts and working hours

Many operational roles - drivers, warehouse teams and delivery staff - regularly work early starts and can face long days. For drivers, in particular, several reviewers mention extended on-road time and long shift patterns (early mornings, late returns), especially when cover is required or during busy trading periods.

Warehouse roles are often described as fast-paced and may require flexibility for additional hours in peaks. Expect occasional weekend cover, extended shifts during busy periods, and rota changes that can be communicated at short notice.

Management, culture and how people are treated

Management style appears to vary widely between teams and sites. Positive reviews highlight approachable managers and structured briefings; negative reviews raise concerns about inconsistency, favouritism, and lack of empathy from some supervisors.

Several reviews specifically call out perceived “who you know” decision making and inconsistent application of rules, which can erode trust and morale. In short, you can find supportive managers, but you’ll also encounter teams where politics and inconsistent leadership make the job harder than it needs to be.

Safety, equipment and working conditions

Creed operates multi-temperature distribution facilities, so expect busy loading bays, cold and chilled areas, and heavy vehicle movement. Staff note that the sites are generally functional and professionally managed from a logistics standpoint, but pressure to meet delivery windows can make the work fast-paced and physically demanding.

If you are in a role that uses lifting equipment or vehicles, check the specifics of training, PPE supply, and machine maintenance scheduling at interview - practice and enforcement vary by depot and team.

Training and progression

A common positive thread is that Creed invests in training and rotates people across departments to build skills. Permanent staff frequently mention cross-training and opportunities to learn new parts of the business.

That said, conversion from agency to permanent status is not guaranteed and progression can be slow in some teams; long-term advancement tends to favour those already inside the company and those who align with local management. Ask for the training schedule, promotion criteria and a typical progression timeline before you accept an offer.

Turnover, agency use and job security

Creed uses agency workers during peaks and for flexible cover, which is normal for distribution firms. Some reviewers say agency staff do not always receive the same support and that permanent roles are more secure.

Acquisition activity and restructuring that follows business sales can also affect job stability; after a takeover, processes and roles are sometimes consolidated, so if security is important to you, probe how the acquisition has changed permanent headcount and site responsibilities.

Commute, parking and on-site facilities

The Cheltenham/Staverton sites are located in an industrial park with reasonable road access but limited public transport convenience; most staff travel by car. On-site parking exists but can be limited at peak shift times.

Facilities vary by site; some depots provide staff canteens, break rooms and basic welfare facilities, but the quality and staffing of these depends on location and the time of year. If transport or parking is critical for you, ask HR for specific details on the depot you’d be assigned to.

Employee-Friendliness Verdict

This is not a “great place to work” for most people who want a stable, predictable, low-stress job. However, it might be worthwhile for those who are ambitious, willing to work hard, and looking to gain experience in logistics or food wholesale.

Strengths / Pros

Major Drawbacks

Note: If you prioritise work-life balance, consistent shifts, and a clear route to progress, this may not be the best fit - especially for distribution or driving roles. There are real positives, but they come with trade-offs.

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