Sheffield Henderson's Relish couple prepare to move on from iconic company

Husband and wife Patrick and Liz Byrne are set to retire and leave behind one of Sheffield's most sought after jobs '“ the role as Henderson Relish's'¨ top boss.
THe Hendersons production line.  Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 7THe Hendersons production line.  Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 7
THe Hendersons production line. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 7

General manager Patrick and office manager Liz said the successor must have the passion and drive to carry on a fiercely proud Sheffield institution.

Sales of Hendo’s – as it’s more commonly referred to by Sheffield folk – have soared by around 30 per cent since 66-year-old Patrick joined the operation around two and a half years ago.

Bottles Henderson's Relish pictured on the production line. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 6Bottles Henderson's Relish pictured on the production line. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 6
Bottles Henderson's Relish pictured on the production line. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 6
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The pair are set to wave goodbye to the famous black and orange signs of the Parkway business park site and head off travelling for 12 months.

But what qualifications do you need to take on one of the city’s most high-profile jobs?

“First of all you need a lot of enthusiasm and a sense of fun. These are the main things you need,” said Patrick

“Obviously you will need some experience in production, marketing and sales but enthusiasm and fun is key.

The most recent bottled Henderson's Relish, pictured with a bottle from thirty years ago and some of the 100 year-old bottles. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 5The most recent bottled Henderson's Relish, pictured with a bottle from thirty years ago and some of the 100 year-old bottles. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 5
The most recent bottled Henderson's Relish, pictured with a bottle from thirty years ago and some of the 100 year-old bottles. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 5

“Every day is a different day.”

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The pair are due to retire in March 2017 but could step down earlier if the right candidate is found.

Patrick has a very unconventional way of starting the working day and gives the magic machine which makes the delicious Sheffield sauce a little pep talk.

“The first thing you need to do is go and say nice things to the machine that churns all the ingredients together. It was first installed in the 1960s and it was second hand,” he said.

Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 9Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 9
Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 9

“It still does a fantastic job – but you need to give it a few words of encouragement.

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“Then you need to sort out packaging and distribution and make sure everyone who is expecting some relish gets it.”

Patrick added: “One of the best things about working at Henderson’s is the number of people who compliment the product.

“The people of Sheffield are fiercely loyal and it’s always great to hear the stories people tell us.

Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 8Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 8
Patrick Bryne and Liz, who run Henderson's Relish will soon be retiring from their posts. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Hendersons MC 8

“When we were contacted by somebody who had a bottle from the Battle of the Somme in World War One it was absolutely incredible.”

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Liz has been the voice of Henderson’s Relish for more than 10 years, answering the phones and helping keep the operation on track.

The 61-year-old, originally from Greenhill, said: “I think the person who takes over the reins has to know the product and be aware of the brand and needs to be good at multi-tasking!

“If you’ve lived in Dorset for most of your life you might not be aware of what the sauce means to the people of Sheffield.

“Whoever takes over needs to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. We’ve all been on the production line before.”

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She added: “It’s going to be a bit sad – I’ve seen so many changes in time my here.

“I’m very proud of my time here. I was over the moon when I first got the job because I knew so many people would love to work here.”

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