CEO Stories

Wade Lyn | How my Jamaican patties spiced up the UK market

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Episode notes

Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty.

The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets.

In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience.

Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close. 


Key topics:

· Wade's upbringing in Jamaica

· Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s

· First job working at his parents' petrol station

· His athletics career

· Developing his entrepreneurial mindset  

· How he started Cleone Foods

· His ability to "see into the future"

· The importance of mentoring during his career

· His various roles and accolades outside of business


More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight:

Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk

Connect with us:

Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers

Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠


Connect with Henrietta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB


About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:

We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.

Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential. 

We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.

We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. 

At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.

Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.

We love local, and we go global. 

We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

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