Luke Seddon, the CEO of H2 Catering Equipment, a company established in 2010. We provide high-quality commercial kitchen equipment to clients across the UK and worldwide. With a focus on excellence and customer satisfaction, we cater to businesses of all sizes, from small local shops to large chains.
Company: H2 Catering Equipment
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Luke Seddon : Thank you for having me! I’m Luke Seddon, a professional chef and the CEO of H2 Catering Equipment, a company I established in 2010. At H2, we specialize in providing high-quality commercial kitchen equipment to clients across the UK and worldwide. Our mission is to deliver excellence and customer satisfaction, catering to businesses of all sizes—whether it’s a small local shop or a large hotel chain. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and expertise, offering tailored solutions to help our clients create seamless kitchen setups and enhance their operations.
What does success mean to you beyond financial growth, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Luke Seddon : For me, success goes beyond financial growth; it’s about creating a legacy of trust and reliability in the industry. When I started H2 Catering Equipment in 2010, my definition of success was purely focused on establishing a profitable business. Over time, it has shifted towards helping clients achieve their goals with the best equipment and support, building long-lasting relationships, and seeing the impact of our products on businesses of all sizes.
Can you share a specific failure or major setback that unexpectedly led to a significant breakthrough in your career?
Luke Seddon : In 2016, I experienced a major setback due to ageism while interviewing for a senior leadership position. After two rounds of interviews, the hiring manager’s feedback emphasized the need for ‘fresh perspectives,’ which I later discovered was a euphemism for selecting a younger candidate. This experience unexpectedly led me to double down on entrepreneurship and launch H2 Catering Equipment. It motivated me to create a company culture that values diverse perspectives and expertise over superficial attributes.
How do you measure personal fulfillment and impact in your role as an entrepreneur or CEO?
Luke Seddon : I measure personal fulfillment by the positive feedback and long-term relationships we’ve built with our clients. Seeing our equipment help businesses, from small shops to large hotel chains, thrive gives me immense satisfaction. Additionally, personal fulfillment comes from leading a team that shares my commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
What unconventional advice or practice has helped you overcome challenges and redefine your approach to business?
Luke Seddon : One unconventional practice I rely on is embracing curiosity and adaptability. Instead of rigidly sticking to tried-and-tested methods, I encourage my team to stay curious and explore new ideas, no matter how unconventional. This approach has helped us innovate in how we provide solutions to clients and continuously improve our services.
How have your setbacks shaped the culture and values of your organization? Can you give an example of how these values are reflected in daily operations?
Luke Seddon : Experiencing setbacks like ageism made me determined to build a company that values experience and inclusivity. At H2 Catering Equipment, we focus on creating an environment where every team member’s voice is valued and where we emphasize experience and diverse perspectives. This is reflected in our hiring practices and in our open-door policy, allowing everyone from junior staff to senior members to contribute ideas and solutions daily.