From frozen chickens to a national business
Michael Holdsworth, founder of Holdsworth Foods, has died at home in Ashford-in-the-Water aged 85. The company he started in a Stoney Middleton garage in 1969 is still independent, family-owned, and employs nearly 500 people from its Tideswell headquarters.
19 September 2026
One of Tideswell’s best-known businesses began in 1969 in a small garage in Stoney Middleton.
Its founder, Michael Ian Holdsworth, trained in butchery in Sheffield before working in management at the J. Thornhill & Sons chicken-processing business in Great Longstone. Spotting an opportunity to supply local pubs, he established Michael I Holdsworth Limited and began delivering oven-ready frozen chickens.
As demand grew, Michael added products sourced from Sheffield markets. The business soon outgrew its original premises and moved to The Mill on Manchester Road in Tideswell, which remains the headquarters of Holdsworth Foods today.
Michael was known for leading from the front and being willing to take calculated risks. He helped found Fairway Foodservice, a buying consortium that enabled independent regional wholesalers to compete and expand.
Holdsworth Foods subsequently broadened its range and established depots across England and Wales. Although Michael retired as managing director in 1999, the company remained independent and family-owned. His son Rupert became managing director in 2023. It now employs nearly 500 people, with its roots still firmly in Tideswell.Holdsworth Foods subsequently broadened its range and established depots across England and Wales. Although Michael retired as managing director in 1999, the company remained independent and family-owned. His son Rupert became managing director in 2023. It now employs nearly 500 people, with its roots still firmly in Tideswell.
Holdsworth Foods subsequently broadened its range and established depots across England and Wales. Although Michael retired as managing director in 1999, the company remained independent and family-owned. His son Rupert became managing director in 2023. It now employs nearly 500 people, with its roots still firmly in Tideswell.
Holdsworth Foods subsequently broadened its range and established depots across England and Wales. Although Michael retired as managing director in 1999, the company remained independent and family-owned. His son Rupert became managing director in 2023. It now employs nearly 500 people, with its roots still firmly in Tideswell.
Michael died at home in Ashford-in-the-Water in July 2026, aged 85. The business he created remains an enduring and highly visible part of village life.