#baxterstorey

[ligneusproducts]

We can highly recommend this thirst quenching drink Vita Coco - thanks to BaxterStorey & Nisbets Catering Equipment for a great event - great to see our risers put to good use @vitacocococonutwater

[luiscartaxo]

Churros and chocolate... #churros #churro #chocolate #dessert #atwork #lovefood #sweettooth #chefslife #baxterstorey #spanishdessert #sugarandcinnamon (em Centrica British Gas)

[luiscartaxo]

Some more pics from yesterday Food File... #foodfeststorey #baxterstorey #graysinn #allaboutfood #zuchini #mussels #fishhotdog #fishandchips #sides #calamari #canapes #nikon #nikond5300 #nikonphotography #nikon_photography_ #tamron70300 #lc_insta (em Gray's Inn)

[acegborg]

Eight finalists to compete for Gold Service Scholarship 2015

Eight entrants to the Gold Service Scholarship 2015 have been selected to compete in the National Final.

The competition – supported by lead sponsor BaxterStorey and now in its third year – is designed to celebrate the importance of great service and inspire a new generation of young people to make a professional career out of front of house hospitality.  The finalists, who were whittled down from 28 at the regional heats by an elite judging panel, will go head-to-head at The Connaught, Mayfair, on 2 February 2015.

The national finalists reflect a broad cross section of hotels, restaurants, contract caterers and in-house catering establishments from various parts of the country, and include:

James O’Keeffe - Lainston House Hotel, Winchester

Lukáš Andr - The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

Karen Weisheit - Cliveden House Hotel, Taplow

Matthew Balman - Buckingham Palace, London

Ronald Rosario - The Capital Hotel, London

Nicholas Winfield - Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, Oxford

George Oates    - Buckingham Palace, London

Daniele Quattromini - Club Lounge 39, Canary Wharf, London

The Regional Finals tested contestants’ knowledge, experience and service skills in a variety of areas and scenarios including service priorities, cocktail making and recognising errors on a laid table. Competitors were also required to complete a written test as well as being interviewed by a panel of judges about their aspirations and work experience.

At the National Final, contestants will be expected to demonstrate their skills in mise en place, decanting, greeting guests, meal service, wine and beverage service and customer engagement.  They will have to pit their skills at a lunch for respected guests and judges including Edward Griffiths CVO, Deputy Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace; Silvano Giraldin, Director at Roux Restaurants; and Alastair Storey, Chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey.

The winner of the prestigious competition will receive a year of expert mentoring including the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with industry greats.  They will also have the chance to take part in high profile culinary events, tour French vineyards and serve in some of the world’s best restaurants over the course of a year.

Alastair Storey, Chairman of BaxterStorey, the lead sponsor of the Gold Service Scholarship, said: “This scholarship is all about celebrating young people striving to achieve the highest standards of service within the hospitality sector and seeing our regional finalists showcasing their skills reinforced my pride in our industry.  The passion, enthusiasm and commitment they all showed to their vocations should act as an inspiration to other young people looking to make a career for themselves and I wish all our regional finalists the very best luck for the National Final.”

Edward Griffiths CVO, Deputy Master of the Household, Buckingham Palace and Chair of the judges said: "We are delighted to announce the finalists for the Gold Service Scholarship, following two days of Regional Finals held at the University of West London.  The quality of entrants this year has been exceptionally high, from a good cross-section of the hospitality industry.  With the help of so many dedicated professionals who have given up their time to judge the skills of the 29 Regional Finalists, we are delighted with the result to take forward eight candidates to the Finals and I congratulate them on their achievement".

The winner of the Gold Service Scholarship will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Claridge’s on 9 February 2014.

[acegborg]

‘StoreyTeller’ hired to boost BaxterStorey’s online presence

  The UK’s largest independent work place catering company has taken its social business strategy to the next level by appointing a ‘StoreyTeller’ to enhance its presence online. Recognising the power of social media and wanting to share its company story using a truly innovative and thought-provoking approach, BaxterStorey has hired Thomas Kilroy for the newly created role of Social Business Manager.

With plenty of stories of his own to draw on from his 27 years’ experience within the catering industry, Thomas is responsible for delivering a collaborative online marketing strategy and sharing the narrative of the BaxterStorey brand to ensure the company remains relevant and engaged with customers, clients and business prospects.

Having spent four years in the business as a General Manager, Thomas has lived and breathed BaxterStorey and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the company’s vision and values, which he is now sharing across a range of online platforms. Thomas is currently concentrating on driving forward BaxterStorey’s presence on the likes of Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as blogging about all things hospitality. 

Thomas explained: “With some time in the business, I recognised a further opportunity to reach our audiences and worked closely with the management team to identify a whole host of opportunities to tap into. There is such passion and expertise within the business, it’s crucial we share this regularly and creatively with clients and customers, ensuring there is a two-way dialogue with them on a ‘real-time’ basis. It’s fantastic to be spearheading such an exciting and robust engagement strategy for BaxterStorey.”

The new social strategy combines a three-pronged approach that sees Thomas assisting the sales team to generate new business, nurture existing client relationships and drive sales on a retail level.

Simon Esner, Director at BaxterStorey, added: “The dynamic of how we do business is changing rapidly and clients and customers now demand an engagement platform for sharing experiences and feedback. It’s vital that we have presence in this space in order to respond, improve and have direct access to our customers, and Thomas’ role is instrumental in delivering this.”

An entrepreneur at heart – with his own successful restaurant group based in Nepal – Thomas’ skillset lies in generating energy and excitement around what BaxterStorey does best; expertly sourcing, preparing and serving the finest British food for a range of customers across the UK.

[acegborg]

Another successful year for BaxterStorey and WSH with double digit growth

BaxterStorey reports 10% growth and 900 new jobs, including 40 graduate placements 13th year proves lucky for WSH with 15% growth and consolidated turnover of £530m confirmed.

  BaxterStorey – the UK’s leading provider of workplace hospitality services – has today posted a combined UK turnover of £320m, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 10%, with the creation of 900 new roles in the business. 

  Now in its tenth year, BaxterStorey has seen its turnover in England & Wales increase by £21.6m, from £281.9m in 2012 to £303.5m today.  BaxterStorey Scotland grew by a further 19% to £15.8m. This business success was underpinned by 44 new client wins, including such prestigious names as Reed Smith, Shell UK, Verizon and BAE Systems.

  Alastair Storey, Chairman at BaxterStorey and Chief Executive at WSH, said: “We invest heavily in training and supporting our people who are key to developing long lasting customer relationships. We aim to provide our clients with great tasting, fresh, seasonal and locally sourced food through innovative menus that keep pace with the high street and respond quickly to changes in food and drink trends.  This is because we understand thatevery day our customers have choices. Only byproviding food cooked and presented creatively, on-site, by well trained staff, will we tempt our customers to eat with us time and again.”

  BaxterStorey’s success is reflected in 15% year-on-year turnover growth for parent company WSH, which has experienced a double-digit increase for an impressive 13th year running and now has a consolidated turnover of £530m. 

  Despite last year’s challenging trading conditions, WSH continues to outperform the marketplace. Its combined businesses – BaxterStorey, Caterlink, Holroyd Howe, benugo and Portico – last year supported the UK economy with the creation of over 1,800 jobs, taking the total number of employees to more than 14,400 across the UK and Europe. 

  Education catering specialists, Caterlink and Holroyd Howe, enjoyed tremendous growth of 20% and 27% respectively, taking Caterlink’s turnover from £52.9m to £63.5m and Holroyd Howe’s from £30.4m to £38.7m.  Meanwhile, retail and public venue operator benugo increased its turnover by 24% from £56.5m to £70m.  This ongoing success comes on the back of a number of new contract wins and renewals. These include new contracts with the Isle of Wight College, Godalming College and a number of primary, special and secondary schools on the Isle of Anglesey/Ynys Mon for Caterlink;  Holy Cross Prep School in Kingston, The Duke of York’s Military School in Dover and Manchester’s Lady Barn House School for Holroyd Howe; Regents Park, Welcome Collection and House of St Barnabas for benugo; and The Riverly Club in Oxfordshire, Swiss Re at 30 St Mary the Axe in London and The Apartments at 47 North Row, Park House Mayfair for Portico.

[acegborg]

We're inspired by the younger generation in this week's ACE blog

This week we've been chatting to someone in the early stages of their catering career.  Thanks to Ann-Maree Morrison, Graduate Trainee Manager at BaxterStorey for sharing her thoughts on the industry.

Why did you choose to work for a contract caterer? I am passionate about food and providing a great service for our customers makes me happy. There is so much diversity in contract catering it means wherever you go there is something different to learn. I also really enjoy the commercial aspect to the industry, it makes it exciting and challenging.  

What’s the best thing about your job? There are lots of great things about my job. Being on a graduate programme means that you work in a cross section of business areas and that means you get the chance to really find out what you like  and don’t like and where your strengths lie

The things that I appreciate most in my role are, firstly, having access to a huge amount of training opportunities both within and outwith the company. And secondly, being able to go to a number of experienced people who I work with who always generously give their time and advice.   

Tell us about your career highlight so far.

My career highlight so far has been graduating from an MSc in International Management and Leadership with distinction which allowed me to make the transition to working for Baxter Storey.  Being at university and working for a company are poles apart, each one with it’s own challenges and each one a completely different type of learning.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for contract caterers in 2014?

Gaining an accurate picture of what our customers want is a huge challenge. Achieving this will allow us not only to assess current buying habits but pre-empt future trends. If we can create solid and consistent platforms for customer engagement we will be much closer to achieving this goal. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career?

Your manager can make the difference between having a bad day at work and having a great day. I think everyone will have had both types of manager at some point in their career. I’m inspired by leaders who have the ability to make you feel motivated to do your job and that you can trust are making the right decisions. I’m fortunate to have come across more than one leader like this and I have learnt so much from them!

Complete the following sentences:

If I could cook for anyone in the world... I would bake for Mary Berry.

My favourite dish to cook is....Chicken and Chorizo risotto

The best advice I have ever been given is.... Never turn down an opportunity if you are presented with it, even if it’s something that pushes the limits you think you have.

My favourite food to eat is.... It’s taken me a long time to narrow this down, but I’m going to go with Scottish beef or venison casserole with dumplings.

If a 16 year old came to me for career advice I would say.... It’s up to you how much you challenge yourself. Work hard and don’t worry about it too much. 

[acegborg]

Gold Service star announced at Claridge’s awards ceremony

Following a nationwide search to find a rising star in the hospitality industry, James Fleming (24), Chef de Rang at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saison, has been crowned the winner of the Gold Service Scholarship 2014. Claridge’s hosted a glittering ceremony last night, where James was recognised for his enthusiasm in providing the ultimate front of house restaurant experience. James will now receive a year of expert mentoring from industry greats such as Diego Masciaga at The Waterside Inn and Emmanuel Landre and Silvano Giraldin at Le Gavroche. He will have the opportunity to work with the Royal Household at the State Banquet, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Europe and visit Champagne to enhance his skills in all aspects of front of house service and customer experience. As an ambassador for the scholarship, James will be a leading example of a successful career in front of house hospitality and will encourage people to celebrate the importance of great service. Ahead of yesterday’s ceremony, seven finalists battled it out at The Connaught, Mayfair in a final attempt to impress the elite judging panel. Edward Griffiths, Deputy Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace, and Alastair Storey, Chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey and the UK’s Most Powerful Person in Hospitality, were among the lunch guests who helped select James as the winner. James stood out for his expertise in welcoming and engaging with customers, preparing and delivering exceptional service, and the sommelier skills of food and wine pairing. Alastair Storey, Chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey, said: “We have a talented industry full of creativity and passion, which we celebrate through the Scholarship. It’s gifted individuals like James and our other entrants who help to create memorable dining-out experiences and they are the future rising stars of Britain’s restaurants.” Willy Bauer OBE, Founder of the Gold Service Scholarship and Chairman of AB Hotels, added: “I’m delighted that James was chosen as the Scholar for 2014. His passion and enthusiasm is exactly what this industry is all about and his ability to provide an impeccable, seamless service is second to none. This competition is all about giving young people the opportunity to learn among some of the best in the business to ensure that ultimately, front of house professionals continue to raise the bar in hospitality and the customer service experience.” James, winner of the Gold Service Scholarship 2014, said: “It’s an honor and a privilege to be the Scholar for 2014 and to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Rebecca Dibben. I’m excited to embark on the many fantastic placements afforded by the scholarship and to work alongside industry greats, who I never thought I would meet, let alone work with! I hope that the Scholarship inspires others to pursue a career in such a dynamic and rewarding industry.” The next Gold Service Scholarship competition will be open for entries in September 2014. Please visitwww.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk<http://www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk> for more information.