With the ever-growing new, and continued retention of exclusive UK import partnership contracts for many world leading catering equipment brands, we needed the expertise of a trusted industry professional. Director Melanie Charlton had a clear vision;
We needed someone capable of developing National Accounts within our business, and provide a consultative service to existing and new clients. Andrew is one of the most respected Sales Managers in our industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to our Team! One thing we know about Andrew is that he goes over and above to ensure customers have a great experience and entire satisfaction.
We sat and caught up with Andrew to give you an insight into not only his career, but the man himself…
What path led you into the Catering Equipment Industry and how many years experience do you have under your belt now?
35 years! It all started at Catering College (Henley College, Coventry) in 1989 with Steve Lane, Euro Catering’s Office Sales Manager, who has just celebrated his 10 year Anniversary with the company.
After leaving college in 1992 and sitting my final Advanced Patisserie exam, I started at the Brookes Hotel (Moat House) in Solihull on 2nd June 1992 as a Commis Pastry Chef. I was offered the position after winning an award for culinary skills year 2 and became a member of the MAC (Midlands Association of Chefs now BFC British Culinary Federation), while there I had a Dessert published in the Good Restaurant Guide 1996 – Contributed to the achievement of two AA Rosettes awarded to the hotel. I have worked various different kitchens and supported the opening of Center Parcs Longleat in 1994, catering up to 3,000 people a day. I was a Pastry Chef, Assisting the Executive Pastry Chef in producing cakes and fine patisseries for the whole park, ranging from fine dining restaurants to brasseries and cafés.
In 2001 I came out of the kitchen to start work with Delice de France in my first sales role, from here I moved into National Accounts supporting Esso where I started supporting Merrychef and Rational. In 2004 I joined Merrychef as a European and International Projects Manager, I supported a few Global Chains and Global Forecourt operators and helped produce operational guides and menus for BP, Esso, Shell, Statoil and Orlen. That’s how I got into the world of Catering Equipment.
What has been a career highlight for you?
Cooking for Queen, Queen Mother, Prince Charles ( now King Charles) and many other royal dignitaries. Including former King Hussein of Jordon & King Abdullah of Jordan. I have a huge passion for Sales & Account Management, but my time as a Chef will forever hold a special place in my heart.
What has brought you back to Euro Catering?
Euro Catering has a great team of people working for them, we all have the same goal and look out for each other. We are the exclusive UK dealer for many leading European commercial catering equipment brands, including Palux, Giorik, Italforni, CB, Arris, and work with many of UK’s big chains, that I want to grow and support more. I am looking forward in trying to get more companies on board and work with us.
What are you most looking forward to now we have you back?
I am really looking forward to working with Palux high-quality kitchen equipment watch designs/plans come to fruition with a complete operational kitchen, I am also looking forward targeting new market segments like Food Production with Dieta which are a world leading manufacturer of mixer kettles based in Finland. I have worked with Dieta before in Finland while I worked at Merrychef so it will be interesting seeing how the things have changed over the last 16-20 years.
To make an appointment with Andrew to pay you a visit, or to come book a demo with him in our Culinary Centre…
Call – 07713 044 072 | Email – [email protected]
