Month: March 2024

A Peek into Managing Director, Jen Bates’ Trailblazing Career in FM 

Posted on by stephanieamata

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to shed light on the inspiring journey of Jen Bates, Sector Managing Director at OCS. A testament to the power of determination and resilience, Jen is one of the many dynamic women who are driving OCS to new heights with their experience and knowledge. Her story provides a beacon of inspiration in an industry where, according to IFMA, women occupy only 15% of senior leadership roles globally. 

Jen’s foray into facilities management was born out of a transformative phase in her life. After a successful 12-year stint in the hospitality industry and an 18-month maternity break following the birth of her second child, Jen found herself at a crossroads. A local advertisement for an area manager position in a contract cleaning business based in Surrey presented a new opportunity. Jen seized it and proved herself an invaluable asset. 

Her career trajectory in facilities management was steep. Within 18 months, Jen had made significant strides in her role, taking on the responsibility of managing a partnership contract with John Lewis that spanned around ten stores. This achievement marked her first promotion. 

But Jen was just getting started. Her career continued to skyrocket, and a couple of years after her first promotion, she was elevated to the position of Operations Director. This role saw her managing all Waitrose stores and about 80% of John Lewis stores nationwide. Her exceptional leadership skills saw the retail sector of her then company thriving under her watch, ultimately facilitating her final promotion to Divisional Director for Retail. 

After twelve years of growth and progress, Jen decided it was time for a change of scenery. She joined Servest, which has since been absorbed into OCS. Reflecting on that decision, Jen shares, “After 12 years I decided to make a move and I joined Servest in April 2014, taking on the CPS division. I took this sector from £20 million to £80 million within a few years, retaining some customers for a second or third term despite competitive tenders.” 

Jen was instantly captivated by the facilities management industry. Its versatility, teamwork, and problem-solving aspects resonated with her. “Every day is different. Yes, we have challenges but it’s the solutions that I love to work out with my team,” she says, underlining her problem-solving ethos. 

Though Jen’s career has been decorated with numerous successes, it wasn’t without its fair share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, posed a significant hurdle. Yet, she navigated this crisis with resilience and determination, leading her team to keep their customers operational during such a challenging period. 

I am very fortunate to be working with someone like Jen Bates, she is a courageous leader who enthuses her team as well as her peers. I have watched Jen develop over the years since joining our business in 2014 with admiration and respect. It has not been easy for Jen who has frequently stepped up to overcome complex challenges under difficult circumstances. Due to her leadership and incredible work ethic, Jen always finds a way to deliver success. Jen has transformed her sectors into a more diverse environment, another area which we can all learn from.

avatar

Sean Fisher

Chief Executive Officer Cleaning

Despite the numerous challenges, Jen cherishes the relationships she has built over the years the most. She is proud of the team around her, crediting their collective effort for the success they have achieved. 

Jen acknowledges the persisting gender gap in the industry, especially in senior leadership roles, but she is optimistic about the future. The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) conducted a study revealing a gradual increase in women in leadership roles in the facilities management industry in the UK, moving from 32% in 2020 to 34% in 2021. OCS is firmly committed to this cause, and Jen herself is keen to encourage more women to consider a career in facilities management. “I think it caters to all. The industry is still struggling with women in more senior roles, but we have a lot to give. It suits anyone wanting to do their best and be flexible, it’s a great career path for young people. I started as an area manager and hard work and people skills have greatly helped my career.” 

As she nears her 25th year in the industry, Jen Bates is a shining example of success in the facilities management sector. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and inspiring leadership, proving that with hard work, determination, and a strong team, meaningful progress can be made. We are incredibly proud and honoured to have such a brilliant woman as part of the OCS team, leading our colleagues, supporting our customers, and helping to make people and places the best they can be. 

Strategies for Enhancing Productivity of Your Workplace and People 

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Most organisations’ two main costs are real estate and people. It’s estimated that labour can occupy up to 70% of business costs. Given these facts, the question arises: how can we harmonise these two crucial aspects to maximise productivity? The answer, simple yet profound, is to cultivate a workplace that your employees are happy to walk into each day.

Prioritising Employee Happiness is the Key

A study conducted by the University of Warwick found a 12% increase in productivity when workers were happy. The trickle-down effect of employee happiness cannot be overstated it supports staff retention which helps save recruitment costs, builds loyalty and overall makes for a stronger team with deepened expertise within the business.

The next question is how do we keep our teams happy in the workplace? A thriving workplace strengthens relationships, increases productivity and overall creates a frictionless environment where creativity can flow. Amidst the rise of remote or hybrid work cultures, it may seem challenging to advocate for physical workplaces. However, a compelling argument exists for their continuation.

Foster Equality with a Secure, Comfortable Workplace

While not everyone has the same opportunity and ability to work from home, the workplace can provide a consistent environment for everyone to flourish. The assurance of a clean, safe, and smart environment for employees to operate in is vital. Knowing that in the winter, there’s a warm place to situate themselves without worrying about electricity bills or in the summer a cool escape for them to get their head down is a vital understated part of encouraging teams into the workplace.

The workplace must also provide a healthy environment in which to work. Indoor air quality not only has an impact on a person’s health and comfort but also on their ability to work. Providing the right mix of natural and mechanical ventilation is essential in helping improve concentration, lower levels of absence and reduce exposure to a wide range of air pollutants.

If feasible, also consider health-conscious catering. There’s powerful value in providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food that will not just fuel your employees but also be the best choice for their health and well-being.

Another essential aspect of a thriving workplace is providing the right balance of desks, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and other working environments. This arrangement should be versatile enough to accommodate the varied working needs of staff members. Some employees may require quiet, isolated spaces to focus on intricate tasks, while others may need collaborative settings for team projects. Having a variety of workplaces can cater to these differing needs, thereby enhancing productivity. Moreover, an aesthetically appealing and comfortable workplace can improve employee morale and job satisfaction, making the office a place where employees want to be. Hence, a thoughtful and flexible workplace environment is a vital factor in boosting productivity and making your people and workplace the best they can be.

ESG’s Impact on Recruitment and Retention

A facet that employers should not overlook is ESG. A recent study showed that 83% of jobseeker participants would look to a company’s environmental and sustainability commitments to influence their decision to join. This consideration is not only for your current employees but also for the future of your business. The current and future generation of recruits have a far deeper understanding and drive for environmental sustainability, and this applies to all aspects of a business including its facilities. Smart building technology as well as decarbonising efforts can go a long way to establishing confidence in your employees that you’re making the right steps for our planet.

Finally, as mentioned, building costs are a significant expense for businesses. However, data led facilities management can optimise the workplace experience, realise efficiencies in building assets and infrastructure and play a part in carbon reduction. Technologies like ABi, used here at OCS, harness the power of data and artificial intelligence to provide building operators with comprehensive insights to pre-emptively address issues, optimise resources and improve the overall management of facilities.

To conclude, the biggest competition that the workplace faces is homeworking. It is imperative to provide your teams with an exceptional, productive space to return to which is better than home —an environment that fosters team building, productivity, and most importantly, happiness. If you’re wondering how to best welcome your colleagues back into the workplace, consider exploring our sector-specific service offerings.

OCS Race the Thames Begins: A Virtual Race for a Real Cause

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And we’re off!

Over 300 colleagues across OCS are commencing a virtual race along the River Thames to raise money for two charities doing essential work within communities and with people who might otherwise not benefit.

The Race

From our Group CEO Rob Legge, to teams on the frontline, Colleagues across OCS are finding inventive ways to complete the 346km distance of the iconic River Thames.

Whether the individuals are swimming, walking, skipping, or bouncing around on a space hopper, the teams will all be tracking the distances completed and uploading it to a virtual race arena where they can watch their boat travel down the Thames.

We’re also thrilled to announce that several OCS partners are joining us in this initiative. Birkets, BDO, Client Share, and RKStyles are just a few of the partners taking part in and supporting this incredible cause.

Participation in this event aligns with our business ethos and TRUE Values and it contributes to the commitments that we make daily around ESG and social impact. It’s empowerment at its very best.

Race the Thames

Our Charities

London Youth Rowing (LYR),since its inception in 2004, has focused on empowering young people through the sport of rowing. The charity provides life skills programmes and mentoring, which transform lives and leave a lasting impact on the individuals they reach, their families, and their communities. We are proud to be partnering with them with a shared vision of leaving people and places better than we met them.

The OCS Foundation, established in 2016, has a track record of driving change and delivering projects that have a direct and positive impact on society and the communities we serve. A notable initiative is our industry-inclusive People-into-Work programme. This programme has already assisted over 150 people, who have faced various barriers to work, from homeless to substance abuse, with the necessary support and training to transition into sustainable employment. At its core, the OCS Foundation improves lives and communities, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Together, we can make a change.

Targeting 1,000 Apprentices: The Launch of Our New Apprenticeship Scheme

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Following our annual Apprentice of The Year event in February and our global brand relaunch in January, we are relaunching our apprenticeship scheme with the aspirational target of enrolling up to 1,000 apprentices this year. This ambition is part of our commitment to support the social mobility of our colleagues and the local communities where we operate, positioning OCS as a leading employer of apprentices.

We’re providing the opportunity for individuals to grow personally and professionally, supported by their colleagues and the wider business.

Our new apprenticeship scheme will feature 57 programmes across 20 pathways in areas such as human resources, project management, ESG, cleaning, marketing, and more. This allows those interested to explore and upskill in a qualification that their job role will be able to support.

As part of the scheme, we will continue our award and recognition scheme, Apprentice of the Month. Each month we will select an outstanding apprentice leading up to the Apprentice of The Year Award. From the 12 monthly winners, an overall winner will be chosen during the National Apprenticeship Week in February.

We’re thrilled to launch this new scheme, building on the success of the previous one and making improvements. We look forward to our colleagues exploring the wide variety of programmes available, which will encourage them to build upon their professional development and help towards the target of 1,000 new enrolments. If you’re interested in joining an apprenticeship programme or have questions, please contact our Social Mobility team.

Nourishing Minds: Education Catering Focused on Improving Learning and Well-being

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Nutrition is essential for learning and growth. We take the responsibility of nourishing young minds seriously, diligently and carefully considering how food impacts cognitive learning, focus, energy levels, and growth. According to a study published in PubMed, students are 18% more likely to be on-task i.e. concentrated and alert, following tailored modifications to food provisions. This displays the positive effect of high-fibre foods and increased fruit and vegetable intake on students’ cognitive learning levels. This is why we carefully select every ingredient in our catering service for the education sector, to enable students and faculty to be the best they can be.

Surpassing standards

Our catering service delivers nutrient-dense foods to students and staff. We adhere to UK government food standards, and each menu item is reviewed by our team of nutritionists to ensure it not only meets but exceeds school nutrition standards. At a minimum, our service fulfils the standard quotas of fresh fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, required portions of meats, poultry and oily fish, while strictly limiting high-fat, salt, and sugar foods.

Initiatives to push good food

Of course, our efforts do not stop there. We understand that making people and places the best they can be requires consistent effort. Therefore, we have established several partnerships and internal initiatives that we integrate as part of our service delivery.

We go above and beyond, taking part in VEGPOWER’s ‘Eat Them to Defeat Them’ campaign, which encourages children to eat more fruit and vegetables. We support this campaign across all our primary school locations to help children reach their five-a-day goal.

Understanding the importance of promoting healthy eating and providing nourishing food, our nutrition team developed a PSCA-shortlisted initiative, ‘Goodness’. This robust campaign was established to communicate the value of proper nutrition, debunk food fads, and reintroduce fun into healthy eating. Goodness Lessons, tailored for students from year 1 to year 13, provide complimentary sessions to enhance the impact of our service delivery. In 2023, the focus was ‘Food and Mood,’ with ‘Sugar Awareness’ lessons scheduled for 2024. These lessons, which reached 1,085 pupils over 39 sessions, engage students with fun activities that increase their understanding of the benefits of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain starchy carbohydrates, and reducing sugary foods.

We also provide informative fact sheets to the parents and guardians of students who have taken part in the lessons, offering nutrition tips and healthier food swaps that can be made at home. Our nutrition team covers topics like plant-based diets, sports nutrition, and nutrition careers, and delivers bespoke lessons on topics such as micronutrients and age-related dietary needs.

Nutritious vegetables, nutrition and good food

A holistic approach to healthy eating

Our skilled and passionate chefs run a Junior Chefs Club onsite at the schools we serve, specifically designed for those students who are interested in the art of cooking. This innovative club is more than just a fun extracurricular activity; it’s an enriching educational experience where students are taught to prepare wholesome, nutritious foods that meet their dietary needs. We believe in fostering a healthy relationship with food from a young age, and our Junior Chefs Club does exactly that by promoting the importance of balanced meals. Furthermore, we ensure that all our young chefs are acquainted with safe cooking practices, instilling a sense of responsibility and safety awareness that goes hand in hand with their culinary skills.

We are committed to educating students on the principles of healthy eating, and we work to provide them with food options that are not only nutritious but also appealing to their taste buds. We believe that by introducing them to various wholesome meals, we can instil an appreciation for a balanced diet and help shape their future eating habits. This commitment is reflected in our catering service. We encourage you to explore more about our brand, its philosophy, and how we are making a difference in students’ lives through our culinary efforts.

“We’re really proud of the food we provide to students. We recognise that children are the architects of our future, and proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in their growth and development, helping them become the best versions of themselves. It goes beyond simply serving meals; it’s about fostering a deep understanding of the nutritional value of different foods on the brain, body and gut. Our Goodness initiative, combined with the dedication of our chefs, ensures a holistic approach to nourishing and empowering these young minds.”

Iona Hudson

OCS Nutritionist

Bronze to Silver: Our Food for Life Journey Towards Healthier, Sustainable Catering

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Achieving Excellence

We are thrilled to announce that our Food for Life Served Here award at our KBR customer site has been upgraded from Bronze to Silver. This remarkable achievement was accomplished in less than a year, thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated on-site catering team.

The Food for Life Served Here is an independent recognition given to catering companies. This accolade signifies that our menu offerings meet certain high standards, confirming our commitment to serving fresh and honest food. Our team of trained chefs are passionate about their ingredients’ provenance and are committed to promoting healthy eating choices

I would like to congratulate OCS at KBR on their upgrade to Silver Food for Life Served Here certification. The upgrade took place within a year of gaining Bronze, a fantastic achievement. All of us at Soil Association are proud to be supporting the clear commitment to sourcing and serving food that is better for climate, nature and health.

Caron Logden

Head of Business Development, Healthy and Sustainable Diets at the Soil Association

We truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of the OCS catering team at KBR. Their commitment to providing fresh, healthy meals that respect the environment and prioritise animal welfare has been recognized with the upgrade to Silver. This recognition assures our employees that they can find excellent nutritional options right here onsite. This upgrade also takes KBR a step further to achieving its zero harm and sustainability goals. Congratulations to the catering team on this well-deserved achievement.

Duncan Knapp

Senior Manager, Facility Operations at KBR Ltd

Levelling Up

With the Bronze level, we guaranteed the welfare of animals, prepared 75% of our dishes fresh on site, and catered to a variety of cultural and dietary needs, including vegan, halal, and kosher options.

The upgrade to the Silver level means we have met even higher standards. We’ve reduced salt, used ethically sourced palm oil or eliminated it completely, and ensured our produce is sustainably sourced. Our menus now feature at least 5% organic produce, sourced from farms that prioritise the protection of natural resources such as fresh water and wildlife, and uphold high animal welfare standards. Furthermore, our food is free from genetically modified ingredients, hydrogenated fats, and most artificial additives and preservatives.

Achieving this milestone in under a year reflects our concerted efforts, diligent work, and beneficial partnerships with Leaf-certified and Red Tractor-assured suppliers. The award is another significant step in our support for our customer’s zero harm and sustainability goals in conjunction with the efforts made in this area by the wider site-based teams.

We’re thrilled to have achieved such a milestone in under a year thanks to the constant work of our chefs and team who build important partnerships with our suppliers, putting great care and consideration into our supply chain and cooking practices. This Silver upgrade indicates our continued progress towards providing healthy and sustainable catering services.
Even as we celebrate this step, we’re setting our sights on achieving gold!

Chris Ashmore

Business Director, OCS

food for life silver catering award

Find out more about OCS Catering services

A Glowing Transformation: OCS Ireland’s Cleaning Services at a Major Airport

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OCS Ireland, recently undertook a commercial cleaning project at a major international airport located in the south of the country. This airport is a vital transportation hub for millions of passengers annually and invests in its terminal buildings and facilities to ensure a welcoming environment.

OCS Ireland contributes to their mission every day. Our services range from assisting Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) to ensuring that our cleaning teams make passengers feel safe and welcomed in the airports, lounges, and terminals we serve.

Our customer places passenger experience at the pinnacle of its priorities, which means a comprehensive cleaning service is essential to maintain high standards of cleanliness. Over the course of four nights, the project was completed without any impact on the airport’s operation. The airport floors were fully restored to their former glory, now shining and creating a clean, modern look throughout the duty-free area.

The project’s successful delivery has resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction, with airport management expressing further confidence in our abilities. This project has only continued to strengthen our partnership and our shared commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience for all passengers.

To learn more about how OCS Ireland assists in creating spaces that enhance the overall travel experience for our customers, click here.

Find out more about our OCS Cleaning services

Cultivating Community and Well-being at West London NHS Trust

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OCS is proud to introduce our innovative “Grow Gardens” project, a unique initiative focused on establishing a network of thriving community gardens within the premises of our Trust sites. This project is part of our ongoing commitment to our NHS Healthcare customers.

The “Grow Gardens” project is not merely about creating green spaces; it’s about delivering dedicated practices that elevate the well-being of our colleagues and patients. We believe that by nurturing these gardens, we also foster a healthier and more positive environment for everyone involved.

Thank you to facilities and our OCS colleagues for the wonderful kitchen garden at Clayponds. The building has only been under Trust management for three and a bit months, and already we are seeing a difference! This is a great initiative.

Katherine Murray

Assistant Director of Operations, West London NHS Trust

Our gardens have been brought to life thanks to the active involvement of our colleagues, patients, and volunteers. Their hard work and dedication have made this initiative a success, positively influencing our catering practices. They are now able to offer a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs including strawberries, runner beans, rhubarb, and lemon thyme picked straight from their gardens. Each ingredient that we serve from our garden is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and care.

The benefits of these gardens extend beyond just providing fresh produce for meals. They also serve as therapeutic spaces for occupational therapy and social engagement. Their service users now find joy and fulfilment in tending to the gardens. This shared experience has helped create a positive working community where everyone feels engaged and valued.

To learn more about our initiative and how we’re transforming catering from farm to fork, click here.

Find out more about OCS Catering services in Healthcare

Celebrating International Women’s Day by Inspiring Inclusion

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This International Women’s Day, OCS takes pride in embracing the theme of “Inspiring Inclusion.”
Inclusion forms a crucial component of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
underscoring our dedication to fostering a culture where all colleagues and partners receive
equitable treatment and access to opportunities.

At the heart of our mission to inspire inclusion lies our commitment to breaking gender barriers in
the traditionally male-dominated Facilities Management (FM) industry. Our focus extends beyond
mere inclusion; we strive to create an environment conducive to the growth and retention of
women professionals.

Woman making heart gesture for international women's day

As part of our International Women’s Day initiatives, OCS volunteers will visit two girls’ schools in Inner Birmingham and Tower Hamlets, contributing to our “Learn to Earn” apprenticeship scheme. The objective is to instil ambition in young girls preparing for their GCSEs, enlightening them about the abundant career opportunities within FM. Furthermore, our aim is to educate them on the potential for social mobility and career progression within OCS.

Both schools are situated in areas grappling with high levels of deprivation indices, unemployment, and health inequalities. We hope to make a positive impact by dismantling barriers to entry for young women in the workforce, particularly within the facilities management sector. This initiative not only illuminates a clear and actionable path for young women but also empowers them to kickstart their careers while earning productively.

As we anticipate the promising outcomes of these visits on International Women’s Day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing, advocating for, and inspiring inclusion within our workplace

“Inspiring Inclusion is a powerful theme to spotlight this International Women’s Day. It advocates for a sustained, deliberate, and multi-pronged approach to making women feel welcome in the workplace. OCS is proud to embrace this strategy in building lasting and impactful careers for women in the facilities management industry. Initiatives like this aim to provide empowerment and kickstart young women’s careers.”

Val Dale

Group Chief People Officer

Cultivating Leadership Excellence at OCS with The Alchemist programme

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A selected cohort of our global senior leadership team has been chosen to participate in a year-long leadership training programme, facilitated in collaboration with the University of Cape Town Graduate Business School.

The Alchemist programme, with over a decade of proven success, is dedicated to cultivating leadership skills within the OCS business. It focuses on empowering emerging leaders with the necessary tools to future-proof themselves and, consequently, enhance the overall resilience of our organisation. Championed by the executive committee, notably Group CEO Rob Legge, OCS is fully committed to ensuring the continued success of the organisation for both our colleagues and customers. Initiatives like The Alchemist contribute to elevating the value proposition of our business by fostering a culture of skilful and thoughtful management, ultimately influencing the performance of our personnel across all levels.

Cultivating Leadership Excellence at OCS with The Alchemist Programme

Since its inception, The Alchemist programme has played a pivotal role in nurturing professionals who have ascended to leadership positions within and beyond our business. Noteworthy alumni, including Daniel Dickson, CEO UK and Ireland, Sean Fisher, CEO of Cleaning, and Steven Moore, Managing Director for Security, underscore the programme’s profound impact on leadership development.

The latest cohort of The Alchemist programme includes senior leaders from across the global business such as Yohanes Jeffry Johary, Managing Director of OCS Group Indonesia, Bruce McDonnell, Managing Director of Private Sector FM, OCS Group UK, Aine Mulcahy, Managing Director of OCS Group Ireland and Ann Rogers-Bell, Managing Director at PCS Thailand. The programme commenced last week with two introductory sessions held at our London office, featuring faculty members from the University of Cape Town.

Over the next 11 months, participants will engage in a diverse range of classroom sessions, one-to-one coaching, and virtual sessions. The programme will culminate in a final presentation to business leaders on an assigned topic, with successful completion leading to the conferral of a certificate of completion.

We extend our congratulations to our colleagues embarking on this significant journey, applauding their initiative in becoming even more effective leaders within our organisation.

Rapid Growth Expected to Double Revenue Figures: Interview with Daniel Dickson

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Our Chief Executive Officer for the UK and Ireland, Daniel Dickson was spotlighted in the latest issue of FM Director magazine, a magazine exclusively for industry leaders in the FM sector.  

In this insightful interview, Dickson traces his career trajectory, beginning with his early days in chartered accountancy and culminating in his current position at the helm of our operations in the UK and Ireland. His journey mirrors a compelling narrative of dedication, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Our ambition is to double the size of the business over the next five years, and I think we’ve got a fantastic opportunity to make that happen.

Daniel Dickson

CEO, OCS UK and Ireland

The interview delves into the pivotal merger of Atalian Servest and OCS in March 2023, a transformative event that reshaped the landscape of our organisation into the newly forged OCS brand. Subsequently, with the strategic acquisition of businesses such as Accuro and Profile Security, Dickson has demonstrated a sharp focus on leveraging mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as indispensable tools for fortifying our business.

The FM Director Magazine’s feature provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary leader whose insights and experiences shape the trajectory of our company in the dynamic FM sector. Read the full interview from page 34.

From Learning to Leading: Award-winning Chef Matthew Chapman on Culinary Classroom Journey

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Matthew Chapman is one of OCS’s prominent chefs, currently serving as one of our company development chefs within our catering arm, Angel Hill. With a string of prestigious awards under his belt, including the 2019 Chef of the Year Award, the 2023 StrEAT Food Chef of the Year and two bronze medals at the International Salon Culinaire 2023, Matthew’s culinary prowess is widely celebrated.

His journey in the world of catering commenced right after completing school and embarking on an apprenticeship at a local hotel. He then worked in a number of fine dining restaurants, hotels & award-winning gastro pubs. Hailing from a family passionate about food and surrounded by exceptional home cooks, Matthew always knew his path was destined for the culinary arts. Following his apprenticeship, he set off on a backpacking adventure in Australia, a pivotal experience that exposed him to the dynamic realm of contract catering

During his travels, Matthew discovered a unique niche—working on remote sites such as oil rigs and mine locations, where he not only honed his skills but also provided teams on the ground with a taste of fresh and delicious cuisine. His travels also found him in Southeast Asia where he developed a love for street food.

Chef looking over the shoulder of another chef at work.

Journey to The Culinary Classroom

With his foot through the door in contract catering, he spent five years in Australia before he moved
back to the UK, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experiences with him and joined the Catering
Academy, which landed him a job at legacy Atalian Servest which has since been absorbed into
newly launched OCS brand.

With an innate knack for educating and supporting the teams around him with his wealth of
experience, it was no surprise when his operating directors handpicked him to take part in the
Culinary Classroom, a programme designed to upskill future leaders within the catering team.

The Culinary Classroom programme is designed to nurture and advance the culinary skills of our
teams. It is a comprehensive year-long programme open to chefs throughout our organisation,
providing them with an exclusive chance to refine their craft and explore the nuances of the culinary
realm. Emphasising crucial skills and a profound knowledge of our supply chain, this initiative
empowers our chefs with the necessary tools to thrive in the ever-evolving catering industry.

Group kitchen with one male and two female chefs making food.

Culinary Classroom, much like our apprenticeship schemes, is crafted and carried out with support
from sponsors like operational directors and managers, who help make necessary arrangements so
their team members who participate in the programme can, without burden, make time to attend.
This is how Matthew ventured into the Culinary Classroom programme, egged on by his operational
directors at the time.

Matthew cites the Culinary Classroom as helping him achieve two things in particular; building his
profile within the company–making connections and strengthening his network–and helping him
polish old skills.

It contributed to boosting my profile and allowed me to demonstrate my abilities. I
also picked up a few skills, some of which I hadn’t practised in a while or since my college days.

One event he recalls was a memorable trip to London’s Billingsgate Fish Market,

I hadn’t filleted a fish since college. It’s not something you do often, even in restaurants. Going back to it after about 15 years felt good, getting back into it and relearning the skill.

Now, four years later, he’s part of the team delivering Culinary Classroom, bringing new and exciting
angles into the workshops and courses, like focusing on sustainability and the supply chain. One
thing Matthew is championing as he crafts the workshops along with the rest of the team is a
consistent return to the practical application of everything participants learn so they can build their
confidence.

“We take what we learn during the day and put it into action in the afternoon. In January, we checked out Campbell Butchers, where we get our meat. Their master butcher showed us the ropes of chicken butchering and the ins and outs of different cuts. It’s not just about roasting— we get into all kinds of cooking methods. Everyone got hands-on with chicken butchering and cooking. We went all out— deboning, skinning, stuffing, rerolling, giving it a punch, and pan-frying. Witnessing the team progress from not knowing how to do that to confidently creating a dish by the end of the session was gratifying. In a group of eight participants, around six or seven had never attempted it before.”

Matthew Chapman

Executive Development Chef

Pioneering for the future

With contributors like Matthew and the Culinary Classroom team spearheading initiatives like these
and fostering collaborations with industry partners, OCS not only empowers colleagues but also
provides them with the essential tools to propel their careers forward. This commitment to social
mobility is explicitly articulated in our ESG policy, a testament to our dedication to creating a
workplace that is inclusive and supportive.

These commitments, intricately woven into the very fabric of our business, align with our
overarching vision and mission. We are steadfastly working towards making people and places the
best they can be by embodying a holistic approach to growth and sustainable business practices