Keen analytical skills, an eye for and attention to detail combined with innovative thinking and a collaborative approach defines my style of consulting. I strive for, and achieve, catering solutions which result in win:win situations for client, caterer and visitor – operationally and financially.
On obtaining a BA in Food and Accommodation Studies from Leeds Polytechnic I spent a number of years working in the City of London in business and industry catering before moving into consultancy.
In 1989 I founded Food Service Associates, one of the earliest catering management consultancies set up in the UK, first focusing on the B&I sector before moving into the visitor attractions market. After 21 successful years we rebranded as Boyd-Thorpe Associates in 2010.
Boyd-Thorpe Associates is one of the leading providers of independent management consultancy to clients operating commercial catering operations off the high street. These are typically catering operations within third party premises such as museums, galleries, historic houses, visitor attractions, cathedrals, churches and open spaces (parks and gardens) and may include new or existing business, operated either in house or contracted out.
Our work includes:
vðcatering strategy review and development
vðfeasibility studies
vðconcept development
vðoperational and financial performance reviews
vðbusiness development
vðcompetitive tendering
vðbenchmarking and market research
vðcustomer service training and staff development
vðHLF application support
vðcontract monitoring
vðfinancial auditing
vðmystery diners
vðongoing support for in house catering teams
I act as lead consultant and have personal involvement in every client assignment from initial enquiry to delivery ensuring that the values on which I have built the business are upheld through our directly employed staff and associate consultants. I am equally at home working on the strategic plan for an iconic project for a large national organisation as I am working with a chef manager improving customer service standards and profitability in a small local museum or park café.
Projects I have worked on in recent years include:
The management of competitive tenders for The National Portrait Gallery
The Abbey School, Reading- GCSE's and A levels
Leeds Polytechnic - BA Food and Accommodation Studies
