Business Mentors

We've lined up an impressive group of operators to give you FREE advice in one-to-one sessions, bookable when you get to the show.

Each of our mentors are serious achievers, and will be offering their time for free to help you with your current business challenges.

Simply book your session when you get to the show. Register for your FREE ticket here>>

MONDAY
Andreas Antona - Chef Patron, Simpsons Birmingham Restaurateur Andreas Antona built his reputation at the original Simpsons in Kenilworth, where he won a coveted Michelin star and was recognised as one of Britain’s finest chefs. Having previously worked at the Ritz and the Dorchester in London, Andreas now runs what was recently voted ‘Best Restaurant in Birmingham’ and also finds time for work in his capacity as Governor of The Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. Visit the Simpsons Birmingham website>>
John Benson-Smith - Consultant Executive Chef Manchester City Football Club John Benson-Smith held the title Northern Chef of the Year and was a former regular judge on BBC TV`s Masterchef. Based in Manchester, he is Consultant Executive Chef to Manchester City Football Club since their move to their magnificent new stadium five years ago, the stadium now has a highly successful catering/dining and event programme. Visit the MCFC website>>
Daniel Galmiche - Executive Head Chef, The Vineyard at Stockcross Daniel's career has taken him all over the world. Having worked at Le Gavroche under the tutelage of Michel Roux, he has held responsible posts in Portugal, Singapore, and Scotland, where he gained a Master Chef of the Year award as well as a Michelin Star. He also achieved a MIchelin Star at Harvey's in Bristol, where he was chef/manager. He maintained the Michelin Star at L'Ortolan near Reading, and regained one at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Visit The Vineyard at Stockcross website>>
TUESDAY
Matt Jackson, MD, Lancaster Brewery Matt Jackson is the founder of the C2 group which operates Lancaster Brewery and four award-winning hotels and pubs in and around Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. The company’s outlets have been honoured many times for the quality of their offering by national, regional and industry bodies. Lancaster Brewery produces a range of traditional, cask-conditioned beers and has also won a number of prizes including silver and bronze medals at the World Beer Awards 2010. Visit the Lancaster Brewery website >>
Michael Magrane – General Manager, The Midland Hotel Manchester, Regional General Manager, QHotels Northern Hospitality’s 2010 General Manager of the Year, Michael is the General Manager of the iconic Midland Hotel in Manchester and also Regional General Manager & Regional Project Manager for QHotels. Michael has been with QHotels since their formation in 2003, working previously for Le Méridien Hotels. Michael started his career with Forte in 1991, becoming a youthful General Manager in 1994; he’s never looked back since. Visit the QHotels website >>
Noel Hunwick, Director, inamo With business partner Daniel Potter, Noel Hunwick established inamo restaurant on Wardour St in London’s Soho in Aug 2008, and their 2nd site inamo st james opened in Dec 2010 on Regent St. Both locations use an E-Table™ interactive ordering system – the world’s first using overhead projection technology – giving customers complete control over their dining experience. Daniel & Noel developed the E-Table™ system and are seeking to license the patented proprietary technology to selected high-level parties. The first licensee to use the E-Table™ system outside the UK will be the Izkaya restaurant group whose 1st site is due to open in Rotterdam in Spring 2011. Visit the inamo website>>
WEDNESDAY
Paul Askew - Chef Director & Co-Owner, London Carriage Works / Hope St Hotel Described as a "genial genius destined for the heights of Michelin" by the Times, Paul Askew has built London Carriage Works, where he is Executive Chef, into one of Liverpool's best restaurants. Key to its success is his insistence on high quality, seasonal and locally sourced products. Along with his second role as F&B director of the adjoining Hope Street Hotel, Paul also has a strong commitment to training and education, work as both NVQ Assessor and AAA national board member & examiner. Visit The London Carriage Works website>>
Steve La Bouchardiere, Co-founder, designLSM Upon graduating in 1978 in Interior Design Steve La Bouchardiere worked for Manchester City Architects and two London based design practices before meeting his partner Simon McCarthy in 1988. Together they went on to form designLSM- a Brighton based multi disciplinary design and architecture practice. In that time they have gone on to undertake various projects in hospitality and retail sectors inclusding Bill Wyman’s Sticky Fingers to the award winning Galvin La Chapelle. Visit the designLSM website >>
Adam Zombory-Moldovan, Principal, ZMMA, Architects and Designers Adam set up his firm to specialise in food and hospitality projects as well as work in the Arts sector. Early restaurant projects include the now legendary Café at Sotheby’s Bond Street, and Christopher’s in Covent Garden. His passion for creating atmospheric, comfortable and indulgent places to enjoy food has led to numerous restaurant and delicatessen projects, with the firm having developed the special skill of helping and advising food start-ups. These include two Yellow House restaurant/bar branches in south London and Carnevale, London’s first Mediterranean vegetarian café/deli. Adam has taught architecture at Cambridge University and been visiting critic and lecturer at Cambridge, Cardiff, Kingston and Surrey universities. Visit the ZMMA website>>