At BM, we nurture our team members’ personal and professional development. We continue our BM happy journey series, meeting Will Rose, one of the many inspirational Head Chefs in the #bmFamily💜💚. Will’s journey demonstrates BM’s unshakeable belief in the boundless potential within its bmFamily team members.
Will, born in Reading, struggled to decide what to study for his GCSEs. His Dad suggested Food Tech and, though tentative at first, Will signed up. Despite not being from a foodie background, he enjoyed cooking. When he turned 16, he went to Culinary School but remained unsure about his future career.
During his first summer holiday, he worked in a pub in his hometown and fell in love with the kitchen environment. He decided to take his cooking career seriously and returned to culinary school with renewed passion. He graduated with flying colours and began his journey in a local hotel. Although he enjoyed working in the kitchen, he wanted to work with fresh food and have creative input on the menus. Will needed to find a like-minded company where he could grow. A colleague suggested contract catering and pointed him in the direction of BM.
The Start of Will’s BM Journey
Will took a chance applying to BM when he was 18. “I was young, naïve, and hadn’t researched BM. Knowing nothing about the company. I now realise, there are many aspects which make a company good to work for.”
Starting his career as a young Commis Chef, Will found his first few months at BM challenging due to the style of catering and daily menu changes.
“The service is different. Going from hotel service with fixed menus, to several menu changes in the week was hard. In contract catering, anything can happen. Once I learned the new way of working, it was rewarding.”
From the beginning of his BM journey, Will has felt supported. BM listened and made progression accessible every time he wanted to try something new.
“I wanted to work in different places, learn new things, and meet new people. I don’t want to feel stuck in the routine”.
Supported Throughout his Journey
Will is highly ambitious and is someone who never shies away from a challenge. He owes his current growth to the support provided by BM. With over 90 sites across the UK, BM presents endless opportunities for advancement. Daryll Young, the Head of Chef Development and Innovation, ensures that BM’s chefs have a bright future. Daryll recognised Will’s determination and talent and took him under his wing. He encouraged him to move between sites and become a Chef de Partie. Within a few years, Will returned to his first BM kitchen as a Sous Chef. He is open about how his experiences of moving around BM have elevated his career.
“During my time at BM, I have helped many sites open. I enjoy meeting new people, and I’ve met many talented people at BM. I am the first to put my hand up and volunteer. BM believes in me and has always supported my progression.”
13 years on, Will reflects on his incredible experiences at BM. He has travelled to Italy with Chef Director Pete Redman and Michelin-starred Chef Adam Byatt. Will is now one of BM’s pop-up pioneers, and his delicious dishes are enjoyed by everyone at BM. He has also won BM’s Chef of the Year award, twice!
Winning Chef of the Year
The Chef of the Year competition is a highly esteemed event that showcases BM’s commitment to its chefs. This foodie competition is a platform for recognising the talents of the team and encouraging emerging talent. BM takes pride in encouraging the development of its chefs, which promotes a sense of self-confidence in them. Through participating in such competitions, chefs realise their potential and develop ambition. Will won the Chef of the Year title in 2014 and made a comeback in the 2018 competition.
“I wanted to get into the finals, and it was an achievement when I did.” Will spent hours practising his dishes, and #BMfamily colleagues supported him throughout the preparation process. He cooked the dish repeatedly for his colleagues and customers, seeking different opinions about the concepts. Daryll reassured him that he was capable and offered encouragement.
The Final
“I remember looking at the other entrant’s dishes. Everyone else has decided to take a different route with theirs, and I stuck to a classic, Venison Wellington. You can’t hide with simple food, so your technique and flavours have to be perfect.”
Will was ecstatic when he was announced as the winner. His hard work, dedication, talent, and determination paid off. When I asked if he had any advice for future competitors, he happily offered this;
“Competing is stressful. When some chefs enter a completely unfamiliar kitchen, they can crumble. Getting experiences in other kitchens prior to the competition helps build confidence.”
Will’s culinary skills have been enhanced by his exposure to various BM kitchens. He has had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which has significantly expanded his culinary knowledge and fostered personal development. The food he prepares is a tribute to his experiences, and his journey is a testament to the supportive, encouraging, and nurturing culture of BM.
Why is BM so special?
“BM has been behind me every step of the way. They have supported my progression. When I look back at how far I’ve come, I am proud it has been with BM”, states Will.
How does BM communicate its values?
“BM chooses to partner with suppliers who share their same values. We have incredible suppliers who believe in an ethical and sustainable future. They understand the importance of traceability. There is a reason why we use each supplier, as they mirror BM’s inclusive mindset.” Will explains.
Will’s Foodie Favourites
Will enjoys exploring and trying out new foods and restaurants, but he also appreciates the classics. “I could eat a burger with cheese every day. Sometimes, you’ve got to keep it simple!”
Turn your passion into a rewarding career with BM
At BM, your adventure can be as diverse and delightful as the flavours we love. Join us and start your BM journey today. Become a supported member of our #bmFamily💜💚 alongside Will.
Are you excited about the possibilities? Connect with us here and discover how your career can thrive at BM.
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