Employees with 20, 30 and 40 years’ service were invited to London for Sodexo’s 2017 long service event. The day involved lunch aboard Bateaux london while taking in famous landmarks from the Thames. The group went on to the Tower hotel for a three-course dinner and entertainment.
Sean Haley, Sodexo UK & Ireland regional chairman, said on the night: “I’d like to say thank you to each and every one of you. You are the reason this business continues to be successful."
Richard Priestley and Diane Jones: colleagues working together again after 30 years’ service
Richard, property and facilities manager south, oversees the operation of the Sodexo offices in London and Stevenage.
“I joined Sodexo (then Gardener Merchant) in 1987 as assistant catering manager at the News International contract, quickly progressing to general manager then group manager when Sodexo won the whole contract. It was a 24/7 fast paced operation, printing up to 5 ½ million copies of papers a day. The client was incredibly dynamic but also very supportive and we were able to revolutionise the catering offering there, culminating in a 1 ½ million pound refurbishment of the facilities in 1999. It was the kind of place which got under your skin.
I then applied for the facilities manager role at the Sodexo head office at the time, the Merchant Centre. My role has evolved and grown with the company, supporting all the changes and day to day operation of Sodexo’s southern offices.
For me the thing that really makes Sodexo stand out is the people, the network of wonderful people who make our customers and clients feel welcome.
I took Diane on as a management trainee in 1989 when I was the general manager at News International and we worked together there for 10 years. When she applied for the role at One Southampton row more recently, I knew how hard working she is and that she would be perfect for the role.”
Diane, services manager, started her career as a commis chef at Liberty’s of London.
“I had trained to be a chef at college but I knew I didn’t want to do this role long term and I managed to get a management trainee place with Sodexo (then Gardener Merchant) at News International. As a management trainee you are allocated a place of work. When I found out I was going to be placed at News International I cried, I was terrified of working there after all the strikes but I did go and stayed for 10 years.
I went on to work at the Transport for London contract. I held a wide range of roles, moving in to training and after that account management with City of London police and the Guilds Hall contract.
More recently I’ve moved to join the team at One Southampton Row, Sodexo’s London head office working first as the admin manager then as the front of house manager.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the wonderful people I have worked with over the years.”
Claudia McCabe, 40 years’ service
Claudia, who works in global marketing for the corporate segment, joined Sodexo (then Gardener Merchant) in 1977 as a management trainee.
“My first role when was at Conoco at 105 Wigmore street, London. I still remember the address, it was in between M&S and Selfridges, I’m sure you can guess what all my wages were spent on. Despite my lack of saving, I loved it and continued to work my way up, and sideways, through operational management.
In 2001 I moved in to marketing, created the brand be… then moved to a global role where I launched the brand in sites around the world. I love working globally especially working with people from different cultures.
Every time I’ve had itchy feet during my career I’ve been able to find the new challenge I needed with Sodexo. I think you need to self-innovate; to learn new skills, and do things which frighten you to keep motivated in terms of your career, whether you change companies or not.
It is a combination of opportunities for progression and the network of people at Sodexo which have meant that I’ve stayed with Sodexo for so long.”
David Jenkins , 30 years’ service
David, chef manager, joined Sodexo (then Universal Catering) 30 years ago. Before working for Sodexo David worked as a chef in the hotel industry.
“I never had any time off when I was working in hotels. Working offshore I do 3 weeks on and 3 weeks off. I look at it from the perspective that I only have to work for 6 months of the year. When I am off-shore I am working constantly and the pressure has been on my wife to keep things running at home but the time off any the generous pay make it worth it. Over the years the pay has enabled me to buy and renovate properties for my daughters, helping them out in life is something which is really important to me and something I am incredibly proud of.”
“Sodexo have looked after me over the years, even when oil rigs have been closed for re-fits.”
Cath Brown – 30 years’ service
Cath, business manager, secured a place with Sodexo (then Gardener Merchant) at the Heinz contract after completing her chef training at college.
“I was able to fit parenthood around work and develop my career. I moved in to catering management, working for other contracts like Co-op bank and I now manage a team of 9 people.
My children are grown up but I feel like a bit of a parent for my work team. I know I appreciate the support I get from my line managers past and present, and I try to offer the same support to my team.”
John Corlett, 30 years’ service
John, demand and development manager within the food platform, joined Sodexo (then Gardner Merchant) in 1987 as a management trainee in the Ed & Med (Education and Medical) division.
“I’ve calculated that over my 30 years I’ve worked in 12 different job roles, had 15 line managers and worked under 8 different chief executives. Progressing up through levels of operational management I have worked as assistant manager, general manager and area manager at schools, colleges, universities and corporate contracts.
I also spent three years working in sales before moving in to the marketing department (now Service Operations).
I have had interviews and had the opportunity to work for other companies over the years but whenever I have been ready for a new challenge, an internal opportunity has been available which suited me. My managers have always encouraged my career progression and I have been fortunate to work for some great people.
I love the people I work with and as a big foodie I really enjoy working with chefs and all the Sodexo people who are passionate about food.”
Sarah Masson, 20 years’ service
Sarah, communications manager for Energy & Resources, started with Sodexo (then Gardener Merchant Kelvin) in the sales team as a business development executive.
“After working in sales I moved in to marketing and communications which enabled me to work part-time hours, and balance my work and family life. Over the years my role as since evolved to be more communications focused.
It doesn’t feel like I have been doing the same job for 20 years. As well as my changes in role, I’ve also experienced 5 company name changes and 5 office changes, although thankfully these didn’t all happen at the same time.
For me the ability to work flexibly and the people I work with is what keeps me loyal to Sodexo.”
David McAuley, 20 years’ service
David, Plymouth catering manager, joined Sodexo as a chef at the Royal Citadel Plymouth 20, almost 21 years ago. During his time with Sodexo has worked with the Royal marine base Stonehouse, royal marine base Brickley and Royal citadel. Although he has always worked in Plymouth, he appreciates the fact that during the years of service he has always felt there has been room for change and variety within his career.
During his time with Sodexo, David, has received two promotions in a six month period.
“The training, health & safety and the employee recognition are aspects of Sodexo which are very special to me and I appreciate how over the years, Sodexo have supported my life in and out of work.”
Jacky Parker and Michelle Ball - Mother and daughter collect 20 years’ service awards together
Jacky, front of house supervisor, joined Sodexo 28 years ago and with a break in service due to family reasons has now completed 20 years’ service.
“As an employer Sodexo have supported me to balance my work and family life. I’ve encouraged all of my four children to work for Sodexo at some point and Michelle, like me, has stayed with Sodexo longer term.”
“During my time with Sodexo I’ve gone from a team of 7 to a team of 21 and seen the introduction of PAYD which I think is brilliant. I love my job, helping customers and working with my team.”
Michelle, services manager at ABC Tidworth, joined Sodexo as a food service assistant in 1997 and appreciates the flexibility as well as the learning and development opportunities which she has experienced.
“I have been able to balance my work and family life AND develop my career at the same time. My managers have believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and encouraged me to take opportunities which challenge me and develop my skills. I didn’t know I could succeed in such complex roles but my manager did.”
“We both love the people we work with and the fact that every day is different.”
Both Jacky and Michelle had an amazing day at the Long Service awards are 100% sure they’ll both be back in 10 years to collect their 30 years’ service badges together.
Michelle Houghton, 30 years’ service
Michelle, account manager for Independent and Education joined Sodexo (then Gardner Merchant) 30 years ago. Michelle started as a casual pastry chef in August 1987.
“Initially I was told that I didn’t have enough experience to work as a full time chef, I had only just left Catering College however later that day a Manager from Gardner Merchant called and asked if I could make scones… this was my way in. From then on I started working shifts as a commis chef and then moved very quickly into Catering Management.
I’ve now been working in education for 23 years and have been an account manager for over 18 years.
I can’t do it without my team; it’s the people I work with that have made the years of service worthwhile.”
See all pictures from the event on our Sodexo Flickr website.
