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Harrison Catering – a focus on training the individual
An education and corporate caterer with a strong reputation for learning and development
Harrison Catering Services embodies a positive culture that emphasises teamwork and personal growth.
Founded in 1994 by Geoffrey Harrison, this independent, family-owned business takes pride in delivering high-quality catering services, with a commitment to fresh, delicious meals, served by a talented and dedicated team, who are at the heart of its success.
Harrison stands out for its dedication to people development and retention. By valuing contributions and fostering a supportive environment, the company achieves retention rates well above the industry average. Its inclusive workforce, guided by five fundamental values, a shared positive attitude and work ethic, creates a memorable customer experience.
The Harrison philosophy focuses on nurturing individual potential through accredited training programmes that encourage skills development and career advancement. Its range of apprenticeships supports personal growth, which boosts morale and enables people to reach senior positions.
The caterer has been recognised with numerous awards, demonstrating that a positive workplace enhances success and satisfaction for its people, teams and clients.
Learning and development manager Alex Taylor says: “As a professional dedicated to learning and development, I am thrilled to work for a company that has an outstanding reputation for nurturing exceptional talent. The culture here truly values and celebrates everyone’s contributions. Harrison is genuinely focused on creating a workplace where everyone can flourish, with so many opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it a great place to be.”
Harrison is also committed to developing the next generation of catering professionals, and in addition to its Institute of Hospitality-accredited work experience programme, its independent heritage and passion for food enabled it to establish the Geoffrey Harrison Foundation, which is focused on teaching young people how to cook, developing life skills and individual growth, while promoting career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Claire Aylward, joint managing director and trustee, says: “We are proud of the foundation’s impact in helping young people develop their culinary skills. Since 2011, Harrison Catering has donated more than £700,000, with an additional £300,000 received from the Savoy Educational Trust, totalling more than £1m. This support has allowed the charity to support more than 2,500 students through Junior Chefs programmes and inspire future hospitality professionals.”
Our benefits
- A personalised and structured induction programme
- A range of formal craft training
- Management-accredited training programmes
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Excellent development opportunities
- Full- and part-time roles
- Employee assistance programme (EAP)
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- High street and online reward and discount scheme
- Birthday card and Christmas gift
- Long service awards
Case study: Tracey Kirkpatrick, HR manager
After completing her education, Tracey’s journey with Harrison began in 2006 as a payroll administrator. She quickly became a key team member, showing strong attention to detail and teamwork. Her dedication to professional development led to promotions, first to human resources advisor and later to senior human resources advisor.
In 2021, with the support and encouragement of Harrison, she earned her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification and became a chartered member (MCIPD). In recognition of her achievements and expertise, Tracey was promoted to HR manager in 2023, overseeing the HR advisor and administrator roles and providing first-class support and advice to the operational teams.
Tracey plays a vital role in providing expert and timely guidance across all aspects of HR, including areas such as people and culture, TUPE and recruitment. She says: “My role is fulfilling! I enjoy collaborating with senior managers on employee relations and organisational changes, while ensuring we meet our deadlines.” She adds, “I’m grateful for the development opportunities at Harrison. I’ve received incredible support for my career growth and flexibility when starting a new family.”
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