Bartlett Mitchell founder Ian Mitchell dies aged 74
Bartlett Mitchell founder Ian Mitchell has died aged 74.
Mitchell set up the caterer, now known as BM, with Wendy Bartlett in 2000, after working with her at Compass in the late 1990s.
Bartlett announced his death in a statement. She said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ian Mitchell, co-founder of BM, a great friend, and one of the industry's true greats.
"Ian was a caterer through and through, with a genuine passion for people, service and food.
"He always held the highest standards, and everything that BM is today stems from the most generous, jolly and loveliest gentleman you would ever be likely to meet."
Mitchell was born in July 1949 in West Bromwich, Birmingham. He was introduced to hospitality by his grandparents, who owned a hotel in North Wales.
After graduating from Oxford Polytechnic he became a management trainee at the Savoy Hotel Company, spending time in New York and Paris, including two years at Hôtel de Crillon.
Returning to the UK, he joined Claridge's hotel before becoming assistant manager at the Capital and overseeing the opening of the InterContinental at Hyde Park Corner.
Mitchell moved into contract catering in 1985, working for Gardner Merchant at the Institute of London Underwriters. In 1987 he moved to Sutcliffe Catering when he became an area manager.
It was when he moved to Heathrow as general manager of its British Airways operations that he first worked with Wendy Bartlett, who was his deputy. Together, they took the contract into single sourcing for Sutcliffe from competitors Compass and Gardner Merchant.
Mitchell and Bartlett then both moved over to Compass, with Mitchell taking on the tole of managing director of the city unit and Bartlett his operations director.
He stayed with Compass for five years until 1999. In 2000, he and Bartlett launched their own independent catering company, Bartlett Mitchell. Together they led the company for 24 years, growing it to more than 100 sites with 1,000 employees.
Mitchell stepped back into an ambassadorial role in 2018.
Bartlett added: "Ian's love for life and his unwavering pride in our #bmfamily were evident in every interaction we shared.
"He was a beacon of positivity and generosity, always quick with a smile and an encouraging word. I can imagine him urging us to raise a glass in his honour.
"Reflecting on our journey together spanning more than 35 years, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of calling Ian not just a business partner but also my dearest friend.
"The memories we created and the support we offered each other are treasures I will cherish forever. We will miss him dearly, as will so many people from across our industry."
Mitchell was a keen West Brom supporter – his grandfather was the team's doctor – as well as a wine lover, and he regularly wrote wine blogs for the BM website. He was also an animal lover and volunteered as a puppy trainer for guide dogs for the blind.
Mitchell is survived by his wife Angela.
An online book of condolences has been set up for colleagues and friends to leave thoughts and reflections.
Please send any tributes to James.Stagg@thecaterer.com
