A leading Newcastle-based catering equipment supplier is bolstering its growing team with a string of new appointments and internal promotions.
Crosbys Catering Equipment has recruited apprentices Sophie McLeary and Adam Blair to the company, and has promoted former apprentices Adam Davison, Ryan Willis and Lorren Winlow to full time positions.
The new developments mark the latest in a chain of apprenticeship successes at Crosbys. Former business administration apprentices Anthony King, 17, from Chopwell, and Emily Watson 21, from Whickham, are continuing to progress their careers with the firm since being offered full time roles last year.
Emily, who studied for an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration through the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), said: “I decided to choose an apprenticeship route because I didn’t want to pay a lot of money to go to university and find that I may be unable to get a job afterwards. I knew that I worked well in an office environment from past experiences, so the role at Crosbys seemed ideal.
“When I came for an interview, everyone was really welcoming, and I liked the fact that it was a family-run business where everybody worked together as a team. I felt that it was somewhere I would be able to work my way up, and since accepting a permanent, full time role I’ve been learning a lot more about the accounts side of the business.”
Newly promoted staff member Ryan Willis, 20, from Gateshead, who studied for a Level 2 Business Administration certificate through Gateshead Council, said: “I felt I was better suited to an apprenticeship than a university course, because I thought it offered a greater opportunity to become part of a business. Crosbys provides good opportunities for staff to progress within a really friendly working environment and I’m really glad to be staying here on a full time basis.”
Director Roger Crosby said: “We’re very pleased to continue with our commitment to offering apprenticeships, and to provide enthusiastic, capable individuals with their first taste of careers in the catering industry. Since joining us, our two new apprentices have already gelled very well with our team.
“Meanwhile, our past two apprentices Emily and Anthony are thriving in their full time roles here, and we’re sure that our three newly-promoted former apprentices will be equally successful as they take on added responsibilities and develop their skills.
“It’s encouraging to know that the apprentices describe Crosbys as a friendly place to work too. Since moving to our new premises in Brough Park Way earlier this year we’ve introduced regular social events, ‘pizza Fridays’ and a pool table for the office, and we’re always exploring new ways to make sure that we have a vibrant, enjoyable work environment for our staff.”
Crosbys is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and supplies crockery, cutlery, specialist catering equipment, paper and janitorial supplies to more than 2000 customers in the North, including bars, restaurants and hospitals, as well as a series of London restaurants and Michelin establishments across the UK and overseas. The company also project manages custom design kitchen projects as part of its service, and recently acquired specialist supplier John Dodds, bringing five new members of sales and engineering staff to the team.
For further information about Crosbys, visit www.crosbys.co.uk or tel: 0191 228 4800
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