Andrew Naylor

Employer: Medirest, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland

Area of work: Public sector

Qualifications: HND hotel catering and institutional management, University College Birmingham

My HND qualified me for entry onto the Compass Group graduate scheme. I am based at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where we supply meals to 1,500 patients. We also operate two Upper Crust retail units and a restaurant that seats 150 patients, staff or visitors. I am responsible for monitoring all patient catering and retail services so that they may be assessed and improved upon.

My job

I provide auxiliary support for six managers and liaise with clients every day, so excellent personal interaction skills are obviously vital. I assist with multi-site management, company compliance and staff development, set budgets and periodically produce financial reviews.

Best and worst

I feel able to effect real change – whether I am reducing wastage or investing time in my staff team, it is easy for me to see the impact of what I do. I succeeded in reaching my current position through dedication and flexibility. If you raise your head above the parapet you will not fail to see the opportunities that are available to you. For me, the worst aspect of the job is my commute – I make a 120 mile round trip from Birmingham to Nottingham every day!