Our Story
From Humble Beginnings
Formed in January 2014
Two former chefs Richard Barrett & Shaun Banks, looking for new opportunities in an ever changing climate of hospitality started to talk about how we can help hospitality businesses find great memebrs of staff, whilst providing short term cover to those that need it.
With Mutual Industry Experience
With Roots Deep In Hospitality
Our ethos has always been that chefs are the best people to recruitm for the kitchen team. AAn principle we stand by even today. Recruitment can be taught, but unless and consultant has live and breathed hospitality, they will never connect with our clients or candidates.
What we aim to do
With a Passion to deliver quality staffing
Even after 10 years as a chef agency, supplying all aspects of UK hospitality, we still have a biurning passion to meet your expectancy and endevour to go beyond that! We are so focussed on improving services and to be as helpful as we can you our customers and candidates even to this day.
It's what we do...
Let Our Business Support Yours
As a leading chef agency, Chefs for Chefs can provide full support to your business, whther it be hospitality recruitment, agency and relief chefs and even training your staff.
Hospitality Recruitment
Our Hospitality Recruitment service offers you the ability to pass the recruitment drive over to us. Working with your account manager, we will learn about your business and ideal candidate profile. You then leave the rest to us, until we are ready to introduce candidates to you. This service offer no upfront, one off fees.
Relief Chefs
Temporary chefs, also known as agency chefs or relief chefs provide a short term fix for any staffing issues. Whether it be holiday cover, sickness or an extra pair of hands for Christmas, our relief chef team can support your business.
DBS Chefs
Just like our temporary chef service, we also have enhanced DBS chefs available for temporary work. These DBS chefs typically only work for our care and education clients and are well versed in the unique needs that these sectors have.
Training
We offer online training courses that are perfect to enrol your team in, its a great resource for any business that outsources their training currently. Plus, you can receive a discount.Learn More here
Thanks so much for all of your hard work. Without the quality of the team you provided, the concept would have not of been the success that it is!
— Ian Mackie Head of Velvetiser Cafe | Hotel Chocolat
Our History
2014
The Founding Years
In 2014, Richard and Shaun launched their chef agency in response to a noticeable gap in the hospitality recruitment market. With staffing shortages becoming increasingly evident, they recognized the need for a more dynamic and responsive supplier. Despite being small and inexperienced, their ambition drove them to impact change in the industry. The first year saw a revenue of £80,000, laying the groundwork for future growth.
2015
Rapid Growth & Initial Success
By 2015, the chef agency experienced remarkable growth, achieving £500,000 in revenue. This surge enabled Richard and Shaun to onboard more chefs from the industry to serve as recruitment consultants. Their focus on customer satisfaction and brand awareness solidified their reputation as a leading hospitality recruitment agency. The team’s commitment to maintaining their core values while expanding their operations became a hallmark of their success.
2016
Reaching New heights
In just three years, the chef agency broke into the seven-figure turnover bracket. This achievement was a testament to their effective recruitment strategies and a growing network of talented chefs. The agency established key performance indicators (KPIs) that centered around customer satisfaction and revenue targets, which propelled them to new heights in the competitive hospitality recruitment landscape.
2019
Adapting To Market Changes
During these years, the landscape of hospitality recruitment began to evolve. Staffing shortages persisted, but the rise in industry salaries attracted new talent to the sector.
We noticed that some customers were improving work-life balance and conditions, moving away from the notorious 80-hour work weeks. This shift demonstrated the industry’s responsiveness to previous flaws and positioned the agency as a preferred partner for both talent and employers.
2020
The Impact Of Covid-19
The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 dramatically affected the chef agency, leading to a revenue decline of approximately £1 million. However, this crisis became an opportunity for exploration. The agency gained valuable insights into the needs of the care and education sectors, which allowed them to pivot and tailor their recruitment services to meet these demands. This strategic shift laid the groundwork for a robust recovery.
2021
Recovery & Innovation
In 2021, the chef agency worked diligently to restore its pre-COVID revenue streams while investing in technology to enhance the recruitment process. By focusing on providing quality staffing solutions, the agency successfully regained its footing and expanded its recognition within the care and education sectors. This dual focus on hospitality and other industries demonstrated their adaptability and commitment to service excellence.
2023
Strengthening Our Position & Expansion of Services
In the following years, the chef agency solidified its status as a reputable service provider across various sectors, including hospitality, care, and education. The agency’s reputation grew as more operators turned to niche agencies for staffing solutions, valuing the specialized skill sets offered. Their ongoing investments in technology and customer service further enhanced their ability to deliver reliable staffing solutions tailored to each sector’s unique needs.
2024
Looking To The Future
As of 2024, the chef agency aims to support all areas of hospitality, from pubs to care homes. Their goal is to deliver trustworthy staffing solutions within manageable budgets, ensuring quality across the board. By leveraging their experience and adapting to industry trends, Richard and Shaun are poised to continue making a significant impact in the hospitality recruitment landscape, further establishing their agency as a leader in the field.
Trusted By
Top UK Employers
