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Micky Foden-Andrews: Community Pub Licensee

If anyone ever needs a reminder of why pubs matter, the story of The Swan in Clewer says it all. Managed by Micky Foden-Andrews MBII, a BII Licensee of the Year 2025 finalist, The Swan isn’t just somewhere to grab a drink, it’s a community hub built and sustained by the people who use it. […]

Faye Szpytma: Road to Head Chef

When Faye Szpytma joined Sodexo as their very first Chef Apprentice at Colchester PFI, none of them could have predicted just how quickly she would become one of their brightest rising stars. Today, she stands as a powerful example of how passion, opportunity and the right support can unlock extraordinary potential — and her story […]

Eddie Doyle: Brewer & Packager

I first joined Full Circle Brew Co in late 2021, working in the taproom, pouring pints and developing a real enthusiasm for craft beer. I loved being part of the industry, surrounded by passionate people and high-quality beer, but I soon realised I wanted to take my career further. Although I enjoyed working in the […]

Phil Borkin: Production Operative

Not too long after I joined, we were starting a night shift, which I was part of. It was three days a week, so that part was great. But I’d spend a lot of time tired. I had a two-year-old son back then, so it was difficult. I wanted to spend time with him during my days, and I was fortunate to be able to do that. I […]

Fermin Heras: Licensee

So firstly, there’s three flags flying beautifully outside one of which is the Spanish flag. What’s the story there? Yes, I am Spanish. I’m from Avila, a city around one hour and a half away from Madrid. It’s a historic walled city in the region of Castilla y Leon. As a region its famous for […]

Lily-Rose Brylka: Commis Chef

After working front of house as a Food and Beverage Assistant, Lily-Rose Brylka realised her true passion was in the kitchen. Inspired by the creativity and pace of the culinary world, she decided to take the next step in her career and begin her Commis Chef Apprenticeship with HIT Training. “I wanted to do something […]

Dean Heasman: Sales Development Manager

Please tell us a bit about your background and how you came into your current role as a Sales Development Manager. I’ve had a varied career in the drinks industry, working for large FMCG companies such as Coca Cola, Bacardi and Heineken across both the On and Off Trade. After taking a break from the […]

Katie Marriott: General Manager

Katie’s career has taken her through a variety of management roles across retail and hospitality, giving her valuable experience in operations, people management, and customer service. While she felt confident in her ability to run day-to-day operations, she recognised the need to build her knowledge in strategic leadership to truly thrive as a senior manager. […]

Wayne Roach: Business Development Manager

What initially drew you to the pub industry, and how did you end up in the role of BDM? I graduated from the University of Manchester in 1983 with a degree in Recreation and Management. In 1986, I was offered an opportunity to join Greenall Whitley in 1986 as a Trainee Area Manager. At the […]

Nick Burns: Food Development Manager

So you’ve had a career in catering. How did it all start? I’m going to show my age here. So, I started with four years at Catering college, two years in Salford and two years in Blackpool, which is a great place to go to college when you’re 18. Then when I came out of […]