The new face of PJ taste
We caught up with Shaun Davies who has taken over the reins at Sheffield’s esteemed sustainable catering company, PJ taste, to find out about his new role.
Congratulations on the new role Shaun, when did you officially make the move to PJ taste?
I started with PJ taste at the beginning of the month after a little bit of a break over Christmas. After a long time in the hospitality industry, it was lovely to have a break and celebrate Christmas with Family and friends.
How does is compare to your past hospitality work?
My background has revolved around events and hospitality for a mix of large multinational companies and SMEs. What I love about PJ taste is that we’re employee-owned, which empowers the team to be the driving force behind the business.
What drove you to make this move for your career?
To be honest, it was the right opportunity at the right time! I’d been working away from home, and whilst I enjoyed the position, the travel wasn’t sustainable, so I started looking for the right role! The timing was perfect and company values exceeded my criteria.
What does your typical day-to-day look like in your new role, and how has it been adjusting to the move?
One thing I’ve learnt about catering is that there’s no such thing as typical! Now, I’m taking the time to get to know the business and the team, so I could be doing anything from delivering catering, spending time in the kitchen, discussing menus, networking or meeting suppliers and clients.
It’s been great! It’s always daunting starting a new job, but everyone has been so kind (and patient) while I’m learning the ropes! I’ve been spending a great deal of time getting to understand the nature of the company and quite how important its history is as we move forward together.
Most importantly, the team all enjoy being here, which means that although it’s busy, there’s always a great atmosphere!
What is your vision for PJ taste?
That’s a big question! In the short term, we’re transitioning to an online ordering system which will make life easier for our office, production, and delivery teams and be more convenient for our clients. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the ever-popular PJ taste Sheffield Egg! Whilst we haven’t officially launched the celebration plan, I can say that it’s going to be an exciting few months working with local businesses and producers!
In the distant future, we want to continue doing what we do best, supplying the best catering in Sheffield whilst being an advocate for local produce and sustainably growing our business.
Steel Cactus branch out
Manufacturing recruitment specialists Steel Cactus have recently marked their one year anniversary by expanding their team.
Joining Managing Director Simon Gillott is recruitment resourcer Jessica Fairbrother, who has ten years of experience in the industry, having worked for the likes of Bromak, Adept Resourcing and Capita.
Simon said: “We’ve grown really well over the first year of being in business. So I began to find it a real challenge resourcing the jobs alongside the business development side of things.
“But now with Jessica on board, our skills combine perfectly so we are able to give our clients the best possible service.”
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce appoint new president
Sheffield businessman and communications specialist Alexis Krachai has been appointed Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s new President.
Alexis is a Non-Executive Director on the Chamber’s board and led the organisation during the pandemic as Co-Interim Chief Executive, alongside the now permanent Chief Executive Louisa Harrison-Walker.
He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, as both Managing Director of specialist communications agency Counter Context and a leading figure in the region’s business community.
Alexis took over from the outgoing President Karen Mosley, Managing Director of HLM Architects and outlined plans for his upcoming two-year term, with a focus on supporting businesses and spearheading cultural investment in Sheffield.
Alexis said: “I am honoured to take on the responsibility of being President of the Chamber and representing our members.
“Sheffield does not get enough funding for culture from the Government. The solution to that starts with us locally. I will be working hard to make the case that local businesses have such an important role to play by investing in culture and making Sheffield one of the most exciting and interesting places to be 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Read more about Alexis’ appointment here.
Gravitate Accounting welcome ten new team members
Sheffield-based Gravitate Accounting has made ten hires in the last six months to support its continued expansion as the firm nears its 200 limited company client milestone.
The business, which offers outsourced Financial Director (FD) and Financial Controller (FC) services, Xero cloud software and digital accounting services, works closely with a range of start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs and large businesses nationwide.
In the last six months, Gravitate Accounting has made ten hires to bolster its in-house team. These are Client FD Daniel Morris, Client FC Adam Betts, Client FC Aaron Clarke, Digital Accountant Stacy Shaw, Assistant Digital Accountant Kallum Dickinson, Executive Assistant Becci Woolhouse, Marketing Executive Emily Jane Redfern, Office Support James Wigfield and Digital Apprentices Chloe Parker and Niamh Mcauley-Eyre.
Client Financial Controller Adam Betts is the newest member to join the team, bringing more than seven years of accounting experience, having joined the Gravitate Accounting team from Brown McLeod Chartered Accountants in Sheffield.
Adam said: “I’m excited to be joining the Gravitate Accounting team, it’s a firm which is known for looking after its people and clients really well.
“The idea of continually disrupting the accountancy sector and staying ahead of the curve with digital accountancy practices really appeals to me. This role will mean I get to work closely with clients to add tangible strategic financial value alongside delivering day-to-day accountancy advice.”
Sam Newton, co-owner of Gravitate Accounting, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome so many brilliant people to the team. They are all great characters who demonstrate our core values and are building relationships with our growing client base.
“It’s important to have a trusted network of people in your working life, both inside and outside of the company you work for, so bringing like-minded individuals together to keep fit provides a buzz for everyone involved.”
