From little seeds grow mighty trees
A little something about us…
The Chef Tree was born from Back-2-Front, a highly successful hospitality recruitment agency, based in the South West. Formed in 2009, Back-2-Front, as the name suggests, offered both chef and waiting staff to businesses throughout the South West. From 2014 the business changed to focus solely on chef recruitment. As Managing Director Pete Cann explains,
“We had built up a very successful business but by 2014 it was clear that the chef side of the business was where true our passions lay.
We’ve had chefs who have been with us for 8 to 9 years and customers using our chefs for the same amount of time.
The chefs and customers feel like part of the family and so we wanted to recognise this by rebranding ourselves so there could be no doubt; we are all about experienced and professional chefs who share our values.”
Chef Tree Core Values
Our core values underpin every single thing that we do as a business and can be broken down into four strands;
Courtesy
Teamwork
1st Impressions
Efficiency
Our core values run deep within the business and inform how we conduct ourselves with our customers and our chefs.
When we recruit our chefs, they know from the moment they step through the door what our value system entails; we are courteous and welcoming. Our interview system is value led and we hand pick each of our chefs who are able to demonstrate their ability to follow our values. The in-house training that each of our chefs undertake focuses on our core values and our chefs are expected to follow this system in the workplace as well as with their dealings with us and our staff.
Our office staff work within our core value system so they can be relied upon to be courteous, to work well in a team, to give a fantastic first impression and to work efficiently.
Our core values are the root system that drives our business and allows us to grow and bear fruit for all of our chefs and our customers.
Pete Cann – Managing Director
Pete has been in the industry since leaving college, more years ago than he’s care to mention! He has got his hands dirty in busy pubs and restaurant kitchens, where he worked as a chef for two years. Pete has also had extensive experience of managing busy, city centre restaurants.
What gets you up in the morning? My alarm! Seriously, the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is my morning routine. I have a specific routine that really puts me in the right head space to achieve all I need to that day.
Any skills or talents that people would be surprised to hear about? I can DJ! I’ve been in front of the decks in Ibiza with over 1000 people dancing. That was a while ago so something more recent would be my ability to make a room laugh! I’ve been a Laughter Yoga Leader for a few years and it’s a great feeling being able to make a roomful of people laugh together.
Where is your favourite place in the world? I’m going to cheat a little bit here and say my caravan! Because then I can go anywhere I want, which is usually anywhere with a coastline.
What has been your greatest achievement? Besides marrying Chloe? I would have to say that would be walking up Machu Picchu in Peru. It was a gruelling 5 day trek, walking up to 2,430 metres above sea level in very hot conditions.
Who in the world do you most admire? I would say I admire anyone who starts their own business, gets on with it and is able to make a success out of their own idea.
If you went to a Happy Hour, what would you order? As I don’t drink I’d order a pint of Giggle Juice!
How would your colleagues describe you in three words? Energetic, go-getter, motivational.
Chloe Cann – Finance Director
Chloe has worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 16, where she worked in kitchens and behind bars before becoming a trainer for front of house staff. Chloe took a break from the industry for a couple of years and travelled the world for 15 months. On her return in 2009 Chloe set up Back-2-Front and has been back in the hospitality world ever since.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? It has to be a strong cup of coffee and my exercise regime. I need the coffee to get me out either running or doing Yoga!
Any skills or talents that people would be surprised to hear about? Well I can knit a blanket. Without needles and just using my fingers. It comes in so handy!
What is your favourite place in the world? I don’t have a favourite place but I do love going somewhere which is so culturally different to what I’m used to. I love exploring new cultures and trying foods I never knew existed.
What has been your greatest achievement? Besides having two beautiful kids I would have to say that running continuously for 5 hours has been my greatest achievement. That’s the problem when you run the London Marathon at a slow pace, you have to run for longer!
Who in the world do you most admire? Michelle Obama. I listen to her book, ‘Becoming’ when I’m running and it is incredibly inspiring.
If you went to a Happy Hour, what would you order? I really like IPA, but it has to be fizzy, I don’t enjoy the flat stuff. A pint, please!
How would your colleagues describe you in three words? Straight talking, approachable, honest.
Orla Murphy
Senior Consultant
Orla started working as a chef at the age of 15 before undertaking professional chef training. Following her training Orla worked as a chef in Jersey. Orla then moved to Bristol where she worked in a variety of establishments from busy hotels to gastro pubs and fine dining. Orla then spent 5 years as a chef for a large contract catering company, working her way up from a CDP to a chef manager running her own unit. In 2010 Orla joined Back-2-Front.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Probably the kids. I haven’t set an alarm in the last 8 years!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about? I did learn to crochet. And I can also Irish dance. But not both at the same time!
What is your favourite place in the world? Cappodocia, in Turkey. They have hot air balloons floating in the air all day. You can either just look at them or take a ride in them. It’s an amazing place.
What is your greatest achievement in life so far? It’s got to be the two marathons in two days that I ran last year with Chloe. It’s been a year but I’m still broken!
Who in the world do you most admire, and why? I’m going to say my best friend Janine. With the background she had growing up and how she’s persevered and got herself to where she is today has been amazing. She a person to lean on when you need to.
If you went to Happy Hour, what would you order? I like a frozen strawberry daiquiri but I haven’t had one in ages.
How do you think your colleagues would describe you? Team player, funny, supportive.
Georgia Cameron
Office Manager
Georgia’s first experience of the hospitality industry is when she joined The Chef Tree in 2021. Prior to this, her experience was in the world of Estate Agency and Holiday Lets in Brighton and Hove where she worked before studying Criminology at University.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
In a literal sense? My dog… there is no such thing as a lie-in when it comes to Beau! Also knowing I can do the things that I wanted to do the day before and the notion that every day is a brand new day
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
In my spare time I customise trainers, it is very therapeutic and peaceful, and it is great to spend a few hours getting creative with new designs
What is your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place in the world has to be New York City! you just can’t be the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple!
What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
Completing my degree in Criminology I would say, it was a long 3 years!
Who in the world do you most admire, and why?
I admire lots of people for lots of different reasons, it is too hard to pick one! I admire anyone with who is honest, resilient and thinks big!
If you went to Happy Hour, what would you order?
In the summer – 100% an Aperol Spritz! So refreshing! And in the winter it would have to be a Dark n’ Stormy (I love anything with ginger!)
How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
Organised, honest and reliable
Sian Lewis
Recruitment Consultant
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My alarm clock! It helps when it’s on the other side of the room. No chance to hit the snooze button.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I’m pretty good at cinematography and video editing. A small 7 minute video can really take 10+ hours to edit, but I always enjoy the creative process.
What is your favourite place in the world?
Whatever my next destination is! The moment I decide on my next holiday, I deep dive into research and it becomes the best place in the world. Experiencing new cultures and traditions is my favourite thing to do.
What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
Raising £11,000 for an orphanage in Ghana whilst travelling.
Who in the world do you most admire, and why?
My great grand mother. Firstly for being blessed enough to exist at the same time. But also for her big move from the Caribbean to give her children better odds in life.
If you went to Happy Hour, what would you order?
You can’t go wrong with a cheeky mojito or white wine
How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
A great source of positive energy
Leyna Renaudin
Sales Executive
Leyna has 10 years experience in Sales and Account Management, from working in various industries (fashion, lettings) and countries (France, UK). She is now joining The Chef Tree to help support the company’s rapid growth, and excited to be discovering the hospitality industry!
What gets you up in the morning?
My daughter, she’s an early riser (between 5 and 6 am.. I haven’t slept past 6 am in what feels like forever!), but I have to say it’s the nicest way of being woken up. I hear her calling mama and she has this giant smile on her face when I walk in. Nothing beats that and the motivation it gives me to start my day.
Any skills or talents that people would be surprised to hear about?
I don’t know if it’s surprising or even interesting but I love cross stitching and embroidery. I do a lot of it in my spare time, I find it therapeutic and relaxing.
What is your favourite place in the world?
Canada. All of it is amazing but the most beautiful place on this earth is Tofino, on Vancouver Island
What has been your greatest achievement?
Most definitely being a stay at home mom for 2 years. It has been the most challenging experience but also the most rewarding. I have learned so much about myself during that time, and the connection and quality time with my daughter are priceless.
Who in the world do you most admire?
Non celebrity would be my mother. Her resilience and capacity to see the good in people, and her faith in the future, always amaze me.
If I had to pick a celebrity I would say Simone Biles, the athlete.
If you went to a Happy Hour, what would you order?
A white wine, dry!
How would your colleagues describe you in three words?
Glass-half-full. My mindset is contagious!
Sian Passmore
Office Administrator
Sian has worked in Administration for over 20 years and has undertaken all types of roles, from Receptionist, Service Co-ordinator to Senior Administrator / P.A. Sian was born in Newham, London, then moved to Wales at a young age where she has stayed and pursued a career in Administration. Sian is looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the hospitality trade.
What gets you up in the morning
My alarm, to go to the gym – around 5.15am everyday (apart from weekends)
I find it puts me in the best mood for the day ahead once I have trained
Skills or talents.
Not a skill or talent but, in my spare time, I walk a lot with our dog summer, I try to do at least 10k a day with her – she’s a Labrador, so, needs a lot of exercise 🙂
Fave place in the world.
The beach, rain or sunshine, any beach, anywhere is my happy place.
Greatest Achievement
Being a mum – my daughter is my world and she makes me proud everyday
Most admire.
I am going to say my sister – shes had some difficulties in life to overcome and the way she has turned life around is inspiring
Happy hour
Definitely a G&T, or a glass or two of Sauvignon Blanc
Colleagues describe
Organised, Honest, Reliable
Now not a good time? Why not book a call with one of our experienced office team who will happily talk through any questions or concerns you may have.
The Chefs I receive from The Chef Tree are very confident which makes my job easier - they are very helpful with a good attitude with good communication
They know about nutrition, they know about allergies I can definitely recommend The Chef Tree to any school caterer. They are excellent