Lloyd Mann, Food Service Director, ISS Food and Hospitality confirmed today the partnership with Glynn Purnell, the Michelin starred Chef, restaurateur and TV personality. Purnell will be the new Feature Chef with ISS.
In his role, Purnell will work on various initiatives with ISS to further promote excellence in food and hospitality. He will also work with all levels of the ISS talent pool in the Business & Industry (B&I) catering arena.
Purnell will work with ISS on a range of areas. These will include the next phase of the ISS White Collection fine dining concept, pop-up events, enrichment sessions, new ‘stage’ work placements and inspiration events for those at all levels of their professional development - including the ISS Leeds Academy student cohort .
Gaining the title of ‘Yummie Brummie’ from Olive Magazine, Glynn Purnell owns and runs Michelin starred Purnell’s in Birmingham, Gingers Bar and also Purnell’s Bistro. He won Birmingham’s first Michelin star in January 2005 and Purnell’s was awarded a Michelin star in 2009.
Lloyd Mann commented, “We are delighted to have Glynn join us. With his passion, personality and charismatic approach to food and services he is a great fit with our entire ethos at ISS. “Together, we’ve planned some great programmes to strengthen our talent development, innovation projects and strategy.”
Mann added, “As a business, we’re evolving all the time and Glynn will work with as we elevate our creative strategy to the next level. He has a fantastic reputation, utter belief in our craft and will inspire our next generation of chefs and service people. He’s creative, grounded and community-minded which is absolutely the perfect balance for us.”
In addition to his awards as a restauranteur, Purnell has won personal awards such as the Academie de Culinaire Francaise Annual award of Excellence. His popularity and professional approach have made him a highly sought after TV personality, appearing on shows such as 'Saturday Kitchen' and 'Great British Menu'.
Purnell has always had a passion for food and started work in kitchens at the age of 14. He spent the following two years at the Metropole Hotel, going every day after school. He was then taken on as an apprentice and six years later he won the prestigious Salon Culinaire award.
Purnell stated, “In my career I’ve had the privilege to see a great deal of adventure and passion in cooking around the UK. 'I’m delighted to work with new people who are proud of their craft.”
He concluded, ”I like to challenge traditional ideas around food concepts whilst bringing amazing food sensations to the table and to see our established chefs and new talent work with innovative ideas. “Working with ISS will allow me to experience even more of this.”
Stephanie Hamilton, Managing Director, ISS Food & Hospitality. said, “I love Glynn’s food and his approach to the guest experience, I find his dishes and his beliefs inspiring and I am delighted that we are working together.
“My team in Food and Hospitality will really enjoy the time we have planned with him and I know that we are about to embark on something exceptional and ground breaking for the team and our clients, and I can’t wait to get started!“