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Heather Day has joined Accent Catering Services Limited as Operations Director, heading up the company’s portfolio of independent school contracts across London and the South of England. Her appointment comes just two months after Accent announced a new regional directorship post for the Midlands.
Day is now responsible for 40 Independent school contracts, with four operations managers reporting to her across the region.
Before joining Accent, she was business development director for the Bespoke Food Company and business services director and operations director for BM Caterers. However, most of her career to date has been in operations, including roles with WSH and Compass.
Commenting on what attracted her to join Accent, she said: “Having worked in sales for a few years, I wanted to get back into operations and work for a smaller company. Accent has a great reputation for being client and people-focused, so it felt like the right fit. First impressions are good, and the more I get to know my colleagues and the company culture, I know that I have made the right move.
“I also wanted to make a difference within a niche sector. The independent schools’ sector is a changing marketplace, so innovation is key. Having the insight and awareness of the challenges faced within this specialist sector means my focus and goals are clear and completely aligned with clients’ objectives.”
For Day, building relationships and rapport with her catering teams and clients is a priority. She spends the majority of her time visiting schools, identifying opportunities to develop people and to innovate the service.
“The right attitude in a team is everything,” she said. “If people feel motivated, appreciated, developed and trusted, it makes an enormous difference to a catering service, particularly in a school environment. Since joining Accent, I have seen open and responsive engagement wherever I go.”
Day is also clear that health, nutrition, and health & safety are at the heart of the service. She collaborates closely with Sophie Crosswaite, Accent’s head of nutrition, and Graham Ogden, Accent’s food and engagement manager, to embed what she describes as “layers of intentional awareness and a fun element” into engagement with pupils.
Commenting on this latest investment in its operations, Ian Crabtree, managing director of Accent, said: “Our portfolio of independent schools is strong and growing so the time is right to invest in a new level of operational support for our clients and teams. Heather Day brings a winning combination of business acumen and solid experience within this sector, along with a creative eye for innovation and talent development. We are delighted to welcome her into the Accent family.”
