Foodservice Cateys 2025: Regional Manager of the Year – Ryan Davies, BaxterStorey

Ryan Davies took over as account director for BaxterStorey’s south west region in 2023 at a very difficult time for the nearly 140-strong team. The tragic loss of a colleague had shaken morale, while the long-term impact of the pandemic and several leadership changes had left the area lacking direction. But his ambition and drive for a people-first culture have brought growth and positivity back to the region.

To help get the team back on track, Davies began by running team socials and volunteering days, as well as actively promoted training for all staff members. This simple yet effective management leadership helped build the south west into a regional powerhouse, with BaxterStorey securing major contracts and chef partnerships with a more motivated culinary team. Since 2024, Davies has grown his team from 134 to 203, retained 100% of contracts and won seven new ones with major clients such as Morrisons, Premier Food and Clockwise.

One of his standout achievements has been the region’s first multi-tenanted contract at Bristol’s EQ building, which has 80% occupancy. Davies’ team manages the events space and public-facing café and has tripled sales within six months. He also retained a contract with law firm Osborne Clarke for five years which, despite some earlier challenges, saw sales rise 27% year-on-year.

Davies’ leadership style focuses on staff wellbeing and he has introduced a no-email policy between 6pm and 8am to encourage managers to switch off. He has also mentored a chef manager into operations and she now oversees five flagship contracts worth £2m.

Outside his core role, Davies facilitated the partnership between law firm Burges Salmon and Pony Group co-founder and chef Josh Eggleton to host a charity banquet which raised almost £10,000 for local causes. He has also partnered with operator WSH on its degree apprenticeship programme and co-ordinated a day for trainees to tour Bristol’s hospitality scene, as well as offering mentoring on budgeting, marketing and business strategy.

Davies is a champion of the Adopt a School charity in the south west, which has motivated his team to help teach children basic cooking skills, and a masterclass run by BaxterStorey chefs made the local news.

With his focus on cultural change, positivity and staff development, Davies has proved to be a true leader who has helped turn around the region for the caterer. His initiatives have had a clear impact on the commercial success of the business and wider team wellbeing, making him a worthy winner of this award.

Judges’ comments

“Ryan’s forward-thinking approach and his focus on team development and helping others beyond his role made him stand out.” Michiel Hageman

“An exceptional submission taking us on a journey where wide-scale improvements to the region were essential, delivered by a reinvigorated team and leading to impressive results.” Chris Stern

Shortlist

• Ryan Davies, BaxterStorey
• Nigel Fanner, Dine Contract Catering
• Matthew Gransden, Restaurant Associates
• Charlie Hayward, Lexington Catering
• Kirsty Hurst-Worth, BaxterStorey

See previous winners of the award