Robert Kingsbury

Born in London 1951 but I have lived in the North for over 40 years both in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Divorced, I have four children, all grown up and employed in publishing, banking and military service, one living in Australia, another shortly to go and live there and the other two wherever the army sends them - Germany, Cyprus, Kenya, Afghanistan or Northern Ireland. Pride of place goes to two very special grandchildren. Qualified in Catering and Hotel Management, I have filled just about every role in most sectors of the food service industry. Also spent several years in sales of specialised food production equipment in UK, throughout Europe and South Africa. Progressed to Food Service Design and Operational Management Consultancy in similar territories for large volume catering, which led to equipment distribution, contract catering management and both client and contractor roles in public sector food service. Recent years have seen a change of direction and return to roots. I have built up a small garden garden centre and opened a very popular and successful cafe/restaurant for three years as chef/proprietor. I am now semi-retired and busier than ever with many short term interests including travelling, writing, business development consultancy, property renovation management and some small scale contract catering. The years of varied experience, continual learning and countless mistakes provide a good background for two of my favourite interests - negotiation and public speaking.