Garry McGovern

After selling up in Queenstown New Zealand, we moved to The Far North and purchased a house to renovate. We spent the next 4 years transforming the house to a elevated state. This gave me the opportunity to work from home and spend time with family, whilst looking after livestock and completely redeveloping the property. Once this project was complete we emigrated back to the UK to be closer to family.

After a few years of working as Assistant General Manager, the opportunity arose for us to purchase our own place and put our own stamp on things. We ran a successful establishment, increasing sales year on year for 5 years, until we eventually sold our business and home in Queenstown for pastures new.

After a few years back of house I was asked to step into front of house service. I passed my Duty Managers Certificate and worked front of house for a couple of years as a Bar Manager. This position then led me to become Assistant General Manager, where I was in charge of daily ordering, rosters, service and managing staff both in the restaurant and bar.

Due to a lack of work in the Engineering factor in Queenstown New Zealand. I re-trained as a Chef. I started work as a Commi Chef and worked my way up to Assistant Head Chef. This included Breakfast Chef shifts and Evenings too. I was expected to run the kitchen pass when working and take care of ordering and stocktakes. I also entered invoices into our computer systems and was responsible for GP% being on target and meeting budget.

Passed a 4 year apprenticeship in Precision Engineering, including studying Mathematics for Technicians at Highbury College. Work included high tolerance machining for Formula 1 and manufacture of plastic injection mouldtools for customers including IBM, Ford, Nissan, Honda and many others.