THE ULTIMATE UK INDUSTRY CHARTER FOR POSITIVE COMMITMENT

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Gordon Cartwright: Founder of Visionary Chefs

Originally from the North West of England and now based in Scotland, Gordon Cartwright has built an extensive career working in and alongside more than 3,000 professional kitchens across the UK and Europe. Today, he continues to advise quality hospitality operators throughout the UK and Ireland.

After earning his chef and management qualifications in North Wales, Gordon gained experience in several renowned UK establishments, eventually leading high-profile kitchens as a head chef. His expertise later took him to the AA, where he served as a Senior Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, collaborating with thousands of chefs and hospitality professionals nationwide.

Following his time with the AA, Gordon transitioned into hotel leadership, becoming a luxury hotel general manager and later, a performance coach for the hospitality industry.

In recent years, Gordon has become increasingly concerned by the parts of the industry failing to meet even basic standards of staff care and wellbeing. His concern deepened following the tragic suicide of a talented young chef — a moment that became a turning point in his mission.

Determined to make a lasting difference, Gordon launched Visionary Chefs: a platform committed to preventing such tragedies through proactive change, while also celebrating the employers who are already setting a high standard for staff welfare.

One of Gordon’s core passions is ensuring that students entering the industry are fully informed about their rights and what they should expect from employers. He explains, “Many great organisations are there to help when things go wrong — Visionary Chefs exists to help stop things going wrong in the first place.”

1. Access to an emerging database of students across the UK seeking safe employers.
2. Entry to a UK wide VisionaryChef Register of Preferred Employers shared with UK Colleges and Universities. 
3. You will be showcased for in-house training CPD if you submit your innovation and success through our social channels.
4. Access to the Visionary Voucher Gift Voucher Platform at £60 a month with 20% of all of your fees going into the visionary dining foundation
5. An employer has to be registered to draw down funds from the Visionary Dining Foundation for training etc.
6. Recognition awards - Quarterly Employer of the Month awards. Each membership venue to submit. Winners showcased on social media.
7. Quarterly State of the nation/industry report.
8. Access to specialist industry consultants and performance coaches
9. 10% discount on Visionary Dining systems and products as well as discounted membership for Groups and Associations
10. If you introduce 10 venues within the calendar year, your membership fees are waived.