Heathcote's restaurants named UK's best
10:17pm Wednesday 13th February 2008 in News By Staff Reporter
CELEBRITY chef Paul Heathcote's restaurant portfolio has been named the country's best.
The Bolton entrepreneur's chain of 15 restaurants, which includes the Olive Press in Bolton and Simply Heathcotes in Manchester has been ranked top in the UK by Best Companies.
The news comes as Best Companies releases its annual report in which Heathcote's receives a star accreditation for the second year running.
And it has now been selected as a "test company" for the competition next year which means it is an example to which other businesses should aspire.
Companies are evaluated through anonymous questionnaires completed by staff members before being judged on a number of factors including staff satisfaction, room for growth and charity participation.
Over 800 companies applied for star accreditation with more than 14,000 staff completing questionnaires.
Paul Heathcote, who was born in Farnworth, employs more than 450 full time staff across his restaurants.
They all take part in specialist training to ensure everyone visiting a Heathcote restaurant is well treated.
The training includes body language sessions, inspirational days as well as weekly training on motivation, self esteem and reward recognition programmes.
Heathcote said: "We're really pleased to receive this accreditation again this year and it is testament to our staff that we have performed so well.
"It is hard to compete with other businesses that are assessed by Best Companies, such as blue chip industries which can offer their staff members so many benefits.
"The restaurant industry is notoriously transient and with such a high turnover of staff and it can be hard to gauge their job satisfaction.
"However, we've had some real success stories including individuals who have joined us as students and even shop assistants looking for a change of career and these people have worked their way up in the company to become managers.
"We also have many youngsters joining us who do not know a carrot from a courgette and we have transformed them into inspirational chefs."
Record turnover of £13 million has been predicted for Heathcote's restaurant group this year.
The acclaimed chef opened his first Spanish restaurant - Grado - in New York Street in Piccadilly, Manchester, in December.
