Ray is one of the longest-serving members of the Classic Cuisine team and he recently celebrated a (big) birthday. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about his role here and how he likes to spend his free time.
How long have you worked at Classic Cuisine?
I started at Classic Cuisine in August 2001, doing work experience during my degree course. On completion of my degree, I joined Classic Cuisine full time in the Accounts Department.
What does your job involve and what is your job title?
My job title is Office Manager, my role is varied and has lots of key responsibilities. With the support of my team, managing the Finance Department and planning customer orders and raw material requirements.
What do you like to do out of work?
Outside of work my two main enjoyments are family and football.
I have two young sons. I love spending my weekends and free time with them and my wife Katie. Family is very important to me, I enjoy getting together with my five sisters and their kids regularly too, coming from a large family I love getting together as a whole family group.
My other passion in life is football, I have always loved to play. I am player-manager of a local VETS (Over 35’s) team. As well as playing I love to watch football too, I support Liverpool and I often take my boys to watch Northampton Town play also being our local team.
What’s your favourite food and least favourite food?
My favourite food would always be a proper homemade meat pie. However, since working here my choice of food has broadened! I love trying the meat-free dishes here, such great flavours and textures. The desserts are great too but need I to be careful as it is not good for getting around the pitch!
I adore cooking at home often using Jamie Oliver recipes. The dish I cooked last night was a Cajun Bean Stew. My go-to recipe is a Chilli Con Carne dish with Diced Chorizo, the family love it.
As for my least favourite food, I can’t eat mushrooms. I find the texture unpleasant!
Happy birthday Ray and thanks for your hard work and loyalty, you’re a superstar!