Who we are ... How we help
Fig, (food, innovation and growth) is a catering consultancy that partners with UK catering businesses or clients that may have catering services within their premises. We fix the bits- (whatever and wherever they are). From financial recovery, operational fixes, staffing or compliance support.
Designed for any catering business related problem
Specialists in business transformation, people-centered change, operational results
Flexible mix of practical coaching, group work and consulting
Or email us directly at [email protected]
the Fig team
John Ishmael
John brings over 30 years’ experience in catering and hospitality, spanning sectors including retail, healthcare, education, workplace dining, and major events. He has held senior roles within leading UK contract catering businesses, combining strategic leadership with deep operational expertise.
Alongside his consultancy work, John runs a successful backstage and location catering company, ensuring his advice remains practical, current, and commercially focused.
Simon combines a passion for food with strong experience across both the creative and operational aspects of catering. With a background in menu development and product innovation, he has held senior roles in the licensing and contract catering sectors, developing food operations that are both commercially successful and operationally efficient.
Before joining FIG Consultancy, he ran a Mediterranean deli bar and his own catering consultancy, helping clients improve their food offer and business performance. He also founded the South West Food Cartel to support and promote local food producers and independent businesses.
A Psychology graduate, Simon brings a valuable understanding of customer behaviour and team dynamics to his work.
What to expect
A simple, friendly discussion
The free consultation is a space for you to talk openly about what’s happening in your organisation – what’s working, what’s not and what feels stuck. From there, we agree something that fits. and works for you
1. Conversation
We talk or we can meet , usually for 30 - 45 minutes. You share what’s happening; we ask curious, gentle questions to understand the context
2. Outline & options
We follow up with a clear summary of what we heard, suggested focus areas and a small number of options – including an honest view if we’re not the right fit.
3. Begin working together
If you choose to go ahead, we agree success measures, ways of working and feedback loops – so the work continues to feel aligned, transparent and useful.
Client stories
Meeting big ambitions with grounded, human support
Fig works quietly in the background so your teams can be visible in the foreground – confident, clear and connected to their customers.
“Fig created a space where our team could finally say what had been unsaid. They helped us to improve and maintain our business. You could tell that our issues they had also experienced themselves, but they had a solution . We learnt so much from them in the short time that they were with us.
Sous Chef - Restaurant and Wedding Venue, Midlands
“We've only been with Fig for a short time, but they have helped us in ways that you could not imagine. The advice and guidance from John and Simon and their real life examples and improvements to how we work has made us more efficient and hopeful of the future of our business.
Business Owner-Vegan Restaurant , Birmingham
“We had been with the same contractor for years, and thought that we were getting a good deal. A quick meeting with Fig and a look at our offer helped us identify what we had quietly accepted. 12 months on, with a new contractor, a better financial deal and a catering team that feel valued and supported.
Finance Director, College of Further Education, South West
Contact Us
01633 603563
Unit 20E, Bentley Green Farm, Crick, Monmouthshire United Kingdom NP26 5UT
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