Our Social Promise - Our People's Stories

Izabela Ginter started her career in hospitality in 2013 as a cleaner, but her curiosity about the amazing Scottish food the chefs around her were creating, led her into the culinary team – and she quickly fell in love with being a chef.

As well as doing day-to-day catering on site with a well-known client based in Aberdeen, Izabela supports numerous special events. She was thrilled to take on a key role in developing a menu for her customers to mark the King’s Coronation, and she also travelled to London to support the ESS Government Services team feeding the Metropolitan Police during the event.

Izabela has worked her way up – starting in the kitchen as a kitchen assistant to winning Compass’ Young Chef of the Year competition five years later. Izabela said that there are so many opportunities available at Compass Group UK & Ireland; and she has had great chances for both personal and professional development working across leading events, supporting other chefs and competing in industry culinary competitions.

One highlight came about in April 2022 - Izabela was selected from a group of top performing apprentices within Compass Scotland, to undertake a four-month internship under the instruction of Scotland's two Michelin starred chef, Stevie McLaughlin, who is also a Culinary Ambassador for Compass.

Izabela says she has been blown away by the support from all the chefs she has met on her journey, who are all keen to share their knowledge and help her along her way. Izabela won the Contract Catering Rising Star Award in 2023, describing the experience as an “honour”.

Her career goal is to keep learning - gaining new experiences, taking part in different events, meeting new chefs, and perfecting her skills. As a passionate chef, nothing brings her more joy than seeing a smile on the faces of customers enjoying the food she has created.

Izabela said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far – my progress really is the product of a team effort! There are #nolimits to what you can achieve whatever your background and experience.”

For more information on Our Social Promise visit: Our Social Promise | Compass Group UK&I (compass-group.co.uk)