35 years commercial experience in the industry, has provided Jane with a unique perspective on food businesses and given her a strong network globally. She helps businesses identify and capitalise on their assets. She connects people. Jane helps food and drink , and hospitality businesses create, accelerate and implement growth strategies. In 2019 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Glasgow Caledonian University for services to the food industry and entrepreneurship.

What is the best thing about your current job or role in the industry?

I love the diversity of the businesses we work with, the product they produce and the markets they are in.

What was your first job in the hospitality/foodservice or tourism industry?

As a student I worked in a local hotel just outside Glasgow, we had a big functions business and so I was invariably at 2-3 weddings a week ... I am still in touch with several colleagues

Who has been your biggest influence during your career?

Undoubtedly Ian Gregg, the person who grew his father's bakery shop into Greggs Plc. His passion for people and to make his business a force for good in the communities they served was years ahead of other business thinking and set the standards for my business values in the early 1980's and still does now. He is an extraordinary man.

What key piece of advice would you give the future generation of hospitality professionals?

Always be prepared to do things differently, be flexible , never reject something as it is not what you did before and put people first.

What is your favourite restaurant or type of food?

There is very little food that I don't enjoy or am not curious to try , in Glasgow one of my favourite restaurants is Crabshakk their food and their welcome are outstanding ( and now there are 2 restaurants)

What is your favourite dish?

That probably changes weekly but I am currently loving making and eating Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake dish which contains shredded cabbage and spring onion and toppings include a spiced mayonnaise , pickled ginger and when I make them crispy onions too