New Beginnings: How TUPE Opened New Doors for Matt

When JCB welcomed BaxterStorey as their new catering partner, it marked the start of an exciting new chapter. For Executive Chef Matt Guy, that chapter included his first experience of TUPE, the process that protects team members when services transfer between employers. 

What could have been a period of uncertainty has become opportunity, fresh ideas and team growth. Matt shares his experience and advice for others preparing for a TUPE journey of their own.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you feel when you first heard your contract was transferring to BaxterStorey?

When I first heard the contract was transferring to BaxterStorey, I felt a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity. I’d never been through a TUPE process before, so it was unfamiliar territory and naturally a bit daunting. At the same time, I was optimistic about the opportunities the change could bring.

Having joined JCB World Headquarters as Head Chef in June 2024 and been promoted to Executive Chef just four months later, I was already experiencing strong career progression and felt positive about the next chapter. Although it was a long process finding out who had been awarded the contract, once the decision was made, everything moved very quickly, things moved quickly towards the end, and looking back, I saw it as an exciting opportunity for growth.

What has surprised you most about BaxterStorey?

Without doubt, the people. From day one, everyone I met was incredibly welcoming and supportive. People like Regional Director, Jon Leverett and Culinary Lead Andy Macleavy visited regularly and genuinely wanted to help us succeed. What stood out to me was that, while BaxterStorey is known for great food and hospitality, it’s really a people business first. There was lots of support, guidance and reassurance, even when big changes were happening. Very quickly, I realised everyone was there to help us move forward together.

What did your first week with BaxterStorey look like?

More than anything, it was about supporting the team I already had around me.

There were a lot of new faces, new processes and new conversations, which understandably felt daunting for some team members, particularly those who had been there a long time or needed additional support. My focus was making sure everyone felt included, valued and reassured that they were part of the journey.

As an Exec Chef, how did you help your chef team navigate the change?

Communication was key. BaxterStorey gave us excellent support and information throughout the TUPE process, and I focused on making sure those messages reached the team through regular conversations, location visits and coffee and chats. I reminded everyone that I was going through the same experience as them. People don’t just bring work concerns to these situations, they bring personal worries too, so it was important to listen and offer reassurance where I could.

What were the biggest concerns your team had, and how did you help address them?

The biggest concern was job security. As with any contract change, rumours can start to circulate and there were worries about redundancies. My message was always simple: people will always need feeding and good people will always be needed. As the team began to see the investment, training opportunities and support available through BaxterStorey, confidence grew. Trust started to build and those concerns gradually disappeared.

Since joining BaxterStorey, what opportunities have opened for you?

The opportunities have been huge. I’ve been able to build relationships with suppliers like Tom at Delifresh and Ria at Bidfood, something I never had the chance to do before, and that’s invaluable when developing menus and creating the best possible food experiences. I’ve completed the Sustainable Nutrition programme and been involved in major events and projects. One of the most exciting was opening The Boathouse, a new public-facing venue that’s already becoming a talking point across JCB.

I’ve also become much more involved with the wider JCB community. I’ve built fantastic relationships with JCB colleagues, most of which know me by name now, and spend more time engaging directly with customers, gathering feedback and driving innovation.

If you had to describe BaxterStorey’s culture in three words, what would they be?

Supportive, innovative, inspiring.

What has been your proudest moment since joining BaxterStorey?

Above everything, watching the team grow. We’ve built a stronger team culture across all our locations and created a real sense of belonging. Seeing people feel proud of where they work and confident in their futures has been incredibly rewarding.

Personally, I’m proud of embracing the challenge. There were moments when it felt like a lot to take on, but I’ve always believed in facing challenges head-on. That’s probably my main takeaway from the last year.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve over the next year with BaxterStorey? 

I want to keep building on the momentum we’ve created. I’d love to see The Boathouse become a real destination venue, attracting visitors from across the area. I also want to continue working closely with JCB’s events team to create fun and exciting experiences for our customers. 

Most importantly, I want to keep developing people. We’ve already seen team members progress into new roles, from Sous Chef to Head Chef and Chef Manager to General Manager. Creating opportunities for others and helping them grow is what matters most to me. Oh, and not forgetting the famous JCB toastie. I want that to become a global superstar!

Finally, if you could go back and speak to yourself on day one of the TUPE process, what would you say?
Don’t worry. Embrace every opportunity, keep learning and enjoy the experience. Looking back now, I’d tell myself to have confidence in the journey and trust the people around me. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far.

For anyone about to go through a TUPE process, what advice would you give them, and what do you wish you’d known on day one?

Embrace it with an open mind. It’s natural to worry about change, but I’d encourage people to focus on the opportunities rather than the negatives. Having a positive mindset makes all the difference. Whether at work or in my personal life as a busy dad with three children under six, I always try to focus on what I can influence and look for the positives.

Looking back, I’d tell myself not to worry. Embrace every opportunity, keep learning and trust the people around you. TUPE can open doors you never expected, but you have to be willing to see them. For me, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far, and I’m grateful I approached it with confidence and an open mind.