“I’m not a paperwork man; I am a people man.” We talked to Neil Tompkins about his relief and increased enjoyment of running his contract catering business since collaborating with The Engine Room.
The Event Chef and now Business Owner, feeding hundreds of hungry rugby players and supporters weekly, has had quite a year. In at the deep end, Neil and his team have gone above and beyond to cement a trusting relationship with Farnham Rugby Club, dealing with bulk post-match and training demands, gala dinners, and the occasional wedding. There is a lot to be proud of after his first year—creating a solid reputation, a buoyant business, and becoming well-versed in the needs of the club while lifting many, many giant pans himself to rise to the challenge.
From successful logistical solutions for high volumes during snap periods of time, such as introducing mobile units and a tuk-tuk, to gaining the confidence of the board and being able to flex between a bacon butty and perfectly plated buffalo Caprese from one tiny kitchen—all while building the right team—is a lot to ask of one person. No wonder Neil had very little time for back-of-house administration, let alone financial planning, and more than that, he has no interest. This has never been his interest. It’s clear where his talents lie, and he admits that paperwork is not his strength and it does not make him happy. However, despite his aversion, he knows how important it is and that it is not something that can be neglected. So, when faced with the need forgetting the business in order, he began working with The Engine Room.
Neil always paid his bills on time, but without everything in order, it always felt stressful and reactive. This unnecessary anxiety was only a distraction prior to working with The Engine Room. The relationship began with support through the contract stage and then the implementation of essential systems, such as payroll, bookkeeping, software solutions, and accurate cash flows. In fact, the relationship began before that as it was critical to Neil that he worked with people that he could relate to. So much so, he probably would have kept going without help if he hadn’t found the right fit.
‘Working with Andrew and The Engine Room has alleviated my worries and fears and taken away all the stuff I don’t want to do. It’s totally streamlined my business and my week.’
Neil Tompkins
For the past nine months, Neil has benefited from monthly commercial management to streamline his business, develop a new source of income from the tuk-tuk, seeing increasing profits and a healthy return. He welcomes useful data and meaningful action plans that land in his reality. He can chat with us whenever he likes, and Andrew [Managing Partner at The Engine Room], his designated commercial management expert, regularly visits. He is already looking to grow the business, taking on a second site, a cricket club, to complement his current one when out of season. Something he says he would not do without The Engine Room.
The characterful and ambitious Neil, and his loyal team, are now all where they should be—amongst the pots and pans, out on the field with warming drinks, and greeting the multitude of muddy players and shivering supporters with delicious hearty food as they flood in off the pitch.
‘I’m confident in the kitchen and delivery, but the coming out and reporting to the board is all new. I needed to get the numbers to do this well, and I really do because of The Engine Room and having them in my business made me realise how well things are going and gives me the confidence to grow.’
Neil Tompkins