Emma Marlin

Meet Emma. Emma is the General Manager of St Swithun’s, a school located in the beautiful town of Winchester and also one of our newer clients.

Upon meeting Emma, it is instantly obvious that she is a very kind, confident person. Having grown up on Hayling Island as one of four children, all of which are sisters, Emma developed a caring personality, something that Emma has carried on through her life.

Fast-forwarding on, Emma is married living just outside of Bishops Waltham and has quite the life story! Emma began her catering career after graduating with a performing arts degree, then moving to catering through work at Café Rouge as a waitress. From this, Emma found her love for catering, making the move to contract catering for a greater quality of life and work-life balance.

Where did you start your catering journey? 

I began my catering career after graduating with a performing arts degree. I know, quite different to my current profession! Once I had left university, as a lot of people do, I moved into catering, specifically being a waitress at Café Rouge. It didn’t take long before I found my love for catering, making the move into contract catering as I wanted a greater quality of life and work-life balance.

Tell us about your journey in catering up to now.

It has now been 25 years since I started in catering, time flies! In my time before Thomas Franks, I worked in London for two other caterers. I have to say my favourite location was also my first, as the GSK building in west London. The bottom floor had a supermarket, restaurant, salon and many other shops just for employees.

How did you get into your role at St Swithun’s?

 Whilst I was working in London, a former colleague of mine reached out and asked me to assist at St Swithun’s. It was my first experience of working in education, so I was a bit apprehensive, although now I’ve been here 3 years and I’m loving it.

How have you found the transition to Thomas Franks?

It’s all still very new, so difficult to give a solid answer, however the transition has been fantastic, especially being able to meet so many others from the company. Everyone has been super friendly and interesting. Something that really stood out to me is how everyone was interested in everyone in the location, not just the ‘main figures’, this showed me how special the family ethos in the company really is.

What are you looking forward to as the journey continues?

 I have loved learning from Lizanne (Regional Director) and everything she has been able to show me. I am excited to see where we can take the food and also being part of the TF Family. Not only this, but the Charity element is something I would be thrilled to be a part of.

What would you have done if not catering?

I think as my degree suggests, I always wanted to be on stage performing, however, the skills that I learnt within my time in performing arts have helped me in everyday life, especially in confidence and with people.