Meet Your 360 Food Partners

With over 25+ years of experience in food development, procurement, and compliance, James helps hospitality businesses create effective, profitable, and safe food strategies. As Managing Partner at 360 Food Partners, he works with multi-site leisure operators, hotel groups, pub and restaurant brands, and independents to streamline menu development, optimise supply chains, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Previously managing 23 pubs in central London, James has firsthand understanding of the challenges operators face. His expertise spans food trends, sourcing, negotiation, and operational efficiency, delivering powerful solutions in support of overall business objectives.

James can be found coaching on the football pitch when he isn’t in venues. He’s also on a personal quest to perfect the ultimate burger, in the kitchen at home, or on the high street (preferably at Five Guys, his guilty pleasure).

Ian is an industry heavyweight in strategic menu development, with a career spanning retail, food manufacturing, and hospitality. As Managing Director at 360 Food Partners, he helps food service businesses design on-trend, high performing, and lucrative menus.

He’s shaped the way people eat on the go, leading food development at Scottish & Newcastle Retail, and transforming motorway service food as Head of Own Brand Catering at Welcome Break. In addition, his expertise also extends to B2B, wholesale, and export markets with brands like The Sauce Company, The Authentic Food Company, Whitby Seafoods, and Roberts Bakery.

A perpetual seeker of the ‘next big food thing,’ Ian accurately predicted a Michelin star for Skof, his top dining haunt in Manchester.

With nearly two decades in foodservice sales, wholesale and commercial activation, Chris brings the supplier-side intelligence that turns good procurement into great commercial architecture. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, he aligns supplier relationships, incentive structures and commercial frameworks to ensure deals perform.

Chris has spent many years across senior sales, brand and activation. That experience gave him a deep understanding of how wholesalers think, how contracts really work, and where operator margin quietly disappears. His time at large scale distributors gave him a rare ability to see the commercial picture from both sides of the table.

When he’s not working, Chris is most at home in the mountains; particularly the Lake District, where you’ll find him running the fells whatever the weather. He believes the best meals are the ones you’ve properly earned.

A seasoned executive chef turned food development and safety specialist, Grant brings a wealth of expertise in high end food production, compliance, and innovation. In his role at 360 Food Partners, this means ensuring menus are of an exceptional standard, while also being safe, scalable, and operationally sound.

Grant’s career highlights include developing and producing sous-vide food for British Airways First and Business Class, and achieving BRC Global Higher certification. His experience spans Michelin Guide restaurants, international food projects across Germany, Ireland and Russia, plus major events like the Open, Ryder Cup, and Chelsea Flower Show.

Off the pass, he’s a proud Chelsea supporter, a Hispanophile, and an artisan gin distiller – with a surprising passion for concrete!

With years of experience in the food sector, Ottalei ensures everything behind the scenes runs like clockwork. Her work covers many critical details you probably wouldn’t notice – but they’d make a monumental difference if overlooked. As Client Services Director at 360 Food Partners, she keeps processes smooth, efficient, and hassle-free for clients.

Her background spans administration, HR, and recruitment, where she developed her talent for juggling people, tasks, and problem-solving. These combined skills equip her to make complex projects effortless while ensuring menus, compliance, and operations align

Ottalei’s a dedicated foodie, especially when it comes to the hidden gem Wythmails in Orlingbury. She discovered it during lockdown, and it’s now her go-to place for its warm welcome, pastrami Benedict on toasted crumpets with melted Emmental, and Biscoff cookie pie.

Carly’s background in executive assistance, large scale event planning, and sales administration at Avon’s UK head office supports integrated day-to-day operations at 360 Food Partners. Her vast experience has equipped her with many people and practical skills to manage complex projects while delivering client service excellence.

In addition, her time as a teaching assistant called for adaptability, attention to detail, and communication skills – essential qualities for keeping everything ticking over effortlessly behind the scenes. This knack for organisation and teamwork makes her a key part of the client experience.

A passionate home cook, Carly loves nothing more than going all-in with a classic Sunday roast and all the trimmings, bringing family and friends together at the table for great food and quality time.

Annjanette, better known as AJ, joined the 360 Food Partners team in 2024, bringing to the mix her passion for organisation, focus on data analysis, and dedication to client success. Working closely with the Client Services Director, she supports smooth running operations, handles administrative tasks, and dives into data to uncover valuable insights.

With a keen eye for detail and a love of problem-solving, AJ shines when simplifying what can be complex processes for our clients. Her analytical mindset and commitment to efficiency make her a great asset to the team.

She describes herself as a true foodie, and is always on the hunt for authentic Mexican restaurants where she can relish bona fide enchiladas, tacos and tamales. Conversely, she also takes great pride in perfecting her grandmother’s cherished Yorkshire pudding recipe.

Becky’s background spans local government, marketing and project management, giving her a precise, organised approach that keeps client accounts moving and detail front of mind. As Client Services Assistant at 360 Food Partners, she supports smooth operations, accurate reporting and day-to-day client services.

Her council work ranged from financial management to leading community projects, sharpening her ability to manage complex workstreams under pressure. Time in marketing brought a creative eye to an already well-rounded skill set.

Becky is most at home in the kitchen, cooking Middle Eastern food and juggling multiple dishes to keep her children happy. Her idea of a perfect meal is a chateaubriand, but she did once try guinea pig in the Peruvian highlands!

Matthew works with hospitality brands to create impactful food and drink imagery for digital platforms, social media, marketing campaigns and internal brand materials. His work is designed not only to look great, but to support commercial performance by influencing guest choice and elevating how food and drink is perceived.

Alongside photography, Matthew also supports concept and menu development projects, helping bring ideas to life through imagery for cookbooks, brand guidelines and training materials. Having grown up around the hotel and restaurant industry, he brings a natural understanding of hospitality environments and guest expectations.

Outside of work, he spends much of his time travelling, with food and drink continuing to shape both his perspective and creative style. His favourite place to eat is Dishoom.

With 30+ years of sales and marketing experience in the hospitality and events sectors – in-house, agency side, and as a freelancer – Judith specialises in low effort, high impact business development and marketing content that shine in uncertain times, or at any time.

Her client portfolio includes small independents to high street names like Revolution Bars, Tiger Tiger, Pizza Express, The Printworks Manchester and Lucky Voice, helping them drive awareness, visibility, leads, and sales.

A keen baker, Judith is known for her wildly popular coconut macaroons with a dark chocolate base and a glacé cherry on top, because all things coconut rock! She’s also a raving fan of school cheese pie, aka the ultimate veggie comfort food!