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F&B Business Ltd
Home
Our recommendations *
Our client services
Our achievements
Our example projects
Our bio & story
Our Middle East Portfolio
Our contact info
Our terms & conditions
More
  • Home
  • Our recommendations *
  • Our client services
  • Our achievements
  • Our example projects
  • Our bio & story
  • Our Middle East Portfolio
  • Our contact info
  • Our terms & conditions
  • Home
  • Our recommendations *
  • Our client services
  • Our achievements
  • Our example projects
  • Our bio & story
  • Our Middle East Portfolio
  • Our contact info
  • Our terms & conditions

Food Industry Expert

Smiling middle-aged man in glasses and patterned shirt against a dark background.

Paul Mizen, Strategic advisor @honestconsulting - CEO of efoods an 80 million pound business

'Just a shout out to say what a true professional John is, his knowledge of the food industry is second to none.

When we were building Cater Cloud, one of the best food management systems currently in the U.K., we asked John to come in and work with us on the system.

John absolutely ripped the system apart, upsetting all of the IT lot, but I loved his honesty and knowledge.

So thank you, John, for helping us to build a great system.


Smiling chef presenting a freshly cooked roast on a tray.

Clive Dixon of the Clive Dixon Consultancy - the Hinds Head (Fat Duck Restaurants)

'It was an absolute pleasure working with you too, we had great fun in that Hull kitchen - a true collaboration full of laughs, graft and rather stylish results. Your friendship and words mean a great deal, and I'm proud of what we've created together. Here's to more kitchens, concepts and good company.


Man holding coffee portafilters over his eyes like goggles.

Louay Moursel, Director of Restaurant Operations at Gastronomica in Dubai, Kuwait, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

'John is an outstanding Chef with remarkable culinary skills. John brings creativity and passion to the Kitchen, delivering exceptional results. I highly recommend him for a culinary venture.

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David Chell CEO at the Gregynog

'John, without you on board at Maine Road and then the City of Manchester/Etihad. The Manchester City Football Club  food, hospitality product service and culture would not be where it is today. I can remember us sitting down and looking how we transformed Stadia catering back in 2003 .... Boy did we change the standards and deliver excellence. That was all down to you JBS--one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to work with'

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Alistair Mackintosh - CEO Fulham FC.

'John, he is like a member of the Fulham Football Club family now'

Chef posing confidently in front of a dramatic background.

Chef Paul Kitching, Michelin star for over a decade

'Mr Benson-Smith, a much respected man who changed many things'

Charles Allen, Former Group Chief Executive Granada Television, Forte Hotels, Compass.

'John what you achieved at the V&A Hotel Manchester was from you and not anyone else inc me'

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Craig Lovett, Partner/Principal Incognitus

'JBS we look forward to being part of your further success'

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Michael Artis, marketing & brand director

'Take one part strategic change-maker,
One part commercial acumen,
One part people-motivator.
And mix with high energy.
Add a squeeze of creative genius.
Now, stir in the experience of being at the sharp end of corporate and customer culinary invention for decades, and serve over a bed of straight-talking, purpose-defining direction.
Consume and enjoy the results immediately!
As with all JBS recipes, contents original, organic, proudly BS-free.
Mr John Benson-Smith - a true force for good.
It is an honour to say I have worked with John on multiple projects across Hospitality, Retail, Sport and Healthcare.
JBS always has one eye on the future, with an uncanny ability to apply that to the changes that need to be made today. He works across creative and commercial with equal skill and knows how to get things done. He understands change requires belief and can only be enacted by people who pull together in a unified direction…. And he makes that so. With actual Masterchef culinary skill at his core, working with John not only takes you further than you thought possible, quicker than imagined, but it truly enriches and inspires everyone that the work touches and involves.
I can't wait until the next time we work together.

Nigel Harris, Absolute Taste, Absolute Foods and F3

Jon Lee, Creative director, 2020 brand experience agency London

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'Many years ago, I was lucky enough to be introduced to John. I am the most difficult person I know to understand, and JBS understood my views, passions and drive so much; we delivered many exciting projects together. A great saying from the best film produced went 'birds of the brightest feather should never be caged - don't cage him and you will see what I did ' 


Jon Lee, Creative director, 2020 brand experience agency London

Jon Lee, Creative director, 2020 brand experience agency London

Black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a beard.

'JBS is a giant in the industry and brings a fresh and honest approach to any project. He has supported us on many new and exciting concepts, his energy, knowledge and passion are infectious.


Chris Bird, Executive chairman quest media, founder eq- esports, CEO Raheem sterling foundation

Chris Bird, Executive chairman quest media, founder eq- esports, CEO Raheem sterling foundation

Confident businessman in a suit outdoors with arms crossed.

'I learned this from some fantastic leaders and JBS you are one of the best'


Neil MacLaurin, group Managing Director Keith Prowse/ Levy Compass/ One Event

Neil MacLaurin, group Managing Director Keith Prowse/ Levy Compass/ One Event

Neil MacLaurin, group Managing Director Keith Prowse/ Levy Compass/ One Event

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'Can't recommend John highly enough!  His passion shows no bounds, and he gets things done without faff.


Philip Batty, Director Event Management Catering (A spotless company)

Neil MacLaurin, group Managing Director Keith Prowse/ Levy Compass/ One Event

Neil MacLaurin, group Managing Director Keith Prowse/ Levy Compass/ One Event

Black and white portrait of an elderly man in a suit smiling.

'Some people come into my life and leave an impression which is hard to forget. John is one of these people. If you want to hear how to get what you want, John will not only tell you how, he will set out the steps required to make it happen. John will not tell you what you want to hear, but he will tell you what you need to hear, and he will tell you straight. If you are lucky enough that John agrees to work with you, don't waste it.


Radford Chancellor, award winning food service consultant

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'Overall, I cannot recommend  John highly enough as a food and beverage consultant. His exceptional culinary skills, adaptability and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to any organisation. If you are seeking a consultant who can elevate your F&B offerings to new heights, John is the perfect choice.

David Hodge, Principle of Populous

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'Much appreciated JBS, miss working with you'

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Jad K Alameddine, F&B Director of Mohamed Naser Al Hajery & Sons Restaurants

'To say Chef John contributed to our success is an understatement; he was a key contributor and stakeholder in our business' 

Chef Marco Pierre White

John Williams, Managing Director Granada TV

Man in casual clothes holding a cup, leaning against a rough stone wall.

'I am mightily impressed with the food offering under the stewardship of Consultant John Benson-Smith; the food there is absolutely fantastic'


John Williams, Managing Director Granada TV

John Williams, Managing Director Granada TV

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'JBS will sort it and lead the way forward, I can't say anything else but he will'


Jim Rattigan, Scottish Football Association

Empty Hampden Park stadium in black and white with a person in the foreground.

'Thank you for your very valuable services that you provided to the SFA'


Paul Cryer, NHS Better hospital food panel

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'John worked as one of seven top leading Chefs under the leadership of Loyd Grossman and reporting to the Secretary of State and the team. John is a great player, highly talented in his art, and someone who does so much to inspire people to enter the catering field.

John's Mum

John's Mum

John was always naughty as a little boy and needed smacking every day.

Cyrus Todiwala, Celebrity Chef OBE

Stefan Nietsche, Corporate Exec Chef

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'Dedicated, hard-working, non-egotistic individual, totally my cup of tea. It was indeed my pleasure to have had the privilege of working with you on the critical programme in the NHS' 


Stefan Nietsche, Corporate Exec Chef

Stefan Nietsche, Corporate Exec Chef

Man in apron preparing food outdoors with a smile.

'In his job, superb, 100% nice to work with, thank you for the excellent experience.'

Colin Holmes, Consultant at Advantee

Colin Holmes, Consultant at Advantee

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'If you wrote a book about common sense and charisma, it would be titled John Benson-Smith.

Larger than life character with a winning smile. The ability to communicate with anyone immediately. No airs and graces, tells it like it is. My only complaint is that he is too modest.


Caroline James, Consultant & Author

Colin Holmes, Consultant at Advantee

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From makeover to management, product development and endorsement, demonstrations, speaking, and even catering - John is your man.

If there is a problem, get him in; if you want icing on the corporate cake, he will spend it thickly. A pleasure to work with and intensely dependable, this versatile and talented Chef is the turn-key solution to anything hospitality-related.

Gary Aymes, Director of hospitality at birmingham hippodrome

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'John was of great assistance in shaping and preparing our various catering operations for the more contemporary and forward-thinking era'

Alec Howard, F&B Consultant

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'John has been an inspiration and a mentor -  an innovator, a world-class communicator and a master of his craft. He remains at the head of his field, with a unique, structured approach and the ability to deliver real value to any food service business.


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Garry Cook, Head of Nike brand (Jordan), CEO MCFC,UFC Exec Vice president, Saudi professional league

'Attend an event when Benson-Smith is running it, this will be really great experience' 

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Wayne Hitchman, Director at Good Natured Foods

'John is a huge talented creative chef. An ideas man who inspires all around him. I would recommend John in a flash !'  

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Debbie Power - Associate Director KSS

'John Benson-Smith, thanks, it was a pleasure and honour to work with you and have an insight into your expertise' ' 

Smiling chef in uniform holding a whisk in a modern kitchen setting.

Frank Coughlan, Executive Head Chef Baxter storey group, former Exec Chef to Wembley and BA lounges

John's knowledge and understanding of how to manage the tender process were unbelievable. This all comes from his knowledge of not just running the catering side from a chef's view, but also from the development of the kitchen design, menus and flow. 

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Orazio lamanna GM Raymond James stadium

John Benson-Smith is a results-driven professional in the hospitality world. I have known John for over 10 years and was honoured to have had an opportunity to work and learn from John's leadership as we transitioned Etihad Stadium in Manchester. JBS is a highly motivated and qualified professional with experience in all aspects of hospitality, including business strategies, sales, operational innovation, menu creativity, and employee engagement. The best of the best. Mr John Benson-Smith ' 

Man in glasses and suit sitting at a table.

Michael Currie, Dean & Deluca and Harvey Nichols F&B

' I can only add to what others have said before me, what John doesn't know about the hospitality isn't worth knowing, his expertise, attention to detail and total enthusiasm is infectious. 

Portrait of a smiling older man with a beard in a suit against a dark background.

Dan Smith, President at Legends Hospitality

'I have worked with John on several projects. He is very knowledgable on the set up and fit out of kitchens at Stadiums and Arenas' ' 

Smiling man in glasses leaning on a table in a modern office.

Peter fancy, MSc, MRICS general manager Al Karam Al Arabia / karam services Qatar kuwait

'if you have the opportunity to work with John, either as part of your team or your business, don't  think about it too long as someone else will make the decision before you do and you will lose a great opportunity and a great guy!' 

Man in a suit sitting at a bar with patterned wallpaper.

Andrew Haworth, Managing Director Promenade group

'Our investment in JBS services certainly stacked up ' 

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Philip Shelly, Chair of NHS review of hospital food

'John has been a superb critical friend, bringing to light several challenges in an honest and kind manner. John brings to the table enormous empathy for the public sector, without compromising service quality and expectations. I am very thankful that he has been on our journey. 

James Lane, owner Jersey Boathouse group plus various

Bright, modern restaurant with glass walls overlooking a scenic waterfront.

'Sheer gratitude and thanks for your considerable efforts and success in the completion and construction of the Boathouse - I'm also extremely grateful for everything you have achieved overseas in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, Spain, which has seen something of a transformation since you were heavily involved'


Graham Wallace, Chief corporate & financial officer MCFC and Glasgow Rangers

Smiling man in a suit and tie in black and white.

'Never forget the leadership JBS brought to developing the best-in-class offers throughout the Etihad ...always remembered and respected' 


Gordon Cartwright, former Head of Restaurant inspectors for AA

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'I've worked with many of the greats in the industry, but when it comes to pure energy, creativity, experience, skill and knowledge, John has few peers. Bring John into any project and you can be assured of success. A totally memorable guy, great sense of humour, top professional.


David Vickerstaff, partner at HMS partnership LLP

David Vickerstaff, partner at HMS partnership LLP

Man steering a boat on cloudy waters.

'An inspiration and mentor to those around him, he is commercially minded, and has a pin sharp customer focus which is indeed a very rare and immensely powerful skill set.'


Helen Tigue, Interior designer

David Vickerstaff, partner at HMS partnership LLP

Helen Tigue, Interior designer

Smiling woman working on a laptop at a desk in a serene, birch-tree-themed office.

'I thoroughly enjoyed working with John, he brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and passion to every project. His experience brings a project to life'


Neil Court - Johnston, Chief Executive

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Exec Birmingham hippodrome theatre

Roddy Gauld, Chief Exec Octagon theatre Bolton

Smiling man in a collared shirt against a plain background.

'Attending customer presentations to Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Tesco and Iceland he helped us secure significant new business' .

Roddy Gauld, Chief Exec Octagon theatre Bolton

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Exec Birmingham hippodrome theatre

Roddy Gauld, Chief Exec Octagon theatre Bolton

Black and white portrait of a smiling man in casual attire.

'I appreciate everything you have contributed, its made a massive difference'


Stuart Griffiths, Chief Exec Birmingham hippodrome theatre

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Exec Birmingham hippodrome theatre

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Exec Birmingham hippodrome theatre

Smiling man in a black and white photograph.

'JBS will tell you what you may not want to know, but need to. But then he will tell you how to fix it'

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

Black and white portrait of a confident man in a suit.

'John was our consultant chef at our EMC business and during that time provided an invaluable service to ourselves and our clients. His knowledge of the hospitality industry, large stadia catering and his evident love of food is probably second to none.

Martin Pedlar, Director Forte Hotels, former THF

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

Black and white photo of a historic hotel building with Gothic elements.

'JBS is a pioneer simultaneously maverick renegade and genuis'

Rob Earle, Operations Director Vindico ICS

David watt, kershaw partners, event business marketing and growth specialists

Rob Earle, Operations Director Vindico ICS

Black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a beard.

'John is the most energetic, creative, and innovative guy I have had the pleasure of working with. His passion for the business is second to none, and to top it all, it is always a genuine pleasure to work with him.

Copyright © 2017 John Benson-Smith - All Rights Reserved- F&B Business LTD -

if you deal with F&B Business LTD then you will deal with John direct with no substitute's or juniors.


John is an Elected Master Chef of Great Britain for over thirty years 

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