News Archive

The team at PK has been busy fundraising this year for Mustard Tree, through a range of events such as a CEO sleepout, cake sales and a Tough Mudder. Along the way, we have learnt how vital the charity is to people trapped in poverty and homelessness in Greater Manchester.

We had already helped at a soup kitchen and met some of the people affected, but jumped at the chance last Friday to spend a day at their HQ and have some fun with the fantastic art team there.

On arrival, Team PK were greeted by Sophie Appleton, the Corporate Partnership Manager and Creative Programmes Manager Graham Hudson. Graham had already visited our newly refurbished Manchester office to get inspiration for our artwork project and he briefed us on materials, scale and style of the canvas’s we would be painting.

We were each given a canvas that would collectively make one piece of artwork. And straight away we set to work creating our individual masterpieces.

Throughout the day we learned how Mustard Tree has grown over the years. And by providing practical support, friendship, connections into work, improvements to health and wellbeing, plus new experiences to encourage aspiration, they help people help themselves.

Andrea Owen, Senior Account Manager at Project Kitchens comments,

“It was truly inspiring listening to Graham’s story over our delicious lunch cooked by the volunteers. He explained he had come from a difficult upbringing and faced times of poverty after serving time in prison.

“The opportunity to produce artwork as a team was great and something so refreshingly different. We had a superb time and really bonded as a team. Graham also showed us around the building, which was initially gifted to Mustard Tree as a near derelict site 25 years ago and has grown to a bustling hive of activity and support for many people.

“What a fantastic organisation, which deserves a huge amount of support for the amazing work that they do! An unforgettable day, thoroughly enjoyed by all the team. Thank you Mustard Tree!”

Team from Project Kitchens: Richard Muench, Lizzie Plank, Mandy Lord, Guy Broadhurst and Andrea Owen.

We are delighted to announce that Project Manager Nick Hopwood has been promoted to a senior management role within Project Kitchens.

Nick has been appointed as Contracts Manager, reporting directly to the business Directors.

Belinda Sewell comments,

“Nick joined the business in 2015 and has played a pivotal role in strategically managing jobs through to final installation. The Contracts Manager’s role is varied, providing practical input on a variety of levels to the Directors, whilst continuing to offer site support.

“Nick has developed relationships with many of our long-standing clients and his attention to detail is fantastic. He will take responsibility for our project management function nationally, ensuring the smooth running of multiple sites on a day-to-day basis and developing our exacting standards.

“He will also support the sales team with technical knowledge and act as a guide to other members of staff. Reporting to Director Amanda Dagg, Nick will develop systems and best practice in terms of our project management and site performance throughout the business. Congratulations Nick – a well-deserved promotion!”

Nick Hopwood comments,

“The opportunity to take on the Contracts Manager role at Project Kitchens is a superb step in my career and demonstrates the forward-thinking nature of the business. We constantly strive to improve our standards to deliver results for our Clients nationally through our collaborative approach to work, exceptional accreditations and innovative work practices and I am highly motivated to push our brand even further.”