John Ray's Linkedin Analytics

I live and work in Southampton, Hampshire, I am a Hampshire lad born and bred, growing up in Gosport before moving to South Wales at the age of 13. I have worked in the industry on and off since I left school, training as a Chef, Bars, Butlins and back to hotels when I moved into front of house. I now work as part of the Management Team as the Night Manager for Village Hotels in Eastleigh Southampton. I have moved to other sectors like Retail, Care and the NHS, but have always returned to an industry I love and have a passion for.  I am proud to have been nominated and to be a finalist for Life Time Achievement Award as part of Southampton Regional Hoteliers Association Awards 2022. I was also honoured to be a Gamesmarker @ London2012 Olympics, wear I volunteered and lived in London for a month to be apart of a 70,000 team to showcase London and Britain at its best, on the world stage.    Why I support The Burnt Chef Project I’ve seen first hand the impact this industry can have on people’s mental health. I’ve known so many people struggle, including myself. It's only now, with The Burnt Chef leading the way, that I can see actual change within our great industry. I totally believe in the ethos of the project and fully understand how debilitating mental health issues can be and this is why I support The Burnt Chef Project, I have a passion to help raise awareness, vital funds and to fight the stigma around mental health and to support my colleagues around their mental health. I am a proud Ambassador for the project and will continue and do what I can to help eradicating mental health stigma within hospitality.