Nigel Dunnington has built a 44-year career with fast food brand McDonald’s and is now franchisee for 15 branches – including one in my constituency.
We discussed his approach to developing his workforce, challenges facing the hospitality industry and staff wellbeing when we met at the Walton-le-Dale restaurant.
The 68-year-old joined the business in 1982, working in London’s Marble Arch, and now employs 1,500 people who serve hundreds of thousands of customers every year.
Ethos
He told me that despite the changes he has seen over the years, from changing appetites to the rise in delivery services, their ethos has remained based on quality food, fast functional, friendly service and clean restaurants, underpinned by value. It was truly a delight to hear his musings from do many decades and changes in the industry.
The majority of the workforce is 18 to 24, but others range up to their 50s. Some are there while studying at the University of Lancashire, others have spent 25 years with the business.
Business manager Sammy Ingham told me the business has a huge responsibility to nurture those having their first taste of work.
There are staff development days, fun days and nights out, but it’s also about being there if employees want to chat about their role, their career goals or just life in general. It really struck me what a huge role first employers like McDonald’s play in the lives of our young people, and it’s something I’m going to share back to Work and Pensions secretary Pat McFadden as we work on better employment support for young people.
Evolve
“It’s amazing to see people evolve,” Nigel said. When he comes to the Capitol Centre branch he prefers to work from a table in the restaurant so he can better understand what customers want. Although produce comes from a central McDonald’s supplier, the business ensures it uses local services and contractors, such as window cleaners, so they can put back into the community that spends money there.
In the same way, the business donates to local charities every four months and Derian House, Galloways, Foxtons and Helping Hearts have all benefited, with more than £100,000 raised over ten years.
It was great to see the pride staff have in their roles when we went into the kitchen to see behind the scenes. Thanks to Sammy for showing me how to make my own burger!
