Our Story
Venture was founded in collaboration with our sister company 'APS catering Engineers', specialising in the maintenance and repair of commercial catering equipment. With over 100 years of combined expertise in design, project management, financial budgeting, and equipment installation, our team is dedicated to creating innovative, high-performance commercial kitchens. We focus exclusively on designing and supplying state-of-the-art kitchens tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
Our diverse clientele spans the restaurant and hospitality industries, as well as public sectors including hospitals, care homes, airports, children’s day nurseries, schools, and banqueting and bulk food production facilities.
Meet The Team:
Simon Hamnett
Sales Director
Simon offers a wealth of insight drawn from 49 years in the catering industry, specialising in dedicated client care and maximising the operational flow of commercial kitchens. His career is highlighted by his work designing essential catering facility guidelines for schools as part of nationwide educational initiatives. Simon's deep sector knowledge, extensive experience with main contractor works, and technical draughtsmanship add significant value to our project delivery, ensuring environments are both highly practical and beautifully designed.
Mike Davidson
Project Manager
With 35 years of experience in the catering industry, Mike has managed projects ranging from £20,000 to £2.5 million across various sectors, including nuclear power stations, nurseries, schools, hospitals, prisons, and hotels. His meticulous approach ensures every project is completed with care and attention to detail. Mike takes pride in offering personalised support and guidance throughout the building installation process.
Tom Ryan
Tom is our Managing Director, leading our day-to-day operations and fostering business growth with over 12 years of dedicated catering industry experience. Working alongside our sister companies, APS Catering Engineers and APS Ventilation Services, his versatile skill set spans design, procurement, sales, and project coordination. Known for his deep commitment to client satisfaction, Tom is an indispensable leader who ensures our team always delivers the highest standard of service.
Managing Director
Managing Director
Darren Meddings
Sales Consultant
Darren brings a wealth of experience to the team with over 25 years in Sales, the last 16 years in the Catering Equipment supply sector. He has forged strong relationships with suppliers and end users and lists Councils, Building Contractors, Restaurant owners, Care Homes and School Academy Trusts among his many customers over the years.
With his 'can do' attitude he works tirelessly to see all projects, large and small, through to completion to ensure customer satisfaction.
Project Assistant
Emilio Ramirez
Emilio Ramirez began his journey with APS Catering Engineers as an on-site operative, gaining crucial, hands-on experience with technical installations and layout practicalities. Demonstrating strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail, he transitioned into project management support, working closely alongside Projects Manager Mark Holtom. Combining his practical field knowledge with proficiency in AutoCAD, coordination, and project organization, Emilio ensures that design concepts seamlessly translate into successful project delivery.
Lewis Murphy
Design Consultant
Introducing Lewis Murphy, our new Designer supporting Venture Design Sales, APS Catering Engineers, and APS Ventilation Services. Backed by more than a decade of mechanical design experience and a strong background in site surveys, ductwork, and structural layouts, Lewis is an expert at bringing technical concepts to life. His mastery of 2D and 3D CAD modelling ensures our commercial kitchen and ventilation designs are optimized for maximum efficiency and precision.
