Having a pizza the action

Photo: Darren Robinson

NETWORKING . . . From left, Afsar Hussain (Santander relationship director), Jenna Lewis (commercial director of Linda Lewis Kitchens), Robert Dolan (Santander relationship director), Grace Carr (Linda Lewis Kitchens marketing executive) and Geoff Lamb (North Ainley Solictors partner)

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

BUSINESS people got a taste of the restaurant industry when a networking group visited a pizza oven and catering equipment supplier.

Linda Lewis Kitchens hosted a pizza and Prosecco night at its base on the Belgrave Industrial Estate with the Professional Oldham group

The firm specialises in importing and supplying Italian pizza ovens to UK restaurants. Clients include independents such as Fresca in Delph and Manchester's Rosso along with chains such as Pizza Express, Frankie & Benny's and DeVere hotels.

Linda Lewis Kitchens was first based at the Ironworks in Royton before moving to its current site off Honeywell Lane, Oldham.

Commercial director Jenna Lewis and marketing executive Grace Carr explained the company's work and investment in the new Belgrave venue, which includes an accessories showroom and a demonstration kitchen and restaurant.

The kitchen is fitted with gas, electric and wood-fired demonstration pizza ovens. Jenna and Grace made some initial batches of pizzas before guests had a go.

The business was founded by Linda, who was born in Hathershaw and grew up in Royton. She attended Radclyffe High School then worked for manufacturer Excel Equipment in Royton for five years.

She later worked for Fields and Pimblett, in Honeywell Lane, and Kitcheneers, before setting up an oven and kitchen accessories business.

The firm received the Supporting Young People Award at this year's Oldham Business Awards, and Linda was named Businesswoman of the Year in the 2013.

The firm is also targeting the Asian catering and restaurant sectors with dough-making equipment used to prepare food such as chapattis.

Other speakers at the event included Robbie MacDonald, business editor from the Oldham Evening Chronicle and the quarterly Oldham Business Edge magazine, published by the Chronicle.

Other businesses and organisations at the event included Seftons Accountants, Breakey Nuttall, Handlesbanken, First Stop Secretarial, Cornerstone Design and Marketing, Caremark Oldham, Clear Mind life coaching, Pearsons Solicitors & Financial Advisers, Buffalo UPVC, Professional & Vocational Law Training (PVLT), Revolution 962 radio, Furniture by Lauren Limetree PR, Dr Kershaw's Hospice and Action Together.

More photos from the event will appear in the next edition of Oldham Business Edge magazine.

Professional Oldham is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide networking opportunities for businesses in the area without the pressure for referrals or sales.

It was launched last year by volunteers Suzanne Wright, from Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, Angela Higham, from Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Bridget Batty, from Limetree PR, and Stephanie Doherty, from Caremark and Oldham Business Edge magazine.

Previous networking events have included a wine-tasting at the Naked Bean Cafe, a tour of the historic George Street Chapel, a visit to the new Odeon cinema at Oldham's revamped Old Town Hall and a barbecue at Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

The next event is at Oldham Training Centre on September 28. The Lees Road centre recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and provides training courses for local businesses and organisations. It specialises in manufacturing and engineering. To register your interest in attending future events, email your name, business role and business address to professionaloldham@outlook.com.

• Were you also at this event or other Professional Oldham events? Check out more Professional Oldham pictures on our picture sales page.