Tributes paid to William Baxter

The industry has been reacting to the sad news that William Baxter CBE has passed away. The contract catering titan co-founded BaxterStorey, along with friend and colleague Alastair Storey, back in 2004.

Storey said: “William was a very special person with an incredible ability to engage with everyone and he is much loved by all of us in the hospitality industry. He was an entrepreneur to the core and his enthusiasm and generosity of spirit were an inspiration to so many of us.

“I consider it a privilege to have known him for so many years and we had a lot of fun working and relaxing together. William always saw the good in everyone and was extremely adept at helping all of us to give our best.

“His work in recent years for both Hospitality Action and Scannappeal is a testament to his desire to make the world a better place. We will miss him terribly.”

Baxter became chair of trustees of Hospitality Action in 2010, overseeing strong growth in charitable grant-giving, with approaching £10m being awarded to beneficiaries during his tenure. Under his guidance, the charity's benevolence touched many thousands of hospitality households. 

Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: "William’s generosity and warmth of spirit was unparalleled. He brought the same joie de vivre to his chairing of Hospitality Action as he did to every other aspect of his life. Being around William for any length of time taught you a valuable lesson: live life to the full and do good to others.

“William was an inspiring leader and always encouraged us to be brave and to innovate. It’s no exaggeration to say that the lives of many thousands of hospitality families have been improved as a direct result of his dedication to Hospitality Action.”

Wendy Bartlett, founder of BM Caterers, which is also part of Westbury Street Holdings, said: “Bill is an icon in our industry and someone absolutely everyone loved and aspired to be like. He was a big reason behind why we started BM. He was an inspiration and a mentor; when I first mentioned launching the business to him, he said ‘just get on with it’. 

“He has been my greatest supporter, a very good friend and tirelessly dedicated to this industry. He made a massive impact - we will all miss him terribly.”

Robin Mills, managing director of Compass Group UK and Ireland, reflected: “We have lost one of the giants of the foodservice industry. He was a hugely generous individual, full of warmth and good humour.

“He was wonderful company and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his wife and family at this time, of whom he was so proud.”

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