Caterer Mike Pooleman dies at age of 73

Veteran caterer and consultant Mike Pooleman has died aged 73.

He was one of five directors at catering and facilities management consultancy firm RM&C Consultants, which he founded in 2000 with the aim of improving the quality of food and service within the education sector.

Born Robert Michael Pooleman in 1946, he was known as Mike to family, friends and colleagues. He left school at the age of 15 to complete a four-year chef apprenticeship before working in leading UK hotels and a privately owned restaurant in York.

Pooleman moved into foodservice in 1975 when he joined Midland Catering. He progressed through the ranks to be named regional manager for the north of England and went on to fill director roles at Fairfield, Aramark and Compass Group.

Following the launch of RM&C Consultants, Pooleman was instrumental in assisting start-up catering and cleaning companies into the marketplace.

In a statement announcing Pooleman's passing, RM&C said: "In business, as in life, Mike treated everyone he met with kindness and honesty. Many in the catering industry owe him a debt of gratitude for his support and mentorship through their careers. Many of these senior managers continue to work in the industry today.

"Mike will be remembered for his wealth of knowledge, encyclopaedic memory, ability to multitask but mostly for his genuine humanity."

Pooleman is survived by his wife of 52 years Carole, two daughters and three grandchildren.