Bedford College Services Ltd is learning best practice from an international franchisee and leading local businesswoman

The commercial wing of Bedford College, which runs catering, services and venue operations across the college estate, has signed up two key new members to the BCS Ltd Board.

The global market share of McDonald’s is reflected locally by Ismail Anilmis who has 10 successful branded restaurants including Bedford High Street and at Aspects leisure park. 

Customer service and networking are the skills of Kerry Cash, former Beds Businesswoman of the Year, whose 5th Avenue salon works closely with the college’s Brooks hair and beauty training centre on the High Street.

Ismail and Kerry will be sharing ideas and expertise via the BCS Ltd Board with Managing Director Andrew Keen, who worked at the Bedford Swan Hotel before joining Bedford College. Both Ismail and Kerry are former BID Board directors.

Ian Pryce CBE, CEO and Principal of Bedford College said: “We greatly admire Kerry’s go-getting ideas and energy in the highly competitive business area of hair and beauty. And we are very lucky to have someone of Ismail’s experience on Board. We are very grateful to them both for agreeing to give up their time and expertise to support Andrew in his plans to make our facilities more appealing to those inside and outside the college.

“We have business, leisure, sports and arts facilities at our Cauldwell Street campus, at Trinity Leisure and the Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form, at Shuttleworth College, Old Warden and others which need promoting to the public.”