Flexeserve Technical Director, Mick Steele honored on retirement

A true innovator for hot-holding celebrates the end of an extraordinary career that has changed the very essence of food-to-go.

Following 39 years of dedication and achievements, Flexeserve’s Technical Director, Mick Steele, has retired from the global leaders in hot-holding. Having worked with new directors, Dan Vallance and Jon White since their arrival, he now departs to enable the Engineering, Design and Technology (EDT) team to continue to thrive under their guidance.

“We both have huge respect for Mick and have learnt an incredible amount from him in the short time we’ve worked together,” Dan and Jon stated. “We’ll miss his advice, positivity and infectious personality, but are excited to expand upon his innovations and vision as part of a new era for Flexeserve.”

Becoming a foodservice innovator

Long before the business was rebranded as Flexeserve, Mick arrived at Alan Nuttall Ltd in January 1988. Having graduated from De Montfort University in 1985 with a Distinction in Mechanical and Production Engineering, whilst also working as a Design Engineer for Dunlop GRG, he brought an excellent foundation to an emerging industry.

“The 1990s were our real pioneering years for hot-holding,” Mick began, when asked about his early days within the business. “Introducing Computer-Aided Design systems to replace hand drawing was an important change and led to the development of our first heated display. To support the needs of major UK retailers, we designed a range of ground-breaking self-service and serve-over products, which used our own specialist heat lamps.”

It wouldn’t be until 1997 that Mick would make the significant breakthrough in hot-holding that changed the industry’s direction. Having learned from previous developments, consumer feedback and retailer pain points, Mick began to research the effects of recirculated hot air on food. This research was pivotal in the creation of Turboserve, one of the most important innovations in company history.

A winner of prestigious awards

Turboserve, and the technology featured within it, became an essential part of Alan Nuttall Ltd’s growth and success. Featured in a host of UK supermarkets and improving all manner of hot food operations, Turboserve was seen as a key development for the foodservice industry and changed the way people consumed hot food.

The unit was considered such a step forward in hot-holding that Mick, his team and Turboserve were honored with the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2005.

When asked about the Queen’s Award success, Mick Steele said, “I was extremely proud of our team to be recognized with such an important award. But to win the same award again in 2022 for Flexeserve Zone was a real feather in our cap. The two Queen’s Awards were, of course, some of the most rewarding moments of my career.”

As Alan Nuttall Ltd changed and rebranded to become Flexeserve, this ushered in a new era for Mick and hot-holding. The development of Flexeserve Zone, the first floor standing unit to feature our 3D convection technology, received a multitude of awards and has since expanded into a full range of industry-leading products.

Jamie Joyce, Global CEO of Flexeserve, said, “The impact Mick has had on the foodservice industry is incomparable. Flexeserve’s unique technology, of which he was instrumental in developing, has enabled our brand to become a global success. He’s been a vital part of Flexeserve and a mentor to many, including myself, throughout his career. Working with him over the last thirty years has been an honor and I have truly valued his guidance, expertise and ingenuity.”

One of Flexeserve’s most recent innovations, Connect by Flexeserve, has also received a multitude of awards since being showcased in 2023. However, Mick’s initial concept and design work for hot-holding’s first cloud-based service began many years prior – a testament to the creativity and perseverance of Mick and the entire Flexeserve team.

Making a global impact

To expand its global reach further, Flexeserve embarked on the development of a U.S. headquarters and Culinary Support Center, which opened its doors in the summer of 2023. To make this bold idea a reality, a project team was established in 2021 – with Mick Steele as a key member.

This experience offered Mick an opportunity to expand upon a different skillset, away from technology and engineering. He was tasked with handling the legal construct of Flexeserve Inc., including the formation of its trading and holding company.

“Mick had a huge role in the creation of Flexeserve Inc.” President, Dave Hinton recalled. “Even before I arrived, he had already finalized many key elements of the company’s legal requirements and had worked diligently to ensure all of our products were viable for use across the Americas.”

“I can undoubtedly say many of Flexeserve’s initial U.S. successes were due to Mick’s influence, understanding and incredible attention to detail. Working with him these last few years is something I’ve enjoyed greatly and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

A continued legacy

As well as advancements in foodservice, Mick has also been a significant figure in the corporate growth and governance of Flexeserve and its parent company, The Alan Nuttall Partnership. In 2006, he became the Executive Director of the company’s managerial board – a vital decision-maker whose knowledge and views helped drive business development exponentially.

Jamie Joyce stated, “Mick’s presence at Flexeserve goes far beyond the incredible products and services he aided in creating. His approachability and broad outlook made him a trusted and valued board member, which would be hugely important when we became an Employee Ownership Trust in 2015. He was an instinctive choice for the Partnership’s Executive Board, which he remains a part of to this day.”

Mick Steele said, “With so much growth still ahead of Flexeserve, I feel like this is the perfect time to be stepping away. And whilst I’m looking forward to using my retirement to pursue my own personal projects and spend more time with my family, I’m glad that I will remain as a board member. I feel fortunate to still offer my insight after nearly forty years with a company that I consider to be a truly special place to work.”

Working with his colleagues has always been a pleasure in Mick’s daily life. Whether testing and creating new products, helping in legal matters or simply stopping for some lively conversation, he is always spoken of fondly by his peers.

“Mick has been a constant source of genuine advice and mentoring, helping me both personally and professionally,” Warwick Wakefield, Director of Customer Experience said. “He has helped to navigate so many challenges within the business and yet nothing ever seems to faze him. His sincere desire to find the right solution for everyone has always been something I’ve admired and I know he’ll be missed tremendously by our entire team.”

Jamie Joyce concluded, “On behalf of everyone that has worked with Mick over the past 39 years, I’d like to offer our sincerest thanks and gratitude for everything he has done for our business and the industry. Congratulations on your retirement, Mick, and all the best for the future.”

To learn more about Flexeserve and our unique technology, contact us today.