When in doubt, trust the team you’ve got.
That’s the mantra of Keswick businessman Mark Swider, whose faith in the abilities of his most junior staff have seen two of them promoted to management positions and one setting up his own thriving business.
Mark launched Bar eS, a popular Mexican-style tapas diner in New Street, in 2014. A second venue was opened in Ambleside three years later, and in June last year he became co-owner of Lake Road Brunch.
His business partner in the latest venture is Sam Rowley, who began his career with Mark working a summer job at Bar eS before being promoted to branch manager.
Meanwhile Zara Barua, another of Mark’s former temporary summer staff, has become a shareholder in Bar eS and is training to be a manager.
Both are in their 20s, as is a third alumni of Mark’s hospitality hothouse. After starting part-time at Bar eS, Adam Slaughter became a manager before opening his own business, the Square Orange Cafe in St John’s Street.
“I’m a firm believer that potential is there to be realised, no matter the level of experience,” Mark said.
“Jack, Zara and Adam showed from the off that they were enthusiastic and willing to learn, and I’m delighted to see how they have developed. We’re in a situation where it is increasingly difficult to recruit staff, so it makes sense to nurture what you’ve got and get the best out of them.”
