Chef director David Colcombe has been appointed to the board at Liquid following successful growth of the consultancy’s food division.

In an industry first, David is thought to be the only chef to join the board of a communications consultancy in the UK.

An honorary fellow and visiting professor at University College Birmingham, he is a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) and the British Culinary Federation.

Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, CEO at Liquid, said: “Since joining us, David has made a massive contribution to the growth of our food division as well as the Birmingham office.

“His operational expertise and team management skills, coupled with his gravitas within the hospitality industry and Birmingham’s business community, has helped to raise Liquid’s profile considerably.

“It is unusual for a communications consultancy to have its own chef and we believe we’re the only PR company in the UK to have one. But for our food clients, to have someone of David’s calibre supporting them on communication strategy, and particularly on chef liaison, has positioned us as leaders within this sector.”

Birmingham-born David trained at the Dorchester Hotel in London before returning to the city where he helped the former Swallow Hotel secure 5-star status. He also established Bank in Birmingham and was the operations director of all Bank Restaurants in Birmingham and London, with responsibility for a turnover of £16.5 million.

A founder and chef director at Birmingham’s Opus restaurant from 2005-2015, David initially joined Liquid on a consultancy basis in 2015, advising on work in the hospitality and food industry.

In April 2017, he became a full-time employee and has since helped to coordinate a range of events, provided crucial insight into the food industry, developed recipes and guides for magazines, and forged lasting relationships with clients.

David said: “I have had the chance to work with amazing clients and people at Liquid, building new relationships and gaining invaluable experience.

“Becoming a board director at Liquid and working across the UK and Channel Island offices is an honour and I’m delighted to join such a fantastic team of directors.

“Throughout 2018, we’ve made some great new additions, both in recruiting staff and winning new clients, and we’re looking forward to exciting new challenges in 2019.”