About Us
Why Choose Us?
Our Story
For over 20 years, Cooper8 Ltd have been commercial catering consultants committed to providing foodservice design services across a broad range of catering operations.
We first established in 2004, founded by Managing Director Simon C. Colley, whose expertise in commercial kitchen design, attention to detail and in-depth technical knowledge, quickly earned Cooper8 a name in the foodservice design industry.
Our team has now expanded, offering a range of services from concept to completion, and our flexible, passionate approach is why we continue to work with prestigious clients who trust us time and time again to bring their visions to life – big or small.
Our Mission
At Cooper8 Ltd we embrace the uniqueness of each endeavour, dedicating our full attention and enthusiasm to the design and delivery of each individual site. We aim to provide an unparalleled service that leaves a lasting impression through our tailored and innovative approach to each project.
Our Values
We have 8 main values that we bring to every project: Co-opertion, Accuracy, Trust, Expertise, Responsibility, Innovation, Nurture, Growth. These values shape our approach, ensuring every project is delivered with care and excellence.
Our Process
We believe simplicity is key. From the initial conversation to the final result, we streamline each step of the design process to make the experience straightforward and stress-free. By focusing on clear communication and practical solutions, we ensure every catering design is a success.
Cooper8
What’s in a name?
As commercial catering consultants we believe co-operation is the key to any successful venture – so here’s a rundown of ways in which co-operation and collaboration come into play at Cooper8.
- Collaboration brings together diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity can lead to more innovative and well-rounded solutions.
- Each stakeholder brings a unique understanding of the project, co-operating with stakeholders allows for a more holistic understanding of goals, constraints, and possibilities, ensuring the final design is comprehensive and aligned with the overall vision.
- Complex design challenges can arise during projects and a collaborative approach can lead to more effective solutions.
- Communicating as a team streamlines the design process; this allows us to always hit our targets without misunderstanding and delay.
- Collaboration with the Client ensures that the design aligns closely with the client's vision and requirements. Regular communication and input from all parties guarantee client satisfaction.
- Most importantly, the Cooper8 team collaboration provides learning opportunities and exposure to different perspectives and approaches. We are always seeking professional enhancement and development.
8 Values Cooper8 Bring to Every Project
Co-operation
We believe in the power of working together - both within our team and with our clients - to create tailored solutions for our clients
Accuracy
We guarantee the highest standard of craftsmanship and attention to detail in every project, ensuring a smooth delivery every time
Trust
Building long-lasting relationships with our clients, based on trust, honesty, and reliability, is key to our success
Expertise
We bring expertise to each project built upon decades of experience in both kitchen design and interiors for the hospitality industry
Sustainability is something we take seriously in every project, from material and equipment specifications to waste management
Innovation
We are commercial catering consultants that stay ahead of industry trends and technology by continuously improving our knowledge and providing innovative solutions
Nurture
We care about nurturing partnerships and talent, both within our team and across projects, leading to innovative solutions and successful outcomes for all involved
Growth
We embrace growth with a culture of continuous learning, open-mindedness, and adaptability in what we do. This ensures that we remain flexible, allowing us to respond effectively for the best results
Behind the Business
An Interview with Our Managing Director
Simon Cooper Colley
I was inspired on a communal holiday in Switzerland where, among us, there happened to be some fantastic cooks baking fresh bread providing us with delicious meals, cakes and alpine cheeses as we built avalanche protection in the clean mountain air… the journey then began with a Catering Systems Degree at Sheffield Polytechnic, the course offered a wide range of study from science and nutrition to business side of running a hotel. I found my interests had a bias towards design, an important foundation for any successful business in the foodservice industry.
When solutions come together, they tend to look right and have simplicity to them. It often takes time to figure out and hone solutions to complex problems, I think many designers would recognise this process.
That small improvements add up, they become greater than the sum of their parts.
We have a keen interest in the catering equipment that is used in commercial kitchens and, over the years, have seen gradual improvements in energy efficiency, water usage, heat recovery and grease management. Together with improved guidance on food safety and hygiene. We use this knowledge to inform our designs and encourage eco-friendly client choices where we can.
The Munch Buggy is an example of a product developed by Cooper8 Ltd, with one of its primary aims being to deliver zero emission catering at point of use. This catering mobile runs commercial equipment from battery power, the solution is better still if you have a clean power source on site.
I’d probably have been a Chef, I did have interviews at the Savoy and a walk around of the Dorchester kitchens when Anton Mosiman was Maitre Chef des Cuisines, so this was something I had in mind as a possibility. Apart from that I wouldn’t have minded a career as a zookeeper, tuber player in an orchestra, prison guard or working on the Waltzers at the fairground.
Design Talk
Q&A with Our Senior Design Consultant
Giorgia Lacey-Colley
I was naturally drawn to working with CAD because I have a real flair for technical precision, and I absolutely love problem solving. As a CAD Technician in catering consultancy, you have to know the equipment and regulations inside out and really focus on the fine details. There is no room for error. That’s where I began …
I’ve always had an artistic side, and when working on design concepts I actually feel the spark of excitement. It’s something I wanted to bring to Cooper8, and that’s why I started my degree in Interior Design. To me, the technical side and creativity go hand in hand. You need innovative thinking, problem solving skills, and detailed design knowledge, but also a creative flair, to design commercial spaces. It wasn’t one big moment that made me shift – Once the technical foundation was laid, the design side was the natural progression.
My Masters’ degree taught me so much – from the history of design to the latest trends in contemporary interiors. We dove deep into everything that’s fundamental to being a good designer, and this doesn’t just mean trend forecasting, but designing for different cultures and understanding the broader context of each project. I also learned the ins and outs of project management and how to take a client-centric approach. It has given me confidence in my natural flair for design. Interior design is much more than sourcing furniture. It’s about creating spaces that really resonate with people, function well, and stand the test of time.
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a project come together from start to finish. I love designing back-of-house areas just as much as the front-of-house interiors. Every project is unique, and most require some form of problem-solving to achieve the best results. And, as I’ve mentioned before, I really enjoy problem-solving! In hospitality design, function is key—if the flow doesn’t work, it impacts everything. But style is just as important because you want guests to feel comfortable and connected to the space. It’s all about finding that balance, and when it works, it’s incredibly rewarding.
When I’m not designing, I’m an avid reader and a passionate cook. I absolutely love experimenting in the kitchen, delving into the nitty-gritty of fine dining recipes and researching both old and new cooking styles (I even read cookbooks for fun, it’s like my version of a thrilling novel!) Besides that, I take care of my two lovely boys, who keep me on my toes. Balancing my love for design and cooking with family life keeps me inspired and energised, and I often find that the creativity of my day to day life translates back into my design work.
Behind the Canvas
Meet Our Director & Art Consultant
Beatrice Lacey
The beauty of the course that I studied at Goldsmiths College of Fine Art is its concentration on the theoretical aspects of conceptual art and the Ideas behind the context of the art piece within advertising, architecture and medium. Simply, restaurants are a fascinating space for me as I both love eating and as spaces of social activity. Bringing this enjoyment into the functional everyday world of community spaces and best of all eating suits all my passions. Art, people, and eating.
Being able to practise conceptualising a space in modern terms and bring a more painterly and humane aspect into a design through my private art practice which is more traditional and concentrated on painting I find works well and communicates directly with most people.
In my private practice I like to paint in oils, I have a personal and figurative journey in this which recently has become increasingly abstract. When working on an architectural concept I use photography and painting, enhanced with digital technology.
Working with the Cooper8 team has been fun, challenging and rewarding mainly through the diversity of the projects and spaces presented encouraged by the open minds and the team’s acceptance of my occasional quirkiness, I feel that my creativity and visions are valued, and the company team members are open enough to discuss until the correct conclusion is made on a concept or design. The best thing of all is seeing a successful completion of a project where everyone is happy and comfortable in their new space and of course knowing that the revenue has increased for the client.
Start the Conversation
Ready to bring your vision to life? Don’t know where to start? Get in touch today to discuss how we can enhance your project.