Gillian Collins, associate director big wave PR

Meet the Team

Gillian Collins, Associate Director (Food & Drink)

Career summary: Ever since Gillian could hold a mixing bowl and stir a spoon she has been cooking. She has spent the last 20 years in managerial positions within the hotel and catering sector. She specialises in cake decorating and her entrepreneurial nature led her to start her own patisserie business.

Career high: I always used to get a buzz when I showed a bride her wedding cake. They always took hours to complete and it was lovely to know that it was appreciated.

Career low: One of my first jobs was in a café with a great reputation for quality food. I only lasted a day as I was disgusted with their levels of hygiene – the fridge was covered in mould!

Biggest inspiration: Jamie Oliver. Love him or hate him, he's revolutionised school dinners, cooks a mean meal, and is still passionate and excited about what he does. I would love to buy him a pint of beer.

Out of hours: I love the outdoors, so I spend my time kayaking, skiing, walking, abseiling or even paragliding. I also love to throw a good dinner party.

Favourite restaurant: Petit Michelle in New Zealand. It's based over looking the Remarkables mountain range and they serve the finest French cuisine in the southern hemisphere. In the evening the terrace is lit by a thousand fairy lights and it's the most romantic location you could imagine.

Favourite book: Danny Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. It teaches you that you can achieve anything if you persevere.

Ambitions: To own a restaurant in the Lake District; and to travel to all the areas of the world I haven't been.