BLW is a hospitality and catering recruitment specialist, based in Cambridge.

We serve businesses of all sizes, providing a bespoke dedicated recruitment service. Our team have a wealth of experience, and believe in a truly collaborative working style between all parties. We place both temporary and permanent candidates into roles of all levels within this industry.

Our team have years of experience between them, placing hundreds of candidates at all levels in the Cambridgeshire/Essex areas. We’re a small friendly business, passionate about what we do.

The company was founded by Will Blower, an expert recruiter within this industry. He has a solid reputation in the market for serving up some of Cambridge’s top talent. He has a loyal candidate base and works consultatively with his clients to ensure the role is right for both parties to facilitate smooth business operations.

 

A selection of the types of establishments we recruit for include:-

 

  • Educational:  Colleges, Schools, Universities
  • Commercial: Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes, Delis, Bars
  • Leisure: Wedding venues, Golf clubs, Sports arenas, Events
  • Contract Catering: B&I, Conferencing, Education, Corporate
  • Private: Parties, Family homes, Outdoor events

 

We pride ourselves in our ability to source talented/experienced catering and hospitality personnel for our clients.

Meet the team

Will Blower

Director – Temporary Division

With over a decade in Hospitality Recruitment, my passion for connecting talent with opportunity remains as strong as the day I started. Helping businesses thrive and individuals achieve their career aspirations continues to inspire and drive me every day. As a Director of BLW Recruitment, I oversee our daily operations whilst also leading a vibrant temporary chef desk.

Through this, I take pride in supporting Cambridge businesses by matching them with exceptional local talent, ensuring their standards remain high. Since founding BLW Recruitment in April 2021 we’ve grown steadily and meaningfully, earning our reputation as a go to hospitality recruitment partner. Alongside our business success, I’m deeply committed to creating social value, helping people find fulfilling work that not only meets industry needs but also strengthens our community.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active on the squash court and competing as part of the Saffron Walden team. I’m also a lifelong Arsenal supporter and always look forward to catching a match at the Emirates stadium whenever the opportunity arises.

Katy Kong

Recruitment Manager – Temporary Division

Switching careers from being a jeweller to working in Hospitality recruitment was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I absolutely love the challenge and the fact that no two days are ever the same!

I joined BLW Recruitment in December 2023 and I am managing the temporary Kitchen Porters desk. It’s been such a fantastic experience getting to meet a variety of candidates and clients.

Outside of work, I am a gamer and love GIN!

Hayley Thomas

Recruitment Manager – Permanent Division

Originally from Southeast London, I moved to North Essex during covid. Whilst in London, I spent 2.5 years in Finance & Accounting recruitment, then moved into Hospitality recruitment in 2022 in Cambridge and haven’t looked back since!

I joined BLW in October 2024 to launch the permanent arm of the business, and it’s safe to say it’s been thriving! I thoroughly enjoy being out and about meeting with clients in Cambridge and speaking with candidates. I deal with any level role within the Hospitality industry, from Front of House staff, Food & Beverage to Chef’s and anything in-between.

I offer a personable and warm approach to recruitment and enjoy building a rapport with my clients and candidates. I feel it’s important to make the recruitment process as smooth and stress free as possible for all involved!

Outside of work, I am a football fan and enjoy playing (when I’m not injured) and watching. I am also a Level 5 qualified Sports Massage therapist, so when I’m not recruiting, I’m massaging! I have 3 dogs (pests) who keep me on my toes, and if I’m not out walking them and throwing sticks, you might find me in the pub with my partner escaping the dogs!

Demi Smith

Recruitment Manager – Temporary Division

With over 12 years recruitment experience, I’ve developed a keen eye for matching candidates with the right opportunities. I love the ever-changing nature of recruitment, the challenges it brings, and the relationships I build along the way with both clients and candidates.

I joined BLW Recruitment in March 2025 to manage the busy kitchen porter desk. I understand the importance of flexibility and speed in this industry, ensuring clients get the right support when they need it most.

Outside of work, I’m always seeking new experiences—whether it’s exploring different countries, crossing off bucket-list experiences, or chasing the thrill of adrenaline-packed activities.

Mel Cambridge

Senior Consultant – Temporary Division

Having spent the past 4 years working within the Front of House team at a Cambridge College, I have genuine firsthand experience of what these roles involve day to day. I also understand the intricacies of how a successful catering team operates.

Excited to turn my expertise and passion in this sector into helping clients and candidates across Cambridge, I joined BLW Recruitment in January 2025, working alongside our vibrant team; to provide an effective temporary recruitment service.

Outside of work, I love listening to true crime podcasts and travelling – I’m always thinking of where to visit next. I’m also half Russian and learning the language!

Giulia Silvestro

Recruitment Consultant - Temporary Division

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve always been passionate about creating welcoming, efficient, and high-standard environments, something that led me to the world of recruitment. I hold a degree in Criminology I know a bit of a plot twist! But my career path took an exciting turn when I joined BLW Recruitment in June 2025. I specialise in placing housekeepers, combining my hospitality background with a strong understanding of client and candidate needs. I’m dedicated to helping clients find the right people, giving them peace of mind throughout the recruitment process. Being fluent in Italian and Spanish also helps me connect with a wider range of candidates and clients making the whole process smoother, more personal, and often a lot more fun! When I’m not matchmaking people and jobs, you’ll probably find me booking my next trip abroad, learning a new language or hanging out at home with my cats, who think they run the house (they might be right).

Becky McGrath

Payroll & Compliance Manager

With a background in finance I took a career break to focus on raising my children before retraining in sports and nutrition.

Now, I bring my experience and organisational skills as the Payroll and Compliance Manager at BLW Recruitment.

Outside of work, I stay active through sports and love live music.

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