Meet the team

Chris Sheppardson launched EP Business in Hospitality magazine (formerly En Passant magazine) in 2005 in order to provide a communications source for leaders in the industry. His vision was inspired by the desire to look at the real people and characters who make up the industry, and to provide constructive debate on issues which affect the industry at a number of levels.

Chris founded the Chess Group of Companies in 1998 with a belief in the importance of individuals and in the principle of cultural fit within organisations. He is presently Managing Director of EP Business in Hospitality and Chess Partnership, providing a business, which works closely with the hospitality industry, to support the growth and development of both people and organisation.

Izzy Mchattie has worked in hospitality from a young age, before studying Criminology at the University of Liverpool. After graduating, she joined a charity as a relationship manager that got ex-offenders, homeless & veterans into work within hospitality. For a short spell after, Izzy was a Surveyor measuring and designing outdoor playgrounds for schools across the country before joining EP in 2023.

Lexie Cook has grown up with a passion for food and hospitality. She recently received an undergraduate degree in Biology at Newcastle University and is currently completing a masters of research in Epidemiology. Prior to working with EP Lexie interned with Ritrovo, a start up focused on leadership and professional development.

Katie Wilson has always had a passion for storytelling. During high school she attended creative writing workshops and residential courses, inspiring her to start writing a novel herself. After graduating, she began work at Barter Books, one of the largest second hand bookshops in the county. In 2023, Katie started work with EP alongside her work at the bookshop and as she continues to write her novel. She hopes to improve her writing skills and to help tell the many wonderful stories found within the hospitality and tourism industry.