Event Timings

The Event

We’re thrilled to welcome an inspiring lineup of speakers to this event. Richard Franks, UK Business Director, Shake Shack; Ryan Candy, HR Projects & Performance Director, Sodexo and Rachel House, Co-Founder, Impetus.

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion hosted by renowned trade journalist and senior content creator at William Murray -  Lucy Britner, where our speakers will share insights into their businesses, reflect on their career journeys—including the highs, the hurdles, and the pivotal moments—and explore how strategic networking has shaped their success. You’ll also discover practical ways to build and leverage your own connections

What to Expect:

• Welcome drinks on arrival
• Street-food lunch with access to over 20 KERB vendors at Seven Dials Market
• panel discussion with audience Q&A
• networking opportunities with fellow professionals from across foodservice and hospitality

This event is proudly hosted by Arena Futures, the arm of Arena dedicated to supporting emerging talent and rising stars in the industry. While everyone is welcome, this event is especially designed for those in the early stages of their career who are eager to grow their network and gain valuable insights.

It also forms part of Arena’s newly launched Networking Navigator Programme to equip rising professionals in the foodservice and hospitality sector with the essential skills to build meaningful, career-defining connectionsoffering face-to-face events that help you connect, develop and grow.

Meet Our Speakers

Richard Franks, UK Business Director, Shake Shack

Richard Franks is a hospitality leader with over 25 years' experience in the industry. Currently UK Business Director at Shake Shack UK,

Richard previously served as Managing Director at HOP, where he helped drive ambitious growth plans for the Vietnamese street food brand. Prior to that he was Managing Director at Mexican fast casual chain Chilango, where he spent seven years overseeing the business through its acquisition by Tortilla, initially as Director of Operations.

His leadership is marked by a focus on operational excellence, business transformation, and instilling a people-first culture

Ryan Candy, HR Projects and Performance Director, Sodexo

Ryan Candy is HR Projects & Performance Director for Sodexo, responsible for HR strategic planning and executing Sodexo’s HR transformation roadmap, functional governance and performance.  

His career with Sodexo started in 2012 with washing dishes and serving tables in a football stadium. Since then, he has been on a fascinating journey with the Group; spending 6 years in operations, then transitioning to HR in 2018 where he has held various regional and global positions, enabling him to hone deep expertise in organisational development, change management and talent optimisation, grounded in a solid understanding of the operational business. 

Outside of work, he is a judge for the International Skating Union and spends much of his time at ice sports events or booking spontaneous flights to explore the world.

Rachel House, Co-Founder, Impetus 

Rachel House is the Co-Founder of Impetus, specialists in motivation, communication and human behaviour to help companies improve engagement, performance and retention. 

Rachel has over 20 years experience in recruitment, sales, training and operations predominantly within the hospitality and leisure industries and has a coaching business with prime focus in supporting individuals and businesses to reach their full potential by having a higher level of motivation in their teams, career, personal development and life.

Meet Our Panel Host

Lucy Britner, Senior Content Consultant, William Murray PR & Marketing

Lucy is a B2B journalist with 20 years’ experience in the trade press. Most recently editor of Drinks Retailing, she has presented, judged, and chaired panels and tastings at industry events.

Lucy began her career at the Morning Advertiser and went on to be one of the founding editors of World’s 50 Best Bars, earning a wine and spirits diploma along the way.

She has written for Square Meal, Just Food, and Just Drinks, and she is driven by a love for food, drink, and hospitality. She is also a Keeper of the Quaich, an honorary title in recognition of her contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.

About Seven Dials Market

The market has been created by KERB – a membership organisation of London’s most promising street food traders. Seven Dials Market is KERB’s first step indoors and it brings together a diverse range of talented traders giving them the best chance possible to do what they love, develop their businesses and ultimately succeed from the kerb up! 

It brings culture and community together under one roof and gives independent traders a solid place to thrive in the heart of London.

KERB has been at the helm of the London Street Food scene since 2012 at King’s Cross.

They have improved the quality of food served on the capital’s streets, legitimized the industry through professionalizing it’s practices and grown a community of entrepreneurs who are driving real change across the city’s food landscape.