Event Timings

5.00 pm	Guest Arrival
5.15 pm	Interview with Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO, UKHospitality
5.40 pm	The Arena Savoy Lecture Panel Debate
6.45 pm	Drinks and Canape Reception
7.45 pm	Seated Dinner
9.45 pm	Carriages/Drinks & Networking

The Event

Each year, the Savoy Lecture brings together more than 200 senior leaders from across the foodservice and hospitality sector. It’s an evening designed for insight, inspiration, and invaluable industry connection.

This year’s event opens with an in‑depth interview with Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UKHospitality. The conversation will explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector today, including the ongoing need for government support, shifting consumer confidence, and predictions for the future landscape.

Following the interview, Kate will join a panel of leading industry leaders who will discuss how these issues are shaping their businesses and we are delighted to announce our first panellist Andrew Selley, Chief Executive, Bidcorp UK.  Andrew, together with our panel will examine the importance of collaboration, share their own forward‑looking perspectives, and offer practical insights for navigating the road ahead.

Arena’s flagship event is not only a chance to learn from influential voices—it’s also a rare opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, strengthen existing relationships, and build new ones. Guests will enjoy a superb drinks and canapé reception followed by a mouthwatering three‑course dinner, all set within the iconic surroundings of The Savoy.

It promises to be an evening of thought‑leadership, networking, and exceptional hospitality.

Meet Our Speakers

Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UKHospitality

Kate Nicholls OBE is the full-time Chair of UKHospitality, the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector, and leads its lobbying, campaigning and media work. Kate was previously its CEO for seven years, since its inception in 2018. Kate previously worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the Association of Licenced Multiple Retailers (ALMR).

Kate sits on the Government’s Tourism, Hospitality, and Food & Drink Sector Councils, where she represents the wider hospitality and tourism sector. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity in hospitality, Kate is also the Government’s first Disability Ambassador for hospitality.

Kate is the Chair of the Institute of Licensing and ACC Liverpool, a board member of Best Bar None, and a trustee of Hospitality Action and Springboard. She has previously chaired the Tourism Alliance, London Night-time Commission, and London Tourism Recovery Board.

Kate initially worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament on food, employment and environmental policy before joining Whitbread to work in Strategic Affairs. She has extensive experience as a political and strategic communications consultant and is a graduate of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and Kings College London.

Andrew Selley, Chief Executive, Bidcorp UK

Andrew has spent nearly 40 years in the food industry and for the last 12 years has been CEO of Bidfood and Bidcorp in the UK.

Bidfood are a major supplier to all of hospitality and out of home food operations. They also supply the prisons, the MOD, schools, hospitals and care homes with food and beverages.

Andrew also has responsibility for the groups other businesses in the UK, Bidfresh (fruit and veg, fresh meat and fresh fish wholesalers), Bidcorp Manufacturing business,  and Caterfood Buying Group.

Bidcorp employs more than 8,000 people in the UK with a shared focus on service excellence, sustainability, food innovation and delivering great value.

Andrew sits on the National Food Strategy Advisory Board with DEFRA, as well as the FWD council representing wholesale businesses in the UK. He is a commissioner on the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, and is involved in other sustainable business initiatives such as Better Business Act coalition.

Andrew is passionate about a secure, sustainable and fair food system for current and future generations.

 

Our additional speakers will be announced shortly.