Three-quarters of UK businesses prepare to shed suppliers that do not live up to their social values #

Organisations that fail to impress on policies around the environment and diversity at greatest risk, according to new research from Sodexo.
 
Two thirds (66%) of business leaders say they have already started replacing suppliers in the last year that don’t live up to their diversity and inclusion values
A similar proportion (65%) have over the last year said goodbye to organisations in their supply chain that do not align with their own environmental policies 71% believe that their customers care about their supply chain UK business leaders are increasingly turning their backs on suppliers who fail to align with their social values, according to new research revealed today. The survey, commissioned to mark the launch of Sodexo’s Social Impact Pledge 2021, highlights the profound effect the pandemic has had on procurement decisions, with the majority of respondents agreeing that the events of the last year had made it more important to consider environmental and diversity policies when selecting suppliers.
 
The research shows that, while UK businesses are understandably still placing a greater emphasis on factors such as cost, financial stability and cyber security at the procurement stage, social values are increasingly featuring in the decision-making process. 92% of those polled said they now vet suppliers on their social values and impact, and 75% warn they would be put off by a prospective supplier that did not publish information about their social values.
 
There is clearly, however, some cynicism around social value with almost three-quarters (73%) of the 250 UK business leaders polled agreeing or strongly agreeing that businesses often have a social value policy in place but don’t necessarily follow it. This demonstrates the importance of transparent social impact accounting – evidencing and reporting on achievements.
 
Encouragingly, a strong proportion of business leaders who responded to the survey made it clear that they are prepared to offer their suppliers support to help them improve their standing and become more closely aligned with their own social values. 47% said they are providing suppliers with education and training, 41% are providing financial support and 39% offer mentoring.
 
Sean Haley, Sodexo UK and Ireland Regional Chair, commented: “It is often said that you can tell a great deal about someone by the company they keep. This is also true for businesses. It is now clear that the ability to demonstrate a positive social impact is a non-negotiable.
 
“As this research clearly shows, it is a responsibility that extends beyond your own business to the organisations with which you choose to partner. While it can only be seen as a positive step that many businesses are becoming more demanding in areas such as environment and diversity, it is even more heartening to see how many are taking it upon themselves to help their suppliers do better. Business must be purpose-led and capable of directly improving the communities they serve.”
 
In February Sodexo, which employs around 30,000 people in the UK, launched its 2021 Social Impact Pledge which includes gifting  up to 25% of its apprentice levy to SME suppliers ; enabling them to create 100 new apprenticeships; cutting food waste by 50% across all its sites by 2030; and ensuring 40% of the business’ spend is with SME and VCSE suppliers – above the Government’s own target of £1 in every £3. In addition to Sodexo’s financial commitment to its SME and VCSE partners, the business has also pledged to provide professional skills-based mentoring and coaching to these organisations in its network.
 

Tyrrells serves up boost for pubs with £40,000 pub garden makeover promotion #

Pubs given the chance to win one of four £10K garden makeovers this summer with newly launched competition

KP Snacks, the no.1 supplier of Bagged Snacks in pubs and bars and its premium snack brand Tyrrells, are proud to support British pubs this summer with the launch of a brand new competition offering pubs the opportunity to win one of four £10,000 garden makeovers.

The £40,000 pub garden makeover competition, which launches on 3 May, will see four lucky winners receive £5,000 worth of Tyrrells branded pub garden merchandise alongside a £5,000 garden makeover donation, to spend on whatever their garden needs most.  With branded parasols, planters, blankets and bean bags up for grabs, the Tyrrells pub garden makeover merchandise, will help any pub garden look more inspiring and inviting this summer. 10 cases of 40g Tyrrells Crisps for five runners up will also be available.
 
Sarah Lawson, Marketing Manager at Tyrrells says: “It’s been a hugely challenging year for the whole country and particularly for pubs.  At Tyrrells, we want to do our bit to help pubs get back on their feet and what better way to do this than celebrate the great British pub and beer garden. Pubs are at heart of the community which is something we’re really proud to support.
 
“Tyrrells is a quintessentially British premium crisp brand that prides itself on producing the best quality premium hand cooked crisps on the market. With consumers choosing more premium snacks and trading up, we have the perfect brand to support British pubs on their journey to rebuilding and growing profitable sales”.
 
Having an attractive outdoor seating area is one of the biggest draws for people as the weather gets warmer with research showing  that over half of drinkers (55%) say the pub garden is their favourite place for a pint during the summer. Keeping this in mind and featuring the Tyrrells flagship tagline ‘Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty’, the initiative aims to support the On Trade Channel recover and drive sales by helping pubs maximise their outdoor spaces.
 
Matt Collins, Trading Director at KP Snacks adds: “As we look ahead to the summer and to restrictions lifting, there is a feeling of positivity and excitement among both pubs and pub-goers, with ‘starved’ consumers returning with a vengeance!  We know that 52% of customers purchase snacks on impulse and we want to turn these impulse opportunities into incremental snack sales for pubs and bars. While snacks won’t replace meal occasions, they do offer pubs and bars the opportunity to trade up drinks-only visits, with pre-packaged snacks delivering a quick and safe solution for customers”.
 
Tyrrells pride themselves on quality, English provenance and authentic ingredients attracting consumers all over the UK. The range also includes vegetable crisps alongside its most known Hand Cooked potato crisp range. With a £53.9m RSV, the brand is growing in value +10.1% MAT in the UK. With an impressive 86 Great Taste Awards across the range, Tyrrells crisps are the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer or glass of wine when out relaxing, socialising and reacquainting with friends at the pub.
 
The competition is open for entry from Monday 3 May to Monday 14 June, with competition entry available at https://www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk/pubgarden . To qualify, pubs need to purchase three cases of Tyrrells 40g crisps, available in Lightly Sea Salted, Mature Cheddar & Chive, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar and Sweet Chilli and Red Pepper or Tyrrells Veg Crisps via Tyrrells Court Farm on 01568 720244 or from their usual stockists. 

70 new vegan trademarks in 2020 as manufacturers cater to vegan trend #

R&D in the food & drink industry grows 40% in five years as manufacturers develop new vegan lines

Another 70 vegan trademarks were filed in 2020 as food manufacturers continue to follow the vegan trend, with 265 vegan trademarks now registered in the food and drink sector in the last five years*, says EMW, the corporate commercial law firm. The number of vegan trademarks applications in 2020 is the second-highest on record behind the all-time high of 92 in 2019 as the popularity of vegan diets continues to increase.

Vegan food and drink is continuing to develop into a major market for food manufacturers. European retail sales of meat and dairy alternatives have grown by almost 10% per year from 2010 to 2020. According to Deloitte, the plant-based alternative market is set to grow from €1.5bn in 2018 to €2.4bn by 2025 in Europe, with the UK being the largest market.

EMW says that demand for new vegan foods is one of the main drivers of the rising R&D spend of the largest 30 food and drink manufacturers, which has grown 43% from £4.4bn to £6.3bn per year in the last 5 years. These major food businesses have sought to protect their new vegan product lines with trademarks to stake out valuable intellectual property in a fast-growing market.

In November, McDonald’s announced it would debut a line meat alternative product in 2021 called McPlant, while sausage manufacturer Richmond recently launched vegan meatballs and mince.

The rise in demand for vegan products has made vegan food manufacturers attractive investment targets in recent years. This trend has continued in the last year, with French food conglomerate Danone acquiring US vegan brand Follow Your Heart, best known for its egg-free mayonnaise ‘Vegenaise’ in January 2021.

In April 2020, UK coconut-based dessert maker The Collaborative raised $7m in Series A funding from US venture capital fund PowerPlant Ventures, which has previously backed Beyond Meat, now one of the largest makers of meat alternatives.

Daisy Divoka, Senior Associate at EMW, says “With greater consumer concern over food sustainability, vegan products have exploded in popularity in the last decade. Those issues driving increased adoption of vegan diets are only going to become more pressing in the future. This trend still has a long way to run and will inevitably be influenced further by changes in our lifestyle as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Companies are seeing greater value in vegan products and are spending more on their development as well as protection for them.”

“Now, large players are spending money on developing new, vegan alternatives to animal products as the market continues to move in that direction. This means they are also having to invest more in protecting that valuable intellectual property through trademarks and patents.”

Chris Garside, former CEO of Compass Group UK and Ireland, joins Aramark International on May 17 #

Chris Garside, former CEO of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has been named Head of Sales and Business Development for Aramark International, starting May 17. He will be reporting to Carl Mittleman, COO of Aramark International, and will take on responsibility for leading growth in 18 countries around the world.

In this newly created role, Garside will lead the company’s growth agenda with a focus on driving new sales across its international portfolio, supporting strategic and major retention efforts, and developing and executing a global M&A framework.

“Chris will be an incredible addition the Aramark International team, bringing his passion for hospitality and a strong network of relationships, a proven track record, and years of industry experience,” said Mittleman. “As we focus on growth post-pandemic, there is no one better suited to help us open new doors and fortify the relationships we currently enjoy.”

Garside comes to Aramark following a successful career with Compass Group. As a member of the Executive Board of Compass and well-respected industry leader, Chris achieved sustainable year over year growth across Northern Europe through a balanced focus on innovation, strong net new results, and strategic acquisition. During his 11-year tenure with Compass, he held a variety of roles of progressive responsibility in the UK and Europe, leading businesses in Defense, Offshore, Government, and Education.

“Joining Aramark now creates exciting new opportunities for me in an industry I have known and loved for many years,” said Garside. “Carl and his senior team are dedicated to a hospitality mentality, and that passion for service is in my blood. I am eager to get started and add value to Aramark’s International team, as well as supporting the industry to recover and thrive post-pandemic.”

Before joining Compass, Garside held a variety of operational and leadership positions with Kingfisher PLC, a UK-based international home improvement retailer, and with Dixons Stores Group, one of the largest consumer electronics retailers in Europe.

Garside serves as Trustee of Hospitality Action, a London-based charity organisation dedicated to providing vital services and assistance to those who work or have worked in the hospitality industry and who have fallen on hard times.

Aramark International encompasses 18 countries of operation around the globe, including the Aramark operating businesses in Northern Europe (UK, Ireland, and the Global Offshore business in Denmark, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain); Continental Europe (Germany, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic); Asia (China, Korea, Japan); Latin America (Mexico, Chile, Argentina); and Canada.

Sodexo secures five-year contract as part of the Future Maritime Support Programme #

Sodexo, a leading global services company, has secured a £54m contract to provide a range of soft services at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth, as part of Ministry of Defence’s Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP).

The five-year contract, with the opportunity to extend this for a further two years, will see Sodexo’s Government & Agencies team deliver services including cleaning, waste management, catering, retail, leisure, grounds maintenance and helpdesk services at the base, located at Portsmouth Dockyard. 

The award of this contract forms part of the overall £5.2 billion FMSP, made up of 11 contracts in total which will support and maintain UK HM Naval Bases equipment and capabilities. The FMSP ensures that Royal Navy personnel benefit from enhanced services and facilities whilst on land or at sea. 

The mobilisation began early this month (April 2021) and will go live on 1 October. Sodexo will be supporting the FMSP’s objectives through the delivery of high-performing, value-for-money, safe, agile and efficient services as well as looking to improve the Lived Experience for those based at HMNB Portsmouth. 

HMNB Portsmouth has been an integral part of the city since 1194 and is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships. The base is a major employer and provides lodging facilities to personnel serving at the base and in Portsmouth-based ships. 

Paul Anstey, CEO, Government & Agencies, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “This is an incredibly prestigious location for the Ministry of Defence, with a rich history. 

Sodexo is proud to have been selected as one of the trusted partners to the FSMP and are looking forward to providing services to enhance the quality of life for those at the base. We are committed to help the FSMP achieve its mission of ‘a world class support enterprise’ for the Royal Navy.” 

Sodexo has worked with the British military for more than 30 years, focusing on the wellbeing and quality of life of the Armed Forces and their families. 

Sodexo was an early signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and in 2017 received the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Employer Recognition Award for its commitment and support to the UK’s Armed Forces community.

Media Information from IGD #

Latest Eating In vs Dining Out report reveals that both retail and foodservice will grow in 2021

The latest Eating In vs Dining Out report – produced by insight and analysis providers IGD, in collaboration with foodservice consultant Peter Backman – forecasts 12% growth in 2021, for the UK food and drink market.

The forecasted increase is driven by strong retail growth from January to March and foodservice sales which will begin to strengthen from July onwards as pent-up demand for socialising boosts the sector. Foodservice will grow by 54% (£18.6bn) vs 2020. Some of this growth will impact retail, but elevated levels of home working, at-home social gatherings and financially stretched shoppers who are unable to divert spend to eating out, will see the retail sector continue to grow. 

Nicola Knight, Senior Retail Analyst at IGD, said: “The latest industry growth forecasts, combined with the Office for Budget Responsibility predictions for a slightly quicker than expected economic recovery, are reassuring for both retailers and operators. The reopening of the eating out sector and lifting of social restrictions will increase social dining both in and out of home and will give the market as a whole a significant boost. The value of retail is up £1.8bn on 2020 and £14.5bn on 2019.

On dining out, Peter Backman, Foodservice Consultant said: “Foodservice will see low levels of sales for almost half of 2021, due to a combination of lockdown restrictions and alfresco-only eating and drinking.  But, as we move into the second half of the year, growth will set in, with pubs and restaurants leading the way. Hotels, leisure and travel-related hospitality will continue to be negatively affected, as will workplace dining, driven by working from home.”

According to the report, the key to unlocking opportunity for both retailers and operators is understanding the K-shaped recovery and its influences on shopper behaviour. The recovery will see higher income households who have accrued substantial savings – estimated to be a significant “pot” of over £100bn* – contrast to lower income households who face financial challenge due to the ending of government support and rising unemployment, particularly amongst younger people.  

Nicola continues: “Discount is likely to be the fastest growing channel in retail as financially-challenged shoppers look for value.  Yet, on the flipside, more affluent shoppers, particularly amongst older age groups, will be looking to “trade-up” on both every day and occasion products, to utilise their disposable income.  Retailers will need to pay close attention to pricing strategy and product innovation to keep shoppers engaged and loyal.”

Peter adds: “Affordability and accessibility will be the two watchwords for the eating out market. Those under financial pressure will be less likely to eat out, but when they do, QSR and food-to-go are the most likely options. On the whole, operators in these sectors have been in a much stronger position than most during the pandemic, thanks to takeaway and delivery and this continued demand will potentially enable them to prosper. 

“In the medium term, people in robust financial positions are likely to benefit higher spend outlets, particularly whilst travel restrictions apply and other spending options are limited.”

Nicola concludes: “The findings from the report show that behaviours and spend continue to shift, creating an ever-complex landscape.”

The report takes a quarter-by-quarter analysis to help businesses in both sectors plan for the year ahead.

Toque d'Or 2021 Competition Finalists Revealed #

Nestlé Professional is proud to announce the finalists of this year’s Toque d'Or Competition.
 
After a fantastic Heat, which saw a massive 112 Back and Front of House students, apprentices and young professionals from across the country battle it out in a virtual competition, the field has been narrowed to just 12 finalists.
 
Three Back of House students; three Back of House apprentices/young professionals; three Front of House students and three Front of House apprentices/young professionals are heading into the Grand Finals which will be hosted during the last week of June.  Over the course of the Finals, finalists will be put through their paces with a host of exciting challenges and opportunities to develop a variety of skills, and each day will contain a different challenge, allowing finalists to put their newly gained skills to use in an exciting and fun way.
 
It is hoped that the Grand Finals can be performed in person, however the team at Toque d'Or is following government guidelines. 
 
Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestlé Professional UK&I says: “We were overwhelmed by the standard of competition in the heats, and I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part. You are a credit to our industry.
 
I am delighted for our 12 finalists and I’m sure they are excited about what awaits them during the Finals.  Good luck to all!”
 
The Grand Finals will take place from 28 June – 2 July, with the winners announced during the live Awards presentation on YouTube on Friday 30th July. The competition will be judged by MasterChef: The Professionals, The Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis, educator and drinks expert Alison Taffs, Robert Smith from Shuttersmith as well as guest judges who are yet to be announced.
 
The 12 finalists are:
 
Back of House Students
Rebecca Bourne, University College Birmingham
Sarah Morton, New City College London (Hackney)
Liam Hanson, Blackpool and the Fylde College
 
Back of House Apprentices/Young Professionals
Amy Bilton, Sparrow Lewisham
Dipen Patel, Just a bite
Kenny Markham, Burnt Lemon Chefs
 
Front of House Students
Sophie Taylor, Edinburgh College
Jessica Nicholson, Sheffield College
Marc Barker, Isle of Wight College
 
Front of House Apprentices/Young Professionals
Georgia Wheatley, University College Birmingham
Bryn Williams, Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Jess Metcalf, The Isle of Wight College
 
For more information, please click here. 
 

Calling On All Organisations To Celebrate Their Receptionists #

International Receptionists' Day is an opportunity to recognise and thank professional Receptionists across all organisations.  The event is celebrated on the second Wednesday in May and this year falls on Wednesday 12th May.
 
Receptionists’ Day was first launched in 1991 in the US to celebrate the role of professional receptionists and the purpose of the day is to:
 
- Recognise the importance of the receptionist’s role. The receptionist creates that all important first impression and is integral to the guest experience.
- Promote pride and professionalism amongst receptionists for the essential role they hold within an organisation.
- Give receptionists an opportunity to share stories and link up with other colleagues. - Each year the initiative grows and is celebrated by companies across the globe. 

The official website www.internationalreceptionistsday.com will highlight a range of activities and initiatives which are open to everyone, to recognise and show gratitude to receptionists across the globe in all sectors from health care to hotels to the corporate sector, to name a few.
 
As we return to the workplace following the pandemic and we look to the future, this year it is even more important to appreciate the valuable contributions made by receptionists and all organisations are encouraged to recognise and celebrate International Receptionists’ Day.
 
There will be competitions open to all with some great prizes on offer. These include ‘Receptionist of the Future’ in which participants create a ‘recipe’ card detailing the qualities and special skills receptionists need to have in the coming years, as well as a reception-themed photo caption competition with prizes including spa treatments and theatre tickets.

Rapport will be recognising their reception teams by hosting a range of activities based on the theme of ‘Feeling the part, looking the part, being the part’. These include personal presentation virtual masterclasses, an open forum discussing growth mindset and positivity on Zoom before rounding off the day with a fun Receptionist-themed quiz.

International Receptionists’ Day is also supported by the AICR, which is the association of Front of House managers of five-star hotels around the world.
 
AICR UK represents some of the UKs leading hotels and is always pleased to support International Receptionists’ Day, an important date in our calendar of events. The past year has been challenging for us all, with many of our receptionists being furloughed for long periods of time. Whilst many of them may have been away from doing what they do best – providing a warm welcome and a genuine sense of ‘home away from home’ for each and every guest – they are still so appreciated. This year we will make an extra special effort to show our appreciation for the amazing service that our teams deliver with passion and pride, which we know our guests are looking forward to as we re-open our doors.  We are calling on all our AICR UK members to celebrate with us and recognise our wonderful receptionists on this special day.
Nicola Miller, President of AICR UK http://aicrinternational.org/uk-section/
 
Greg Mace, Founder and Managing Director of Rapport said: “International Receptionists’ Day is the perfect way to celebrate the work of dedicated receptionists all over the world and we’re delighted to be getting involved once again. Supporting this initiative is an opportunity for us to celebrate the great work receptionists do and to raise their profile within our operations. This last year has been a tough one for so many front-line hospitality staff and we hope that every single receptionist who takes part will feel proud of what they do – they are truly exceptional people.”                    
 
For more information visit –
www.internationalreceptionistsday.com                                                       
           

Free Hospitality Marketing Offered for The DesignMyNight 100 #

In the lead up to removal of social distancing in England on 21st June, and for the first time in its 11-year history, DesignMyNight (part of Access Hospitality) is giving away free marketing to aid the recovery of the hospitality industry.  
 
During an interview with Talk Radio in mid-April, UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls reported that the welcome back of outdoor spaces for hospitality in England would see around “30% of pubs, bars and restaurants reopening”. Due to the limited space and general running costs, the difficulty of operating profitably was highlighted by many operators, with Nicholls commenting that “even those that can reopen, we know it’s going to just be 20% of their normal revenues. They need to get to 70% to break even, so this is going to be a loss-making business for a period of time.” 
 
It has been repeated like a broken record that hospitality has been one of the hardest hit sectors throughout the pandemic and another knock-on effect in the lead-up to the June reopening is marketing spend. IPA Bellwether completed a survey on the first quarter of 2021, which highlighted a further decline in available marketing budgets in the UK. It has been estimated by UK Hospitality that the pandemic cost the UK hospitality sector £200m a day in 2020 and CBS Market Watch reports that “historically, PR, marketing and advertising budgets are the first to be cut” during an economic crisis.  
 
To give back to those venues that need it most, DesignMyNight is - for the first time in its 11-year history - offering free marketing on the website that covers 20+ cities. Any venue, pub, restaurant or club residing in the UK who have never worked with the brand before can apply for the opportunity, with the 100 winners picked at random. This is an opportunity for those venues who cannot afford marketing spend at this time, and who have had their budgets slashed. It is a great opportunity to get a leg up fast and to benefit from high-traffic channel inclusions and the 3.5 million users who visit the site monthly. 
 
Katie Kirwan, Head of Content and Website at DesignMyNight comments that “the last 12 months we've watched the venues we love, care, and write about daily in turmoil as they've been batted about by reopening procedures, delivery changes and endless attempts to get back to business. We thought it only right that we kept the compassion we love in our industry going by offering up this free opportunity to those that need it most, especially when we feel the voice we have on our platform is so strong. I'm so excited to support these sites, get to know their needs better, and hopefully bring about some promotion that can often be unaffordable to most.” 
 
Henry Seddon, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, parent company of DesignMyNight added “This is a fantastic initiative that offers practical marketing support to the venues that need it most. With income decimated over the last year, having a presence on DesignMyNight, could be a lifeline for venues emerging out of lockdown with few reserves left as it will provide visibility to many thousands of potential customers.  
 
“DesignMyNight is the latest support we have been able to offer the sector over the last year and I would encourage every eligible business to apply. Previous support has ranged from product enhancements to help manage furlough payments, development of delivery and click and collect services, track and trace technology within Access Collins through to provision of reopening guides and a series of webinars and checklists covering all aspects of trading and employee welfare.”   
 
Terms and conditions for the free marketing at DesignMyNight apply. Applications can be filled in the following link and the final deadline is 9th May: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_vh0RbBSg6aDzFvf_lZX6INH1YPksacPdBZnR8nGdTB4kdg/viewform
 

HRC launches digital platform HRC Connects #

Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) has unveiled a new online platform – HRC Connects – which will enable suppliers and buyers to connect, network and share thought leadership virtually. The new platform will enable hospitality suppliers to showcase their products and services year-round to an engaged and diverse buyer audience, as well as facilitating networking, one-to-one meetings and online demonstrations.  
 
HRC Connects will also integrate seamlessly into the live event experience when Hotel, Restaurant & Catering returns to ExCeL London on 21-23 March 2022. New connections made at the show will be viewable on HRC Connects, and attendees can use the platform to schedule talks and demos to attend, arrange in-person meetings and search exhibitors. 
 
Event Manager Ronda Annesley commented: “The past year has made us think about how we can harness digital resources to add more value to our buyers and even better return on investment for our suppliers. HRC Connects will bring our community together virtually but it will also serve as a powerful addition to Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2022, supporting and expanding on the networking and sales conversations that take place on the show floor.” 
 
Live events taking place this month on HRC Connects include:
 
Putting Your People First - Sponsored by the Sustainable Restaurant Association Tuesday 11 May | 15:00 - 16:00
Create Seamless Hospitality with a Tech-Forward Business – Sponsored by Worldpay by FISTuesday 18 May | 11am – 12pm
How to Make the Most of the Super-Deduction Capital Allowance Friday 21 May  10:30 – 11:00
 
Join the community for free here

FEA Industry Conference 2021 – book now to save 15% #

Broadcaster and political correspondent Chris Mason announced as keynote speaker

The 2021 FEA Industry Conference (15th and 16th September 2021) is preparing to share insight and inspiration with delegates, to help them give their businesses a kick start and find long-term growth.  For any FEA members planning to attend and looking to cut costs, there’s a timely solution: book a conference package before the end of June and save 15% on the standard prices. 

The speaker platform is still being completed but FEA has announced that it has secured the services of top political correspondent and broadcaster Chris Mason for the keynote speech.  Chris is on the frontline of politics on TV, covering this intense, unpredictable world with a digestible and entertaining style of delivery. His presentation is not to be missed!

Conference’s afternoon session will focus on net zero carbon.  The emphasis will be on practical initiatives and objectives, looking at how to embed sustainability into equipment management. 

This year’s conference is being held at Chesford Grange, Kenilworth.  During the informal dinner on Wednesday 15th September the FEA will unveil the results of its Top 100 Foodservice Influencers initiative.  Earlier that afternoon the Association will hold its AGM.  Thursday is the main conference and exhibition day, with the evening bringing the gala dinner and the announcement of the winners of the FCSI Sustainability award and the Outstanding Contribution to the Foodservice Equipment Industry award. 

The early bird booking rates are available until Wednesday June 30th.  As an example, the full package for a FEA member, including two nights’ accommodation and dinner, is normally £695.  With the early bird discount that drops to £595.  

For the latest information on the FEA Industry Conference 2021, and to take advantage of the early bird discount, visit www.feaconference.co.uk

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk

 

CH&CO’s double commitment to Springboard and its ‘Springboard to 2022’ programme #

CH&CO has strengthened its support of UK hospitality charity, Springboard, and its new initiative ‘Springboard to 2022’ with two clear commitments. The independent catering and hospitality business has pledged to advertise all its entry level roles with Springboard before advertising externally. It has also signed up to work with Springboard to create jobs through the government’s Kickstart scheme.

‘Springboard to 2022’ is the charity’s industry response to hospitality’s skills deficit and staffing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic, ensuring a skilled and engaged talent pipeline for when the industry needs it most. The goal is to have 10,000 young people trained and ready for work, in line with the industry’s recovery, by December 2022.

CH&CO has pledged to update its recruitment process to help Springboard realise this goal. Moving forward, all entry level roles across the business – including Gather & Gather, Vacherin and Company of Cooks – will be advertised through Springboard before any other external recruitment platforms.

CH&CO is a diverse hospitality business operating in workplaces, education, healthcare, destinations, venues and events and has the potential to offer a wide variety of exciting opportunities. It is estimated that as the industry reopens, this could equate to more than 560 roles over the coming months.

In addition, CH&CO has chosen to work with Springboard to generate work placements for young people through the Kickstart scheme. Kickstart is part of the government’s Plan for Jobs strategy to help create jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment as companies kickstart their business post Covid-19.      

Charlotte Hutchings, Group People Director at CH&CO, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Springboard to support its valuable ‘Springboard to 2022’ programme. The pandemic and lockdowns have caused untold damage to what was an already delicate hospitality talent pool. As an industry, as we rebuild, we all have a responsibility to restore confidence in hospitality as a diverse and progressive career option and to create opportunities and support for the many young people that have been displaced and disillusioned over the past 12 months.

“Working with Springboard, we are proud to be able to pledge that through our updated recruitment process and our engagement with the Kickstart programme, we will play our part in tackling the staffing crisis and regenerating the industry. Investing in people is invaluable to protect the future of our business and the industry. After all, people are what hospitality is all about.”

Chris Gamm, CEO, Springboard, said: “It’s critical that leaders from across our sector come together to aid the long-term recovery of hospitality post-Covid. We’re thrilled to receive further support from our partners CH&CO for our new project ‘Springboard to 2022’, which aims to have 10,000 young people trained and ready for work by December 2022. Through our new initiative we will work towards ensuring a skilled and engaged talent pipeline ready for when the industry needs it most.

“We would like to thank CH&CO for its commitment to support Springboard’s response to the hospitality industry’s massive skills deficit and staffing crisis. It’s collaborations and industry alliances like these that will enable the sector to recover and thrive once more.”