The Drive Towards Stronger Collaboration and Partnership

Across the industry there has been a growing discussion about the importance of stronger collaboration and the development of trusted partnership which helps support a stronger framework evolve to support the ever development of the food service sector.  

All agree that the industry is changing and needs to tell its own story that much better, that the industry is achieving some very strong feats but still, its message does get lost.

Yesterday, EP hosted over 75 guests to listen to several leading speakers talk on the importance that we do grasp the opportunity today to work together to build a stronger framework for the future. The views were led by a great list of speakers which included:

• Chris Chidley, Chief Growth Officer for Compass Group
• Jon Davies, MD of Levy
• Blain Shepherd, MD of Thomas Franks
• Renier Oberholzer, MD of Thomas Franks, London
• Candice Finn, Commercial Development Director at Litmus Partnership
• Patrick McDermott, CEO of DigiTally

How can we act together and drive the industry forward to create positive change?

Chris Chidley spoken on the importance of delivering social value and creating opportunities for people: “Sustainability is front and centre for us and it runs through our DNA. People and culture are the differentiator in this industry and it’s up to all of us to continue to drive this forward.” Chris Chidley also broached the issue with food presentations and food waste during tender processes - does this need to change?

Jon Davies shared the vision of Levy: “We need to come together, share more and be agents for change to ensure the planet's future. We need to ensure we are lifting up the industry.”

Blain Shepherd, MD of Thomas Franks spoke of the importance “that the industry does collaborate far better in both ensuring that we help develop future generations of talent but also in how we support social agenda. We need to tell a better story of what we achieve across the sector.”  

There was as one would expect much debate on the important role that consultants do play in the sector and how they are influential in acting in educating client organisations and guiding operators, Candice Finn, Commercial Development Director, spoke of her own insights and her hope for change which will see new frameworks evolve.

It was a strong two hours of discussion which led to a working party of operators, clients, consultants and suppliers all coming together to help develop a new narrative for the sector.  

Feedback on the day included:

• “A great, thought-provoking conversation. I especially enjoyed the points around the need for a Charter and for a rebrand of the industry as a whole.”
• “It was good to see decision-makers in the industry looking to collaborate and make a difference to the way things currently operate, particularly with the Charter and tendering processes and also keeping sustainability at the forefront. I do hope actions are taken forward and we see some positive changes.”
• “A great, and informative, event yesterday – as always.”
• “I also think Chris Chidley’s challenge for consultants to be better on LinkedIn was a great challenge – it will have definitely provoked some good thinking!”
• “Thank you for another exceptionally good event. It is so valuable for us all to learn and discuss these ideas and of course, a real pleasure to catch up with peers and meet new people too.”

If you would like to be a part of this discussion as it progresses, please do email izzy.mchattie@epmagazine.co.uk