The issue is still going on in the Middle East our food and fuel is on the rise. With the unstable Government we have at the minute there is no end of the cost of living crisis, but as ever Local Authority caterers are still delivering the best quality food to our clients customers and users that need us most.
I had a trip up to Glasgow this month to join Nicky Joiner, chair of Assist the ASSIST FM, for their annual Conference titled ‘Shaping Tomorrow Together’. This was a lovely trip over the border, a great networking opportunity sharing ideas and solutions, some very inspirational and informative sessions, a great exhibition of suppliers showcasing their innovation and products, and of course culminated in a wonderful awards dinner.
The menu was developed showcasing the dishes produced by the finalists in the Scottish Local Authority Chef of the Year Award. It was a wonderful evening of celebration and you could feel the passion and see the talent of these fantastic chefs across our amazing public sector catering services. It was a real innovative and inspiring event indeed.
And finally the best news this month is that Iain Robertson has been named as the new vice chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance. Iain is the catering operations manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
At the HCA Forum held in Brighton last month Iain came to the end of his term of being HCA chair to which he has done a sterling job. He has a long career in public sector catering beginning in the military before his career now in healthcare so his knowledge across these areas is amazing.
He has worked alongside a lot of the PSC Alliance organisations and understands the challenges that we all have and he knows lots about the areas I know least so I really think it’s a great fit for us to move forward with the Alliance.
Many congratulations Iain and really look forward to working alongside you and I know you are delighted with the vice chair appointment too, so much for putting your feet up or a while!
There are only a few weeks left to have your say on the consultation of the proposed school food standards so if you haven’t yet please give your support. Lots of events in the coming months so hopefully I will catch up with many colleagues and friends and we might finally see some sunshine too.
