Since the scale of the impact of Covid-19 on the catering equipment industry and the wider catering and hospitality supply chain became apparent, ceda has been working tirelessly to lead the industry through this unprecedented business period. With funded HR support quickly put in place for its Members, business guides, templates and documents produced and a cross-sector working group put together with FEA (Foodservice Equipment Association), Cedabond and ENSE to combine knowledge, resource and efforts in best representing and informing the sector, ceda is certainly living up to its promise.
Further to this supportive approach, ceda quickly identified that members needed the opportunity to discuss the challenges that they are currently experiencing, the actions that they have taken and how they see the future. A Zoom video call with half a dozen Members was piloted and proved to be very valuable to those that took part. Subsequently, Members Connected, a series of video calls which brings together ceda Members has been launched. Three video calls have taken place, a fourth is planned for Thursday 30th April. More will be added on a request basis.
ceda already provides an e-Learning platform for its Members. This has been ramped up during the lockdown to include ceda Supplier Sales and Training Webinars hosted by ceda Partners, and Learning and Education Webinars by third party industry experts. Adam Mason, Director General at ceda explains, “In these unprecedented times, a new approach was needed to enable the industry to continue to learn and develop. Whilst many businesses are facing uncertain operating conditions we feel it’s essential to continue to provide educational opportunities, as well as networking and pastoral support.”
Webinars and video meetings are quickly becoming a new way of doing business and for many in our sector, the opportunity they provide to connect with others is vital. Hobart UK hosted the first ceda Supplier Webinar this week. Business Development Director, Iain Munro said, “Hobart were pleased to have been given the opportunity to take part. There were 27 attendees and it was great to see so many Member companies taking part.
“I counted over 16 ceda Member representatives, many of who may never have been through a full overview of the Hobart product portfolios. To have managed to reach that many people at one event is really pleasing and a very cost effective way of presenting and we would welcome the opportunity to be involved in more.”
Completing the current program of ceda Webinars are a series of Health & Safety presentations by H&S Consultant Tim Knowles. Uptake has been extremely positive with at least 15 participants booked on each session. Adam Mason is thrilled with the response, he said, “We’re keen to continue the learning, education and development of ceda Members, Associates, Partners and their staff at this time and to increase knowledge across the board. All Webinars are free of charge to ceda Members and Partners and we encourage all to take part.
“We need to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic on the other side with a supply chain still intact. These Webinars are not only a positive way for furloughed workers to fill their time, but a tick in the box for personal and professional development which will benefit the industry at large.”
Full details of the ceda Webinar program can be found on the ceda website. The schedule is updated on a weekly basis. ceda Members, Associates and Partners who would like to participate in any of the planned events should email fiona@ceda.co.uk. Staff who have been furloughed can still take part in these learning, education and development activities.