The free-to-attend event, which is sponsored by Hobart Service, will feature keynote speakers, live cooking demonstrations, informed industry debates, networking and a lively exhibition. All areas of the PSC Expo are open to everyone working within the sector and there is free parking available.
Speaking about the PSC Expo Andrew Archer, managing director of Dewberry Redpoint and David Foad, editor of Public Sector Catering Magazine, said: “We are returning to the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre in Stoneleigh with a renewed commitment to deliver high value discussion, networking, cooking demonstrations, products and competition under one roof.
“Whether you work feeding schoolchildren, students, patients, care home residents, prisoners or our military – the Expo has plenty for you. Although each part of the public sector has its own character and challenges, there is also a lot that they share – everything from recruitment and retention challenges, funding shortfalls, food price inflation, sustainability targets, food waste, succession planning and allergen training.
“By sharing concerns, experiences, ideas, and innovation everyone involved in preparing and serving food in the public sector can only benefit from being part of the Expo.”
Leading experts and commentators from across the sector will discuss the key issues and topics facing public sector caterers in a series of free to attend seminar sessions. The keynote speaker on day one of the PSC Expo will be Gareth Wyn Jones who will discuss ‘British farming and public sector - challenges and opportunities’.
David Fradgley of Aramark UK will examine the implications for the public sector of new research into the eating habits and service demands of Gen Z, to be followed by Ramin Ebrahimnejad, business development manager at the Advance Plant Growth Centre.
He will explore the global transition in farming and food production — how innovations in controlled environment agriculture, crop breeding, and alternative proteins can help correct the current inefficiencies and inequities in our food system.
There will also be a ‘State of the Industry’ panel discussion involving the heads of all the UK’s major catering organisations covering schools, hospitals, the care sector, prisons, universities, the military and catering colleges. It will involve chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance Jayne Jones as well as the head of associations.
The PSC Expo includes a central exhibition area where you can meet with the key associations representing the public sector catering industry. The key associations include Assist FM, Hospital Caterers Association, LACA, NACC, PACE and TUCO.
Exercise Joint Caterer (EJC) is a tri-service competition with a wide range of culinary classes that showcases the role military caterers play in the delivery of an effective Armed Force. The competition attracts hundreds of chefs from across the forces, many of whom will be competing and supporting their colleagues.
The 'Public Sector Catering Kitchen' hosted by Hairy Biker Si King, will feature cookery demonstrations on the second day from public sector chefs working across the industry:
- Hospitals: 2024 NHS Chefs of the Year - Manuela Miccoli and Alejandro Hernandez
- Schools: 2025 LACA School Chef of the Year Erin Ward
- Care homes: 2025 NACC Chef of the Year Ilona Tomza
The Public Sector Catering Expo is free to attend, register here.