The six names complement the annual list of the ‘most influential’ people, who represent catering operators, business leaders, innovators, and influencers.
All those named on the 2026 list of the ‘most influential’ acknowledge the importance of the support they get from strong personalities and supporters among supplier companies.
So this the judging panel was asked to also look at those whose efforts, support, and influence go beyond the day job to underpin the work of our ‘most influential’.
In alphabetical order, here are the six names they chose as Industry Movers & Shakers for 2026:
Cathy Amos – head of customer marketing at Brakes and huge advocate and supporter of public sector issues. She is a non-executive director at Love British Food.
Karen McQuade – founder and managing director of UK Foodhall is very supportive of local producers and is President of the British Frozen Food Federation.
Andrew Selley – chief executive of BFS Group, which includes Bidfood, sits on the Defra Food Strategy Advisory Board and is vocal about funding and child poverty.
Ian Stone – chief executive of apetito, who has helped lead the local/British debate as well as innovative approaches to sustainability.
Steve Thomas – co-founder and chief executive of Ample, an online marketplace with the social enterprise aim of helping catering buyers access to farm produce.
William Watkins – founder of Radnor Hill and President of the British Soft Drinks Association, he is playing a leading role in Deposit Return Scheme legislation.