The two day conference was attended by 28 Local Authority council delegates, guests, speakers and suppliers. The conference theme was ‘What’s your reality?’ looking into the future of the facilities management industry and really delving deep into the reality of what the future holds.
Chris Ross, ASSIST FM chair, said: “It was a wonderful two days to catch up with colleagues, suppliers and reflect upon the incredible achievements of Local Authority service providers in Scotland.
“The conference was a real opportunity to hear from some inspirational speakers on a wide range of topics, operational matters to the wider national agenda. Our wide and varied range of suppliers this year added real innovation to the public sector, rounded off by a wonderful events reception to award those public sector heroes.”
The conference had 55 exhibitors, 15 who are long time partners, 37 recurring suppliers and three brand new ones. The speakers included Public Sector Catering Alliance chair Matthew White, Keep Scotland Beautiful and quadruple amputee Cor Hutton who ‘inspired’ attendees.
One of the suppliers, ProVeg commented: "We had such an incredible time at the ASSIST FM conference. It was a key opportunity for us to promote our School Plates programme in Scotland and the place to network and be informed on current issues facing local authorities in Scotland."
The ASSIST FM Award winners included:
Outstanding Contribution to Cleaning, sponsored by GT Cleaning: Stirling Council
Outstanding Contribution to Catering, sponsored by CRB Cunningham: Shetland Council
Outstanding Contribution to FM Services, sponsored by Alliance Catering Equipment & Disposables: Edinburgh City Council
Local Authority Innovation Award, sponsored by James Scott & Sons: West Lothian
Climate Initiative Award, sponsored by Muller Milk and Ingredients: West Lothian
Digital and Technology Award, sponsored by Tropical Ice: West Lothian
Community Focus Award, sponsored by McCain Foods: Argyll and Bute Council
Supplier of The Year, sponsored by ASSIST FM: Nilfisk
Grab and Go Award, sponsored by Brakes: East Renfrewshire Council
Local Authority Cook of the Year, sponsored by Muller Milk and Ingredients:
- First Place - Nicola Arnold, Edinburgh Council
- Second Place - Martyn Cuthbert, East Ayrshire Council
- Third Place - Jamie Kimmett, Stirling Council