In a message that looks forward to the year ahead and reflects on the highs and lows of 2024, he said: "Both the food and support services sectors never fail to excite or inspire and this year has been no different. There have been many highs, alongside a few challenges. With a new Government in place, the year ahead will undoubtedly see more change and therefore more opportunity. We all continue to learn and evolve.
"What has been key this year is gaining momentum in creating a positive impact for the communities we work in. Our sector has the size and scale to make a difference – this is something that is important to me personally, but also to the people within the industry and certainly within Compass and the partners we work with.
"For Compass, we are increasing our social value every year and we do this through our three promises around Climate, People and Health and Wellbeing. Highlights for me this year include the launch of our industry’s first Transition Plan, which clearly demonstrated progress towards our Climate Net Zero commitment.
"Our plan has set the standard for reporting – its transparent about progress, but also our challenges and next steps. We know our ambition can’t be met working alone, as an industry we need to come together with suppliers to ensure we are operating sustainably in all that we do so that every choice is a good one.
"As a sector we are also well placed to rise to the challenge of the current labour market – supporting our sector’s growth, while providing careers for many. We need to continue to shine a spotlight on the great work of people in our industry, to attract and retain the best people.
"We need to get better at showing the value that we bring. Creating opportunities and meaningful careers, through investment in apprenticeships and upskilling, is something we can all do to benefit people on an individual level, but also support our organisations for the future.
"Earlier this year, Compass launched the Social Referral Hub, which has demonstrated that with the right support in place, we can help those who face barriers to employment, back into work. This year the initiative has helped around 150 people into jobs, with another 800 receiving interview training or guidance.
"Our industry continues to innovate and shows no sign of slowing – delivering for clients and customers day in and out. Food and support services has entered a new era and is now more important than they’ve ever been, and there is great opportunity for us to flourish further.
"This means we stand side by side with clients and customers, integrating as one team and forging strong partnerships, working with them to achieve their own priorities – driving innovation to do things differently and in turn creating growth, sustainability and creating a positive culture.
"A high proportion of new business is coming from first-time outsourcing and new sub-sectors, demonstrating the value our industry can deliver. This is happening alongside, a rapidly changing landscape, via mergers and acquisitions, which have been prevalent in 2024.
"The provision of brilliant food is ever more complex, expensive and demanding, but equally expectations are higher than ever. Bringing new companies to join us builds on our ability to innovate and enhance opportunity. This year, we have continued to grow our Compass family, bringing in brilliant businesses with real expertise and loyal and supportive customers.
"Our Foodbuy business is now more than just our procurement function, it operates the UK’s largest Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO), helping us drive more value for clients, and bring amazing suppliers, growers, artisans and entrepreneurs to them too.
"I remain optimistic about the year ahead. Despite some market and country wide challenges, our industry has shown itself to be resilient, innovative, and full of fabulous people. We enter 2025 on a positive footing. What will be integral to our continued success is not only delivering great food and excellent services, but continuing to be a force for good."