All major public sector providers are attending, for a day of discussion and shared sense of purpose. The public sector has the potential to be a huge customer for British farming and this event will explain how farmers can sell into it.
Alexia Robinson, Love British Food founder, commented: “Everyone we work with in the public sector agrees that we are on the cusp of real change in the way food is procured. There is an increasingly shared vision and agreement that purchasing from British suppliers should be the aspiration for NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, schools, universities, care homes and other public institutions. All have targets to deliver on sustainability, net zero, the environment and, most important, the need to provide nutritional food to the young, the sick, the elderly, their staff and other members of the public.
“This event aims to go beyond talk of aspirations and the detail of Government buying standards to a frank discussion on the nitty gritty reality of how we can all work together to deliver robust supply chains of quality food to the vast public sector. Love British Food has always been about delivering positive change for local communities across the UK. That means tangible benefits, where advantages are felt in farms, businesses and the wider local economy.
“Real change will be best achieved through showing caterers and influencers the benefits of buying British first-hand on a farm; and giving farmers the opportunity to explain to buyers what they, in turn, need from buyers in order to deliver. Public sector leaders can play their role - through sourcing more food from British farmers and producers. Helping to give them the confidence they need to invest and grow their business, ultimately delivering the domestic production capacity that we need to ensure our food security.”
The aim is to agree a shared vision of what all involved in the supply chain, and those hoping to be involved, can aspire to. The event is taking place on Stuart Robert’s farm. He is a cereal, beef and sheep farmer. Roberts is one of the most well-known and passionate advocates for farming and consumer engagement.
Roberts added: “Love British Food has led the way for a long time in promoting British food and farming to the public sector. I am delighted to host their public sector influencers event on my farm. I am looking forward to working with them to share the true societal and environment value of buying British; and lead farmers to understand the commercial opportunity of supplying schools, hospitals and other institutions.”
Attendees:
Public Sector:
- Phil Shelly, NHS England
- Tim Radcliffe, NHS England and Director Love British Food
- Derek Wright, Blackpool Local Authority, LACA director and Director Love British Food
- Chair Public Sector Catering Alliance: Matt White
- Milton Keynes Hospital and Chair Love British Food Hospital and Care Catering Working Group: Frank Fiore
- TUCO: Jane Eve and Graeme Collie
- HCA: Iain Robertson
- HCA London SE: Rupi Valentine
- Sodexo: Militsa Pribetich-Gill
- Compass: Lone Middleton, Victoria Murray and Egle Cironkaite
- Brakes: Cathy Amos and James Armitage
- ISS: Ika Bobrowska
- NHS Supply: Kirstin Morris
- Caterforce: Tom Matthew
- OCS: Leigh Ashley
- Bon Culina: Colin Clarke
- Apetito: Lee Sheppard
- Aramark: Phil Quinn
Producers:
- Yeo Valley: Bobby Houghton-Brown
- Potatoes: Nick Wright
- Dairy: Charles Goadby, Amy Eggleston and Michael Oakes
- AB Fruits: Roberto Bosco
- Organic beef, Derbyshire: Tom Sebire and Nicky Stonebridge
- Beef and lamb: Rob Pratt
- Lee Valley Growers
- Arable: Jamie Burrows
- Beef and cereals: Sarah Bell
- Dairy: Claire Daw
- Nuffield scholars studying public sector supply chains: Hannah Fraser and Tom Pearson
Media:
- Farmers Guardian: Emily Ashworth
- PSC: David Foad
- Contract Catering: Henry Norman tbc
- Six Inches of Soil film producer and representing Cambridge Children’s hospital: Claire Mackenzie