Neil Porter returns as LACA Chair

He replaces Sandra Russell who has now completed her one year term in office from July 2007 – 2008. Neil was officially re-appointed as the new incoming Chairman at the organisation's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 9 July 2008. Neil has been a Member of LACA since 1992 and has played an active role in the organisation since that time. He was voted on to LACA's National Executive Council in 2001 and was elected the Regional Chairman for LACA's South West Region in 2001 until 2004. Neil was voted National Chairman from 2004 - 2005. After stepping down from this position, Neil later took on the Chair of LACA's Training & Development Committee in 2007 to oversee the co-ordination of LACA's National Conference & Exhibition 2008. Neil Porter worked in local authorities for 24 years. After completing his City & Guilds at college at 18, he began his career with Avon County Council and within four months was appointed to his first Kitchen Manager post within a large Primary School. Four years later, he became manager of a Secondary School and then one of the largest Secondary Schools in Avon. In 1986 Neil was appointed Catering Manager of the City of Bristol College this was a newly created post which involved setting up, developing and expanding the catering service to students, during which time he studied for the I of H (HCIMA) qualification over five years. Neil then entered into Contract Area Management, with Avon County Catering Services, a post he held until 1996 when Avon County Council was disbanded and four new authorities were created. That year he transferred to Bristol City Council to head up Catering. Cleaning, Print Services and Centralised Stores Function then subsequently joined his portfolio. The catering business turnover during this period amounted to £6 million per annum and on average 22,000 meals are provided to pupils daily, which was around 47% of the school roll. Neil left Bristol City Council in 2005 to join HBG Facilities Management formally as Facilities Manager and now as Area Manager for the Midlands and Western regions. This role includes schools PFI and BSF projects plus other office facilities management services. On taking up the position of LACA Chair once again, Neil Porter says: "When I was last chair, I was head on into a media onslaught as a result of the reactions to the Jamie Oliver campaign. Now I seem to be heading from the frying pan into the fire! We are facing what is probably going to be for school meal providers one of the most challenging periods in our history as we take on the implementation of the new Nutrient Standards. There are complex issues to resolve and concerns over the future for the school meals service but I am committed to continuing the good work of the previous Chair in keeping LACA at the forefront of debate and influence with Government. I will also ensure that LACA continues to be a representative voice for school meal providers and that we play a major part in helping to develop school catering as a key plank of social policy over the coming years." Beverley Baker (pictured), Head of Surrey Commercial Services becomes the new National Vice Chair to Neil Porter for the period July 2008 – 2009.