FEA to launch new charitable award at this year's conference

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) will be presenting a new award aimed at recognising efforts in charity fundraising in the industry at this year's annual conference.

The Charitable Endeavour award aims to recognise individuals, teams and businesses that have raised significant funds for the hospitality industry's leading charities.

John Cunningham, chief executive of FEA, said: "Many FEA members are passionate about charitable fundraising, and every year we learn about the incredible lengths some of their staff go to in order to raise money for charity.

"We've had some amazing applications for this first event, and we think it's a great way to celebrate some of the people who raise money for good causes in our industry."

Alongside the new award, the remit of the Apprentice of the Year award has been widened to recognise anyone who has undertaken great learning or professional development.

The conference will take place at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth (pictured above) on 15 to 16 November, with the awards taking place at the opening dinner which follows the AGM.

The main conference is the following day and will feature presentations on the state of the economy from Simon Westaway, former chief economist and head of investment strategy group, Vanguard Europe, and a look at emerging foodservice trends from strategic advisor and futurist Simon Stenning.

There will also be group panels and discussions examining a range of important issues for the foodservice equipment sector, including sustainability, energy usage, service and maintenance and recruitment.

The keynote address will be given by rugby referee and TV presenter Nigel Owens.