Members of the Events Group
Neil has dedicated over 40 years to the education catering sector, beginning his career as a kitchen manager in a primary school in 1981. He advanced to the role of contract manager for Avon County, overseeing catering services for 475 schools. Following the local government reorganisation in 1995, Neil moved to Bristol City Council, where he became the head of service for catering and facilities.
In 2005, Neil joined BAM Facilities Management (formerly HBG) to lead the mobilisation of a new build project comprising four secondary schools and a leisure centre. He eventually rose to the position of Director for the South of England, a role he has held for eight years.
Neil's passion for school meals has been unwavering. He has been an active member of LACA since the mid-1990s and currently serves as the business director and chair of the events group. Additionally, Neil is the regional chair for the Institute of Hospitality (IOH) South West branch, where he strives to elevate the profile of public sector catering
Simon is a well-known and trusted figure in the industry, having represented Hobart Equipment UK for over 23 years. A Certified Foodservice Professional, he plays an active role in several healthcare, education, and public sector associations. Simon is passionate about delivering innovative catering equipment solutions that help education catering teams save energy, space, and time. With cost challenges on the rise, he enjoys collaborating with key industry stakeholders to share best practices, explore new ideas, and advocate for increased funding support across the sector as well as contribute to shaping the future.
Jon has dedicated his entire career to the foodservice industry, with a strong focus on the cost sector. He has extensive experience supplying schools of all ages with a wide range of products across key categories, including Bakery, Desserts, Meat, Drinks, and Condiments.
Jon is passionate about ensuring that children receive balanced, nutritious meals every day in school, recognising the important role good food plays in supporting both learning and development. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with school catering teams, helping them source reliable, high-quality products while managing costs and meeting nutritional standards.
Jon is committed to supporting schools in delivering consistent, great-tasting food that meets the needs of pupils and staff alike. His belief is simple: by helping schools feed children well today, we’re helping build a healthier, brighter future for the next generation.
