What’s in-store for the FCSI UK&I and its members in 2022?
After yet another challenging few months for the UK, with additional restrictions over the festive period, things are starting to look up once again. Following the Christmas break, people have come back to work with some renewed energy and a sense of positivity as the future looks brighter. As we consider what 2022 will bring, we spoke to our chair, Julian Edwards to get his thoughts on how the year will pan out for foodservice.
First of all, let’s look back. How would you sum up a year of consulting in 2021?
In many respects it was business as usual as there was work out there. It was probably an efficient year for many consultants as it involved a lot less travelling. With meetings moving online, consultants would have been able to get a lot more actual work done with having more time at their desks. We also had to adapt how we helped our clients; looking at new ways of working and understanding the impact of the pandemic and its restrictions so we could effectively advise our clients. It’s been challenging for some of our Allied members who have faced supply issues for many months now. All our members have faced challenges in different ways but as an association we’ve been able to support each other through it.
How did the FCSI support its members through these challenging times?
Our Taste, Learn, Connect events were a huge success. One which stands out was when our members got to experience a chocolate tasting workshop with pastry chef, Sarah Hartnett. Once we could meet in person again we visited Eataly which was another 2021 highlight. As an organisation we communicated more than we ever have done with regular emails, social posts and online meetings. Engagement with our members was so important during the pandemic and we wanted to make sure we shared as much information as possible.
What are your 2022 predictions for foodservice?
It’s probably easiest if I break this down by sector as it will be very different for each area. Education is back in full swing following the school closures of 2020 and 2021 and I think this is the year we will start to see a lot of movement. Many schools put going out to tender on hold whilst so much was up in the air. They will now reboot their tendering journeys, review suppliers and some will even consider bringing catering in-house.
In contract catering, it has been busy in the cost sector side and will continue to be as that customer base hasn’t been affected in the same way. However, there are ongoing staffing issues due to isolation which creates a pressure on teams. In the profit sector, they have had no choice but to remodel to keep them afloat and it has been particularly hard for this industry. We were expecting a boisterous December but unfortunately that didn’t happen.
Consultants are going to be busy in 2022 as we help all areas of foodservice to bounce back and grab every opportunity in the marketplace. Clients want someone to come in and look at a business from an external point of view and advise on the right way forward without bias. Transparency and honesty are more important than ever and all our members are known for their integrity. FCSI consultants do not affiliate with a political body and have no hidden agenda, we just get on with the job and do the right thing for each client.
What can the industry expect from the FCSI in 2022?
We’ll be offering more of the same with lots of inspiration for consultants, old and new, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to share ideas and network. We are looking forward to getting back out to more industry events and in particular the FCSI EAME conference in Chantilly in May. There will be a good balance of face to face and online opportunities so we are meeting the needs of all our members.
Our Allied members play a really important role in the FCSI as we can all learn from their expertise. The intelligence helps our members and their support allows many of our events to happen. Clients see FCSI consultants as leaders in the industry and the Allied members help us keep our knowledge up to date, especially on things like sustainability which is such a hot topic.
How will the FCSI be contributing to big industry topics?
FCSI has so much knowledge and expertise within our community that we are able to contribute to all big industry discussions. For example, mental health is something that’s really important to us and is high on our agenda on an ongoing basis. Sustainability is another big issue and we continue to lead on that including our recent work on The Environment Bill. However, sustainability is about so much more than the environment; we need to sustain employment levels and finances. People don’t always think about the money side but that’s what keeps the wheels turning.
Why should people join the FCSI UK&I this year in particular?
With all we have seen in the news recently, integrity is going to be so important in 2022. The code of conduct, which all FCSI UK&I members must agree to, gives clients confidence in our skills, knowledge and the ability to deliver with their best interests at heart. As a small body we don’t represent just one sector, we sit in the middle of all areas of hospitality with a pivotal role to play. Our consultants are never shy about putting their hands up and raising questions to challenge the status quo – we are constantly innovating and changing.
If you would like to be part of the FCSI UK&I or simply find out more about the work we do, please email Louise@fcsi.org.
