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Rational UK has strengthened its support for public sector catering with the appointment of Darren Hemsley and David Gledhill as Area Sales Managers – Public Sector. Both Darren and David move into these specialist roles following their experience as Regional Sales Managers at Rational, where they have built long-standing relationships with dealers, consultants and end users across a wide range of professional kitchen environments. Their appointments reflect Rational’s continued investment in experienced people who understand the realities of commercial catering and can provide informed, practical support to the public sector. In their new positions, reporting into Colin Parry, National Sales Director, Rational UK, Darren and David will work closely with healthcare, education, local authority and care catering teams. Their focus will be on helping operators achieve consistency, efficiency and long-term reliability in demanding environments where compliance, continuity and value are critical. Rational cooking systems are already well established across public sector kitchens, valued for their robustness, ease of use and proven performance. Darren and David’s enhanced responsibilities ensure that customers, partners and stakeholders continue to benefit from specialist knowledge rooted in real operational experience. David Gledhill commented “Public sector kitchens continue to face pressure from tight budgets, staffing challenges and increasing demand. Our focus is on supporting customers with solutions that help them operate more efficiently while maintaining consistent food quality.” A key element of the role will be building and strengthening relationships across the sector. Darren and David will work alongside catering teams, procurement bodies, consultants and industry associations to ensure that Rational solutions remain closely aligned to operational needs and regulatory frameworks. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this specialisation allows for informed guidance shaped by sector-specific challenges. Training and end user support will continue to play an important role. Rational supports customers through a nationwide network of more than 60 demonstration and training sites, including customer kitchens, partner locations and dedicated Rational academies across the UK. This flexibility enables training to take place in real working environments or at specialist facilities, depending on what best suits the operator. The emphasis remains on practical, hands-on learning that reflects the day-to-day pressures of public sector catering and helps teams get more value from both their equipment and processes. Darren Hemsley added “Access to practical training and ongoing support is vital for public sector caterers, and this is an area where Rational continues to invest and add real value.” In addition to working directly with customers and partners, Darren and David will continue to support key industry associations and attend sector conferences, operating responsibly and in line with public sector marketing guidelines. Through engagement with organisations such as the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), they will help ensure that the voice and needs of end users remain well represented across the sector.

RATIONAL strengthens public sector support through specialist roles

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI22nd May 2026

Rational UK has strengthened its support for public sector catering with the appointment of Darren Hemsley and David Gledhill as Area Sales Managers – Public Sector. Both Darren and David…

KONJ Café supports authentic Persian cooking with RATIONAL cooking systems

KONJ Café supports authentic Persian cooking with RATIONAL cooking systems

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI19th May 2026

KONJ Café is a modern Persian restaurant in Edinburgh, created as a place where guests can come together to share food, culture and experience. Founded by owner and chef patron…

Wittenheim Opening Ribbon Cutting

A new home for the iVario: Rational expands site in Wittenheim

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI12th May 2026

On 5 May 2026, Rational officially opened the extension to its plant in Wittenheim, France. With its production area now doubled, the “RATIONAL iVario Business Centre” has increased its capacity…

Rational Announces Global Sponsorship of the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2026 in Wales

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI7th May 2026

Rational is delighted to announce its Global sponsorship of the Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2026, taking place during Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales,…

How RATIONAL Helps Milestone Deliver Destination Quality Food Every Day

How RATIONAL Helps Milestone Deliver Destination Quality Food Every Day

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI25th April 2026

Milestone Rathfriland has evolved far beyond its origins as a small supermarket. Today, with its award-winning Food Hall, Loft 56 bistro and Milestone Kitchen café in Newry, it has become…

RATIONAL Live Education Catering Demo with Holly Charnock

RATIONAL Live Education Catering Demo with Holly Charnock

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI25th April 2026

Practical solutions for today’s education kitchens Rational UK is inviting education catering professionals to a live cooking demonstration with Holly Charnock, Rational Ambassador and former School Chef of the Year,…

'Cook for change! Sustainable Chef Challenge': RATIONAL and Sodexo continue to promote sustainable cuisine

‘Cook for change! Sustainable Chef Challenge’: RATIONAL and Sodexo continue to promote sustainable cuisine

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI14th April 2026

Achieving sustainability in professional kitchens requires more than just good ideas; it requires continuous learning, international exchange and practical concepts. This is precisely where the ‘Cook for Change! Sustainable Chef…

The iHexagon Revolution at Loft 56

The iHexagon Revolution at Loft 56

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI9th April 2026

Loft 56, the vibrant bistro above Milestone Rathfriland’s award winning Food Hall, in Newry operates from nine in the morning until nine at night, seven days a week. With such…

RATIONAL Easter Giveaway, Win An Easter Service Survival Kit!

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI27th March 2026

Rational, the leader in professional cooking systems, is delighted to unveil its Easter Giveaway campaign, created to support chefs and foodservice teams after one of the industry’s busiest periods. This…

A double anniversary for the world market leader: 50 years of RATIONAL combi ovens, with 1.5 million units built

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI16th March 2026

In 2026, RATIONAL will celebrate two milestones: 50 years ago, the global market and technology leader in thermal food preparation launched its first combi oven. Combining heat and steam in…

Guiding Today. Defining Tomorrow. Meet RATIONAL at HRC 2026

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI4th March 2026

Rational, the global leader in hot food preparation technology, will showcase its latest innovations at Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering Show, taking place 30 March – 1st April 2026 at ExCeL…

Rational Unveils Two New Culinary Films with Michelin‑Starred Chef Tom Barnes

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI18th February 2026

Rational, the market leader in hot food preparation equipment, has released two new culinary films featuring Michelin‑starred chef Tom Barnes, offering an inside look at how the iCombi Pro and…

IFEX Rational Feb2026

RATIONAL at EuroShop 2026: Practical solutions for food concepts in retail

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI10th February 2026

Rational, the global leader in hot food preparation technology, will showcase its latest innovations at IFEX 2026, taking place 24–26 February 2026 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, Belfast. Visitors…

RATIONAL at EuroShop 2026 Practical solutions for food concepts in retail

RATIONAL at EuroShop 2026: Practical solutions for food concepts in retail

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI3rd February 2026

Rational will be exhibiting at the EuroShop trade show in Düsseldorf from 22 to 26 February. At its stand spanning over 100 square metres and at regular live cooking shows,…

Ramadan and Iftar: a stress-free fasting month with intelligent equipment

Ramadan and Iftar: a stress-free fasting month with intelligent equipment

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI27th January 2026

In mid-February, millions of Muslims around the world will begin the month of Ramadan. This includes iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast. For many restaurateurs, this is…

RATIONAL Festive Giveaway, Win a Luxury Festive Hamper!

RATIONAL Festive Giveaway, Win a Luxury Festive Hamper!

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI2nd December 2025

Rational, the leading manufacturer of thermal cooking systems, is excited to announce its 2025 Festive Giveaway campaign. Launching this December, chefs and operators have the chance to win a luxurious…

Who will create the most creative sustainable dish? Nine talented chefs have advanced to the final round of the Sustainable Chef Challenge

Who will create the most creative sustainable dish? Nine talented chefs have advanced to the final round of the Sustainable Chef Challenge

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI24th November 2025

In the semi-final rounds held in Shanghai, Chicago and Wittenheim (France) at the end of November, Sodexo chefs presented their ideas for sustainable cuisine. Organised by Sodexo and RATIONAL, this…

Influencer event at RATIONAL: World market leader brings together culinary creativity from around the world

Influencer event at RATIONAL: World market leader brings together culinary creativity from around the world

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI11th November 2025

In early November, international content creators gathered at Rational, the global market and technology leader in thermal food preparation, for Ambassador Day for the second time, where they engaged in…

RATIONAL makes climate impact measurable: the product carbon footprint is now available for all cooking systems

RATIONAL makes climate impact measurable: the product carbon footprint is now available for all cooking systems

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI24th September 2025

The global market leader in thermal food preparation has determined the PCF for its iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon cooking systems. RATIONAL is the first manufacturer in…

How One Isle of Skye Kitchen Elevated Fine Dining with the RATIONAL iCombi Pro

How One Isle of Skye Kitchen Elevated Fine Dining with the RATIONAL iCombi Pro

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI9th September 2025

Edinbane Lodge: Island-Inspired Cuisine with Precision and Passion Nestled in a small village on the breathtaking Isle of Skye, Edinbane Lodge is a 16th-century hunting lodge that has been reimagined as a…

Discover the Future of Asian Event Catering with Live Chef Demonstrations

Discover the Future of Asian Event Catering with Live Chef Demonstrations

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI18th August 2025

Rational is excited to invite catering professionals to an exclusive culinary showcase taking place at their head office in Luton, featuring Chef Rehan Uddin – renowned restaurateur and founder of…

How One Lancashire Kitchen Transformed Production with the RATIONAL iVario Pro

How One Lancashire Kitchen Transformed Production with the RATIONAL iVario Pro

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI12th August 2025

Breda Murphy Food Services: Restaurant-Quality Meals Made To Enjoy At Home Based in Mitton near Whalley, Lancashire, Breda Murphy Food Services delivers award-winning, handcrafted British and Irish meals that are…

Improved cyber security Rational cooking systems are RED 3.3 Compliant

Improved cyber security: Rational cooking systems are RED 3.3 Compliant

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI4th August 2025

The new software version strengthens the cyber security of the Rational iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon cooking systems. This makes the global market leader in thermal food…

A new practical study has proven that modern kitchen technology saves resources and improves food quality and working conditions.

A new practical study has proven that modern kitchen technology saves resources and improves food quality and working conditions

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI28th July 2025

A practical study conducted by the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Rational, the world market leader in hot food preparation, shows that catering businesses can save significant…

iHexagon Delivers at Spurs

iHexagon Delivers at Spurs

Press Release, RationalBy FCSI15th July 2025

Rational’s latest innovation transforms stadium catering with speed, consistency, and sustainability. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, opened in April 2019, is the largest club stadium in London. With over 60 food and…

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