ASSIST FM Conference 2022 

It has been three years since the last face to face ASSIST FM Conference. So when the 2022 Conference, themed 'The Road To Recovery' took place on the 17th and 18th May at the Glasgow Hilton, it was a huge success with the biggest delegate turnout ever.

It has been three years since the last face to face ASSIST FM Conference. So when the 2022 Conference, themed ‘The Road To Recovery’ took place on the 17th and 18th May at the Glasgow Hilton, it was a huge success with the biggest delegate turnout ever.

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Jayne Jones, National Chair of ASSIST FM stated, ‘It has been a hugely challenging time for everyone, not least our staff and suppliers. It was just fantastic to see how many people came to the conference and were able to network. After such a long period of time when we were using online meetings, everyone enjoyed the chance to catch up face to face’

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The Conference had 60 exhibitors. The seminar sessions led by past Chair Keith Breasley included talks from Paul O’Brien, CEO APSE, Professor Mary Brennan of Edinburgh University, Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, Paul Rankin, Michelin Starred Chef, Professor John McKendrick of Caledonian University, Professor Don Bundy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Sarah Watters, COSLA’s Director of Membership and Resource, Cameron Smith from SCLD, Jennifer Scott, and Linda Nelson of Dumfries &Galloway Council, and Ian Midwinter CEO of Scran Academy.

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Talks ranged from the Scottish Government relaunch of A Good Food Nation, as well as thoughts on the Hospitality Industry, employment opportunities for people with Learning Disabilities, school health and nutrition and programmes on cleaning and catering that have really been positive forces during the pandemic.

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Derek Wright, Blackpool Catering Services, David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland, and Rose King, Regional Manager, Career Ready also held a session on their own thoughts about the future of hospitality.

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ASSIST FM also published a new cookery book that can be used by all Scottish Local Authorities, and is fully nutritionally analysed as per the Government guidelines.

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The Gala Dinner included 8 National Awards. Hosted by Deacon Blue drummer and TV presenter, Dougie Vipond, the winners were announced in the various categories, as follows:

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Outstanding Contribution to Cleaning 

Dumfries & Galloway Council

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Outstanding Contribution to Catering

Sponsored by Muller Milk & Ingredients

Robert Steven, South Lanarkshire Council

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Outstanding Contribution to FM Services

Renfrewshire Council

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Outstanding Collaboration and Local Authority Innovation Award

Sponsored by Parent Pay

Shetland Council

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Suppliers of The Year 

Quorn Foods and Harfield

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ASSIST FM Committee Special Award

Rachel Cunningham

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ASSIST Special Recognition Award

Nicky Joiner, East Renfrewshire Council

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Here are some quotes from the attendees:

‘It was a terrific two days and as a first post pandemic conference for me it was a most interesting and thoroughly enjoyable event. Good speakers on broad range of topics , fab exhibition , brilliant recipe book and the usual warm friendly atmosphere that the ASSIST ethos permeates at its events. Plus a new logo!

The event showed the resilience and good spirit of ‘can do’ for the sector in Scotland despite some really difficult times. I found that most heartening indeed.’

Lindsay Graham, Poverty & Inequality Commissioner

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‘We got to meet new people, like Levi Roots and had the opportunity to showcase some of our latest software. Customers were highly impressed with our meal analysis solution. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello! It was great to see you all in person again.’

CRB Cunninghams

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‘Thank you ASSIST FM for having Tugo at your event. It was great to catch up with so many people, and have positive feedback, on our range of products.’ 

Steve Guttteridge Tugo

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For further information please contact alan@totalizemedia.co.uk or

sarah.duff@totalizemedia.co.uk.

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