ASSIST FM Conference 2023 

The ASSIST FM 2023 conference was held on Thursday 18th-19th May at The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The two day event was extremely successful and well attended by 28 Local Authority council delegates, guests, speakers, suppliers and our loyal partners. The Conference theme was ‘What’s your reality?’ looking into the future of the facilities management […]

The ASSIST FM 2023 conference was held on Thursday 18th-19th May at The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The two day event was extremely successful and well attended by 28 Local Authority council delegates, guests, speakers, suppliers and our loyal partners. The Conference theme was ‘What’s your reality?’ looking into the future of the facilities management industry and really delving deep into the reality of what the future holds. 

Chris Ross, ASSIST FM Chair stated, ‘It was a wonderful two days to catch up with colleagues, suppliers and reflect upon the incredible achievements of Local Authority service providers in Scotland.  The conference was a real opportunity to hear from some inspirational speakers on a wide range of topics, operational matters to the wider national agenda. Our wide and varied range of suppliers this year added real innovation to the public sector, rounded off by a wonderful events reception to award those public sector heroes! 

The Conference had 55 exhibitors, 15 who are long time partners, 37 recurring suppliers and 3 brand new ones. The seminar sessions led by past Chair Keith Breasley and included talks from Brian Costello at Headstrong and Gordon McIntyre from Hospitality health talking about the importance of mental health in the workplace. We heard from Public Sector Alliance, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association and many more. Keynote speaker Cor Hutton wowed the room with her inspiring story and left everyone on a high! 

ASSIST FM held a competition this year which determined the menu at The Hilton Hotel conference gala dinner – Local Authority Cook of the year. The competition allowed 6 Local Authorities to compete at The Braehead Cook School in March, where Willie Pike and Bruce Sangstar judged the 6 applicants and whittled the number down to three – Best starter, main and dessert, who all competed in the final at The Hilton and the winner was announced at the evening gala dinner. The winner of the competition was Nicola Arnold from Edinburgh Council. 

The Gala Dinner included 10 National Awards. Hosted by ASSIST FM’s very own Keith Breasley: 

Outstanding Contribution to Cleaning
Sponsored by GT Cleaning
The winner was Stirling Council

Outstanding Contribution to Catering
Sponsored by CRB Cunningham
The winner was Shetland Council

Outstanding Contribution to FM Services
Sponsored by Alliance Catering Equipment & Disposables
The winner was Edinburgh City Council

Local Authority Innovation Award
Sponsored by James Scott & Sons
The winner was West Lothian

Climate Initiative Award
Sponsored by Muller Milk and Ingredients
The winner was West Lothian

Digital and Technology Award
Sponsored by Tropical Ice
The winner was West Lothian

Community Focus Award
Sponsored by McCain Foods
The winner was Argyll and Bute Council

Supplier of The Year
Sponsored by ASSIST FM
The winner was Nilfisk

Grab and Go Award
Sponsored by Brakes
The winner was East Renfrewshire Council

Local Authority Cook of the Year
Sponsored by Muller Milk and Ingredients
First Place – Nicola Arnold, Edinburgh Council
Second Place – Martyn Cuthbert, East Ayrshire Council
Third Place – Jamie Kimmett, Stirling Council

We then enjoyed a night full of fun – ABBA tribute band, Voyage followed by a DJ. Everyone danced the night away.

Here are some quotes from the attendees:
 “It was invaluable to participate in Assist FM’s conference in Glasgow last week. IFAN is very grateful indeed for all the support we received.”
Maria Marshall – Independent Food Aid Network – ASSIST FM 2023 Charity Partner

“We had such an incredible time at the ASSIST FM conference.  It was a key opportunity for us to promote our School Plates programme in Scotland and THE place to network and be informed on current issues facing local authorities in Scotland.”
ProVeg – First time supplier

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

sarah.duff@totalizemedia.co.uk.