In this episode, host Patrick McDermott interviews Jon Davies, Managing Director of Levy UK & Ireland, part of Compass Group. Levy specialises in providing bespoke food service on a large scale, including for popular sports venues, arenas, events and conferences. 

Patrick finds out more about Jon’s passion for the environment and the measures he’s taking to improve overall operational sustainability at Levy. They also discuss Jon’s thoughts on the responsibility of the food service sector to source food more responsibly, reduce its environmental impact and encourage ethical menu options. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode two of the Food Service Matters season two podcast, host Patrick McDermott interviews Chris Sheppardson, founder and managing director of EP Business in Hospitality, a leading communicator in the industry aiming to build trusted business partnerships, encourage entrepreneurships and share knowledge. 

Patrick talks to Chris about the huge effect brought about by COVID-19, particularly on industry collaboration and office culture, and finds out how advances in technology have empowered businesses to improve customer service. They also discuss changes in leadership roles and the importance of nurturing new talent in the food service industry. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

Kicking off season two of Food Service Matters, host Patrick McDermott interviews Ali Honour, a climate conscious chef, activist and adviser with a focus on food waste and sustainable food systems. Ali has 30 years’ experience in the food service industry and is driving positive change with her passion for sustainability and efficiency.

Patrick interviews Ali on her journey in the food service business and finds out about her ideas on educating customers and staff about sustainability, industry collaboration and affordable nutrition amidst rising costs. 

They also discuss what Ali describes as her ‘closed loop’ approach to minimising food waste, as well as how she has helped various food service businesses transform their operations by reducing waste and increasing profit margins. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In this end-of-year episode of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott and his guests talk about what 2023 has meant for their companies and for the Food Services sector – and they’ll each share what they foresee for the industry in 2024.

Welcoming back three guests who have joined him on the podcast earlier in the year , Patrick will also have a preview from the first guest scheduled for the new year.

Patrick is joined by Kevin Watson, Managing Director of Amadeus Foods – an award-winning corporate, private and wedding event catering company, which counts NEC Birmingham among its major clients; Zoe Watts, Managing Director of Bennett Hay – an independent provider of food, event and reception services within office spaces; Vojtech Végh – a plant-based chef and a zero-waste guru who helps restaurants around the world reduce their food waste and Executive Chef & Food Consultant, Ali Honour, who we will hear more from in January.

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number seven of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Ben McEwen, Sales Director of Lexington, an innovative company that has been providing catering and reception services for businesses for over 20 years and, more recently, to independent schools.

Patrick interviews Ben on the most pressing industry challenges, including staffing and sustainability, and the company’s efforts to tackle these. They also discuss innovation and change at Lexington with the use of technology and customer feedback, as well as Ben’s views on inspirational figures in the food service industry. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number six of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Bob Cotton, former head of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), now known as UKHospitality, the leading trade body representing all businesses within the UK hospitality sector. 

Patrick interviews Bob on the key insights gained from his experience in the industry, including his views on cost control and investing in people. They discuss what businesses should be prioritising in order to address the current staffing crisis and rising costs, as well as the importance of working with the government to find solutions to the food service sector’s main concerns.

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number five of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Kevin Watson, Managing Director of Amadeus Foods, an award-winning corporate, private, and wedding event catering company based in the West Midlands.

Patrick interviews Kevin about a range of topics, including the issue of staff hiring and retention in the food service industry, handling cost pressures in today’s climate, and how technology can be leveraged to come to data-driven conclusions. They also discuss the company’s efforts to give back to the local community and reduce food waste, as well as the importance of listening to customer feedback and preferences to drive business decisions. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number four of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Zoe Watts, Managing Director of the reputable London-based food and reception service provider Bennett Hay.

Patrick interviews Zoe about various topics, including the changing face of the food service business, current key industry trends, and the implementation of technology into the company’s operations. They also discuss Bennett Hay’s commitment to sustainability and food waste reduction, as well as their corporate social responsibility initiatives and the importance of staff recognition. 

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode three of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Vojtech Végh, plant-based chef and author of Surplus: The food waste guide for chefs.

Patrick interviews Vojtech about a range of topics, from his vegan restaurant in Cambodia to the journey that led him to discovering zero-waste cooking. Vojtech discusses the financial incentives of reducing waste – and the importance of things like communication, passion, and involving the supply chain to cut the amount that we throw away.

They also talk about how you can use some common kitchen scraps to create tasty food to serve your customers.

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.

In episode number two of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott welcomes Frank Bothwell, the Founder & CEO of ethical, bespoke caterers Thomas Franks.

Patrick interviews Frank about a range of topics, from the innovative culture in his organisation, to the good work they do, including having used food surpluses to provide over a million meals to those in need. They also discuss how Thomas Franks sources their ingredients locally, amongst other steps towards a greener footprint.

Food Service Matters is a podcast that explores the challenges and opportunities facing the food service industry today. Subscribe to join us on our journey – and watch out for the next episode coming soon.