Board of Directors

With over 20 years of dedicated service, Judith is the education catering business manager at Cardiff Council overseeing the education catering service, which provides over 28,000 meals to 116 schools. She trained as a home economist at the University of North London and has held significant roles at Marks and Spencer, Cardiff University, and the University of South Wales.

In 2005, she helped develop and then piloted the Welsh Government’s Free Breakfast Initiative, and in 2015, she helped pioneered and develop the award-winning ‘food and fun’ holiday pilot programme, adopted by the Welsh Government and is now implemented across all 22 Welsh local authorities. During the pandemic, Judith innovated a direct payment system for free school meal pupils across Cardiff. She represented education catering providers supporting the Welsh Government in the rollout of Universal Free School Meals for primary pupils in Wales.

Judith has served as treasurer and six years as regional chair for LACA Wales and is now the LACA national chair. Recognised as one of the UK Public Sector Catering’s Most Influential People in 2017, 2018, and 2025, Judith exemplifies leadership and commitment in the education catering industry.

Michael began his illustrious career in education catering in 1989 in Tower Hamlets, eventually becoming Head of Contract Services. In 2016, he founded the Juniper Group in Newham, which employs 750 staff and provides catering, cleaning, and health and safety services to schools and businesses across East London, providing social value. Juniper has received national recognition for management achievements and innovation.  Michael has earned accolades including a Catey award and Freeman of The City of London.  

A LACA supporter for over 30 years, Michael served as National Chair in 2018-19, lobbying MPs on junk food advertising near schools and UIFSM funding. He will become national chair again in September 2025 and champions the public sector on the Southeast regional committee for the Institute of Hospitality. 

A great advocate for universal free school meals for all pupils of all ages, he is determined to continue to do all he can to see this achieved before retirement beckons with a large gin and tonic with his wife on the beach in Spain. 

Brad is the managing director of CATERed, a cooperative school meals provider in Plymouth, owned by over 60 schools and Plymouth council. Brad's career in local government began age 16 with Devon's trading standards team. He later took on client roles for Devon County Council during compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) in cleaning and school catering during the late 1980s. 

 A native of Plymouth, Brad joined Plymouth City Council after local government re-organisation in 1998, where he managed sales and marketing of services directly to schools. In 2007, he was appointed education catering manager, overseeing the school meals service during a transformative period and which led to significant government funding, the building of over 20 new kitchens, ending all transported school meals across the city and major refurbishment of the school kitchen estate. 

 Brad played a crucial role in the national School Food Plan, leading the small schools project across rural Devon and Cornwall. In April 2015, he launched CATERed, the UK's first cooperative school meals provider, ensuring all children have access to freshly prepared, locally sourced hot school food with a strong focus on building and maintaining regional food production and sourcing whether that be with dedicated local farms growing potatoes to locally caught and landed haddock.  CATERed now provide services in Plymouth, West Devon and South East Cornwall.  

Brad has been an active member of LACA since the early 1990s. He has served as regional chair for the South West Region, became a Board Member in 2018, was national Chair in 2022/23 and is currently the Vice Chair Elect.

After completing a degree in Catering Management at the University of Surrey, Beverley joined Surrey County Council, rising to Head of Commercial Services, a post she held through periods of great change. She led a team providing 55,000 meals daily across 400 schools and additionally managed building, cleaning and school maintenance. She also served as Acting Assistant Chief Executive.

Beverley represented the school food industry working with Government on the development of the first nutrient-based standards for school food and was a Board Member of the Children’s Food Trust and the Institute of Hospitality. She is a recipient of a Public Sector Catey and a Public Sector Lifetime Achievement Award.

A LACA member since its inception in 1990, Beverley has served twice as National Chair contributing to the development and growth of the Association and is currently chair of member services, developing industry-specific products and services to support excellence in school food.

Neil has dedicated over 40 years to the education catering sector, beginning his career as a kitchen manager in a primary school in 1981. He advanced to the role of contract manager for Avon County, overseeing catering services for 475 schools. Following the local government reorganisation in 1995, Neil moved to Bristol City Council, where he became the head of service for catering and facilities. 

In 2005, Neil joined BAM Facilities Management (formerly HBG) to lead the mobilisation of a new build project comprising four secondary schools and a leisure centre. He eventually rose to the position of Director for the South of England, a role he has held for eight years. 

Neil's passion for school meals has been unwavering. He has been an active member of LACA since the mid-1990s and currently serves as the business director and chair of the events group. Additionally, Neil is the regional chair for the Institute of Hospitality (IOH) South West branch, where he strives to elevate the profile of public sector catering

Following time spent in industrial catering, Hilary's career spanned 38 years in school catering. Firstly, in Essex rising to Deputy County Catering Manager (760 schools),  followed by Head of Services for Cambridgeshire County Council (350 schools). She successfully completed two rounds of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) followed by best value legislation and established one of the first central cook-freeze factory units, ensuring quality meals for small rural schools. Her responsibilities also covered contracts for police, civic, and cleaning services for Cambridgeshire.  

Hilary founded LACA In 1988-89 and served as its first Chair. Stepping down from that she has continued as Honorary Treasurer, Finance Director and Chair of Finance & Administration.  

Hilary was awarded the first Blue Ribband for Cost Sector Catering in 1995 and the Public Sector Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Both awarded in recognition of her years of service to school catering, establishing LACA and contributing to its continued development. 

Hilary has brought her experience to the Board of Directors since inception. 

Bryan joined LACA because he recognises the association's voice in advocating nutritious food for all students. As the sector has faced increasing challenges over the years, Bryan has volunteered more time to supporting LACA, culminating in his recent appointment to the board as a director. 

With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant and retail sectors, Bryan transitioned to education catering over 12 years ago and currently oversees an education catering business that serves over 600 schools across England. Having personally experienced life as a free school meal student, Bryan is passionate about ensuring that future generations have daily access to safe, nutritious food made from high-quality ingredients and delivered with exceptional customer service. This extends to contributing to parents and children’s learning and understanding of nutritious food. 

Bryan's commitment extends beyond food and service in his own business; he is also driven by LACA’s role in advocating the importance of nutritious food. He firmly believes that when children start their lives with a strong foundation in healthy eating and learning about nutrition, they are more likely to learn well, achieve more, and lead healthier lives. 

Andrew Cowan is the senior operations manager for Bury Council’s school catering service and has been the LACA North West board representative since April 2025. With over 20 years of experience in the private catering sector, Andrew has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, nutritious meals while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations. 

He fosters a positive and collaborative work environment and is dedicated to professional development, regularly attending industry conferences and training sessions. Andrew is committed to sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce food waste and source local ingredients, thereby supporting the local community and environment. 

Stephen has dedicated 34 years to the school catering industry, beginning his career with Durham County Council. In 1994, he transitioned to Chartwells, where he held various roles before opting for a part-time position managing key accounts.

A long-standing and active member of LACA since 1993 participating in many local and regional events he joined the LACA Board as regional representative for the North East and Scotland in April 2014. He served as National Chair for 2 years from 2019-21 where he counts the LACA Allergens Risk Assessment Process as a highlight of his tenure as chair. Currently, he holds the positions of board director and regional chair for the North East and Scotland, where he supports member services, finance and admin working groups within the LACA Board.

Stephen resides in County Durham and is the chair of the governing board for his local primary federation, he has a unique overview into the impact food can have on schools and local communities and is fully aware of real challenges facing schools at this time.

Philippa has worked in education catering for nearly 20 years, starting in Tower Hamlets and later supporting Newham Catering and Cleaning Services' transition into Juniper Ventures. As Chief Operating Officer, she is passionate about her work, knowing the difference it makes to children having a hot, healthy and nutritious meal every day at school, especially in Newham where child poverty is well above the London average.  

She is committed to ensuring that as many children as possible benefit from free school meals. Philippa supports LACA in lobbying the government to protect and increase the UIFSM funding.    

Brad is the managing director of CATERed, a cooperative school meals provider in Plymouth, owned by over 60 schools and Plymouth council. Brad's career in local government began age 16 with Devon's trading standards team. He later took on client roles for Devon County Council during compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) in cleaning and school catering during the late 1980s. 

 A native of Plymouth, Brad joined Plymouth City Council after local government re-organisation in 1998, where he managed sales and marketing of services directly to schools. In 2007, he was appointed education catering manager, overseeing the school meals service during a transformative period and which led to significant government funding, the building of over 20 new kitchens, ending all transported school meals across the city and major refurbishment of the school kitchen estate. 

 Brad played a crucial role in the national School Food Plan, leading the small schools project across rural Devon and Cornwall. In April 2015, he launched CATERed, the UK's first cooperative school meals provider, ensuring all children have access to freshly prepared, locally sourced hot school food with a strong focus on building and maintaining regional food production and sourcing whether that be with dedicated local farms growing potatoes to locally caught and landed haddock.  CATERed now provide services in Plymouth, West Devon and South East Cornwall.  

Brad has been an active member of LACA since the early 1990s. He has served as regional chair for the South West Region, became a Board Member in 2018, was national Chair in 2022/23 and is currently the Vice Chair Elect.

With over 45 years of experience in the catering and hospitality sector, Louise began her career as a cook in three NHS hospitals in Bridgend after obtaining her City and Guilds in Catering. In 1999, she joined Bridgend County Borough Council as a school meal cook and quickly advanced to Area Catering Manager while pursuing leadership and management qualifications. 

In 2003, Louise was appointed Catering Business Unit Manager for the primary school meal sector and was promoted to head the catering service as Overall Team Manager in 2009, a position she has held for 15 years. She holds a Royal Institute of Public Health honours diploma in Nutrition and Health (Health in the Community). 

Louise's passion for nutrition and local produce drives her to create healthier, sustainable food options for pupils. She is dedicated to increasing Welsh produce in school meals and actively participates in initiatives including the Welsh Vegetables in Schools pilot project. Louise serves as vice chair of LACA Wales and represents the region as a board member. 

Lorna has a wealth of experience in the school meals sector for 30 years, progressing from head of an export unit to leading the catering, and caretaking services for the local council. She is a qualified trainer and internal verifier supporting employee training and service delivery.   

As chair of the West Midlands Committee, Lorna’s role is to liaise with suppliers and caterers, discuss current issues, and communicate with board members. As board director she represents West Midlands' views and supports training opportunities.  A long-time LACA member, Lorna believes they are the voice of the school catering industry. 

As a qualified chef, with City & Guilds 706/1/2/3, Kath began her career in the private sector before moving to the public sector in 2009, progressing from frontline roles to her current position as development chef leading initiatives in menu development, allergen management, food cost control, compliance with School Food Standards, special diets, and recipe development. Collaborating closely with suppliers she looks for emerging food trends and is dedicated to enhancing the food culture for pupils and works with various stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Kath joined the board in September 2024, representing the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Her involvement with LACA began in 2017 as an active member of the regional committee, and she has served as the regional treasurer since 2021.

Kath's LACA journey started in 2010 when she first entered the School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition, where her dedication and innovation won her the national title in 2016. Kath’s exceptional contributions to education catering have been recognised with prestigious awards, including Educatering Excellence Primary School Caterer of the Year 2016. Her accolades include Y&H LACA Outstanding Contribution to Education Catering 2023, APPG Excellence in School Food – Best Individual 2024, Public Sector Catering – Chef of the Year 2024, and Craft Guild of Chefs – Public Sector Chef 2024.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kath is actively engaged in promoting the sector through social media, participating in food festivals and organising regional events.

Amanda joined the board in November 2024, bringing her extensive marketing expertise in commercial marketing, branding and business development in both the private and public sectors. 

As a chartered marketer, she offers strategic marketing knowledge combined with eight years of experience in local authority commercial and education catering where she built the Hampshire education catering brand ‘Food To Flourish’. Winner of numerous awards including Peas Please individual champion 2021, two LACA marketing excellence awards and two Cateys in one night, Amanda was also a Soil Association school food champion finalist in 2019. 

Motivated by real social purpose, Amanda is passionate about promoting lifelong positive food habits and believes that access to nutritious meals provides children with the most impactful way to support their health and academic success.  

Her desire to join the LACA board stems from the organisation’s aim to address funding inequalities that leads to hunger and poverty amongst children and young people and her desire for all children and young people to have access to nutritious food at school.  

Amanda has a keen interest in sustainability, and a lifelong passion for literature and historic homes. 

Gavin has been involved with LACA for nearly 15 years and joined the board in 2018 representing LACA Partner and Suppliers. He represents Bidfood as a member of the APPG for School Food and actively participates in the Public Sector Catering Most Influential Roundtable meetings at the House of Commons. 

Gavin has lobbied the Government for the expansion of Infant and Junior Free School Meals to become Universal Free School Meals across all primary school years. He has advocated for increased funding to £3.30 per meal for England, and for it to be ringfenced. He also hosted The Big School Food Debate for contract caterers to discuss the significant issues surrounding school catering. 

Outside of his professional commitments, Gavin and his team have collectively raised over £90,000 for various industry charities including: Prostate Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Stroke Association, Children with Cancer, Make a Wish Childrens Foundations and, most recently, KIDS Disabled Childrens Charity raising money by completing the 2025 London Marathon with his daughter.