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The meeting also endorsed his proposal that Emma Brookes, managing director of Quintex UK, be elected vice chair of the FEA. Emma is the first woman in FEA’s history to hold the vice chair position and will become chair herself after Paul’s two year tenure.

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.

Taking over from outgoing chair Stephen Hobbs, director of Grande Cuisine, Paul outlined his aims for the next two years.

With the hospitality industry dealing with ongoing staffing issues and rising costs he stressed the importance of FEA’s work and the support it provides its members and to foodservice operators. A particular focus of this will be aimed at widening training opportunities for younger staff entering the industry.

With energy costs increasing and the importance of swift action to reduce carbon footprints, the ability of the FEA and its member’s companies to help the industry make cost savings and improve its environmental impact through the use of better equipment will remain a vital part of its work.

Paul said: “Emma matches my wish to help all in implementing the needs of the circular economy and meeting the carbon reduction targets across the value chain, and she is undoubtedly the best person for the job. It is imperative that all of us at FEA continue to raise awareness of the support that the FEA offers. We can help the industry with enhanced energy saving measures and advanced technology to reduce carbon emissions.”