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Brad Pearce, managing director of CATERed Limited, has taken up the position as national vice chair and will be working closely with Michael over the next 12 months. Byran Lygate, chief operating officer at Impact Food Group, has been named as the vice chair elect.

This will be Michael’s second time as chair of LACA, the school food people, after serving his first term between 2018-19. He is the fourth person to be chair of LACA twice, the others were Beverley A Baker, Sandra Russell and Neil Porter.

During his previous term as LACA chair he passionately campaigned on key issues such as junk food advertising near schools and increased funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM). Michael is a keen advocate for universal free school meals for all pupils, regardless of age and remains steadfast in his mission to see this vision become a reality.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I’m honoured to be back as the LACA national chair. It's a privilege to continue the excellent work of my predecessor, to represent our sector to Government ensuring the continuation of a hot healthy and nutritious meal to young people each day across the UK and just as importantly to make sure every member feels valued and supported in the vital job that they do each and every day.

“I feel it is so vital to keep new faces coming in, as I believe this excellent organisation should be run by those in the sector and people such as yourselves and the other recent members are our succession planning for the future. I am looking forward to representing our sector over the next 12 months and hopefully with everyone's support we will bring positive change to the sector along with added support and value to all members.”