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Neil Porter, LACA chair of events and business director, will open the National Spring Seminar by welcoming attendees, providing a LACA update and setting the aims of the day. Chair of LACA Anita Brown will update LACA members on the organisation’s strategy and focus for the year.

Anita will then be joined by LACA spokesperson Mark Sargeant to tell members more about LACA’s ‘Levelling Up School Food’ campaign. It is the theme for the LACA Main Event, which is taking place on 3-4th July 2024 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Providing nutritious meals to children has become increasingly challenging due to significant cost increases, staff shortages and funding shortfalls. LACA has launched a campaign urging all political parties to commit to a minimum funding level of £3 per meal (index linked) in their general election manifestoes. 

The LACA Main Event will also feature the School Food Show, the School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition, Grab ‘N’ Go Challenge, LACA Awards for Excellence Awards, Finishing Touches, LACA Live and workshops.

Stuart Barnett, group sales director at Dewberry Redpoint, will be attending the LACA Spring Seminar to give members an update on the LACA Main Event.

Nigel Argyle from Elygra will provide an review the House of Commons Lunch event, which is taking place on Thursday 18th April. It aims to highlight the importance of providing children with a hot, healthy and nutritious school meal. He will also provide an update on LACA’s D-Day 80th Anniversary plans.

Gail Walker, from Open Door PR, will give an update on the impact of the House of Commons event on social media interactions. Lee Petar from Menara Advisors will give a political update to the attendees. The LACA National Spring Seminar will feature case studies, including:

• Case Study 1 – HC3S, Amanda Whatley
• Case Study 2 – Tower Hamlets, Jenny Pittam – Launching UFSM in secondary schools
• Case Study 3- To be confirmed

To conclude the National Spring Seminar, Craig Wright will deliver a Rational Food demonstration. Please confirm attendance to this additional part of the seminar.

Accommodation and a place at dinner hosted by LACA NSG can be booked at the Village Hotel, Walsall on Thursday 25th April.  The hotel address is Tempus Drive, Walsall WS2 8TJ, an approximate 20 minute drive from the Parts Town office.

BOOK PLACES.