peterrconsulting

[peterrconsulting]

"Furious Lib-Dems say Michael Gove is lying" (over funds for Free school meals)

Daily Mail Thursday 5th December - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2518165/Lib-Dems-accuse-Michael-Gove-lying-free-school-meals-row.html

For anyone who has had any experience or understanding of providing great food for children the public bickering by senior politicians reported in todays media must seem totally crass. Their public argument must seem more about egos rather than enabling the excellent initiative to provide good, tasty and nutritious meals to young children at school free of charge.

Those connected in anyway with meal provision at school know through experience that good tasty food provided as part of a whole school approach engages children and teaches them what good food is about as well as helping them to understand and enjoy it.

The benefits don't stop there.

Excellent School Meals served to all pupils in a pleasant, well organised environment with pupils and teachers eating together can teach social skills, and according to some head teachers dramatically improves attention span and pupil behaviour in the afternoons creating a more harmonious climate for learning.

 The disingenuous souls who would harp on about giving free meals for children of 'the wealthy' miss the point of the universality of benefits for the school and society and should be working to bring everyone together rather than creating imaginary divisions. Our country is criticised for having below par standards of education but free school meals as part of a whole school approach would be an easy win in facilitation better education and promoting working together.

This experience makes me wonder why there are any petty arguments on the subject. Indeed as the benefits are so obvious why free school meals of a high standard served in the right environment aren't on the agenda for all pupils.

[peterrconsulting]

Research predicts significant Food Service growth in 2014

from CESA Forum and Conference' Canadean Research

Key findings from Research commissioned by @CESAUK into future trends for Catering Equipment Purchase at the #CESA2013 national forum and conference recently to members and distinguished @fcsiuk professional and Allied Members also shows optimism about growth prospects for UK Hospitality in 2014.

Key findings included:

1. Biggest Growth expectations are in Coffee & Sandwich Shops, Workplace and Retail sectors

2. Workplace catering was expected to grow turnover for those involved by around 5% by 67% respondents

3. When choosing new energy and water efficient catering equipment the Over 63% Public Sector buyers say they need help in making selections

4. High Street and Coffee shops will represent the most dynamic market for energy and labour efficient equipment including prime cooking and refrigeration equipment

5. Contract Caterers are thought by 85% to be the most interested in energy efficient catering equipment and all sectors recognise cost saving benefits to be gained from efficient maintenance regimes

It is really interesting to see how caterers need help when considering future heavy equipment purchasing driven by a desire to get better Lifecycle costs and efficiency whilst at the same time wanting lowest possible costs.

Growth in Cafes and Coffee shops borne out by @HandCNews

http://ow.ly/rtPqn

[peterrconsulting]

Fascinating insight into chef's use of social, full of surprises. Had an interesting chat with @DigitalBlonde about what these statistics mean for the industry. You can request a copy of the report by emailing her Karen@DigitalBlondeMarketing.com

[peterrconsulting]

Four million people in the UK are malnourished. 37% of over 65s entering care homes are at risk.

Caroline Lecko, NHS England, @celecko