Golspie man sets up virtual discussions throughout Highlands with food and drink sector leaders
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Virtual panel discussions with industry leaders have been set up by Golspie entrepreneur John Murray of the Highland Food and Drink Club.
The first of many virtual discussions took place last week with a focus on the recovery process from a food service perspective.
The panel session was virtually attended by more than 20 business people throughout the Highlands. The session discussed many issues the food service industry is currently facing which included the need for clearer direction from government on operating their businesses with social distancing in place and in turn looking at the financial impact it will have on a business’s determining if this will be a viable option for them.
The panel of industry leaders were Andy Waugh of Mac and Wild Falls of Shin and London; Norman Macdonald MBE of Café 1 Inverness and Kenneth Loads of Cru Holdings (Bar One-Prime-Scotch and Rye and more recently CRU Kitchen).
It was clear from the session that although the industry is facing a very uncertain time with too many challenges to mention, businesses have to remain positive and be ready to adapt to ensure business survival. Andy Waugh said that he was blown away with the speed of innovation and the level of collaboration taking place within the industry. He said we have to embrace change and look for new opportunities within it.
John Murray said: “It’s in times like these that we have to show courage and confidence that we will get through – we have to lead the way and come together to remain positive. Recently I have seen many leaders pivoting and showcasing true Highland spirit and completely changing their service offering to not only survive but to support the local consumer”.
“Our session panellists showcase how agile you can be if you are open to change - they have been very innovative throughout lockdown with their individual businesses providing home delivered meals, cocktail delivery and preparing meals from recipe boxes which all in turn keep their own spirits high as they feel like they are making a difference."
The next (virtual) panel session will take place on Thursday at 2pm and is for the producers. Under discussion will be new markets, shopping trends and recovery planning and John is inviting all Highland producers to attend.
Panel speakers for the producer event will include:
Antony Begley, editor of the Scottish Local Retailer Magazine.
Tom Fender of The Wholesale Company. He has a vast amount and varied experience in the sector and is currently a development director with the company.
Jamie Buchanan of the Scottish Grocers Federation. He is currently membership consultant with the Scottish Grocers Federation and previously was the retail director at CJ Lang, the Spar wholesaler for Scotland, running more than 100 convenience stores.
To join the online panel discussion go to the Highland Food and Drink Club website and click the Online Events page and you can register. You will need Zoom to be able to connect to the discussion.
