Business Leaders’ Forum

Geoff Eaton to chair Business Leaders’ Forum

By Rod Addy

- Last updated on GMT

Geoff Eaton is to chair next year’s Business Leaders’ Forum
Geoff Eaton is to chair next year’s Business Leaders’ Forum
Geoff Eaton, New England Seafood International chairman and chairman of the judges for the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards, is to chair Food Manufacture’s Business Leaders’ Forum on 21 January next year.

Food Manufacture’s next Business Leaders’ Forum will be the most historic yet, as the food supply chain grapples with Brexit’s impact, and senior industry representatives are urged to keep the date free. 

Now in its 13th year, the event is supported by law firm Walker Morris as host and headline sponsor. It always takes place in January and attracts key individuals from the UK’s leading food and drink businesses. It is designed to focus minds on the sector’s priorities in the year to come.

Attendance is open only to senior managers and board directors within food and drink manufacturing businesses, by exclusive invitation from Food Manufacture​’s editor Rod Addy. Previous attendees have included bosses from top manufacturers such as Nestlé UK, 2 Sisters Food Group and Coca-Cola European Partners.

The Forum provides an ideal environment to debate key issues affecting the sector under Chatham House rules, to hear from industry leaders and to network with these important influencers.

Videos airing the views of attendees and other online and print articles consisting of select comments agreed with participants are published directly following the event itself.

‘Unparalleled networking potential’

“Our Business Leaders’ Forum provides unparalleled networking potential for those at the very pinnacle of UK food processing. Naturally, Brexit is expected to take centre stage as a topic. The very latest thinking will be aired on the subject, as well as on a host of other areas. Look out for further details as the event takes shape. All invitees will be receiving a copy of the exclusive programme shortly.

“Anyone interested in attending should email me directly on ebq.nqql@jeoz.pbz​ to register their interest and suggest potential areas for discussion.”

Last year’s agenda included food waste, reformulation, the rise of veganism, robotics and automation and labelling. In a two-part interview filmed at the event, Greencore chief executive Patrick Coveney urged food firms to prepare for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit​ and revealed the planning Greencore was engaged in​ to allow for that eventuality. His words appear increasingly timely now.

Regulation, politics, economics and new technology

Head of Walker Morris’ Food & Drink Group Richard Naish said: ​Increasing regulation, an uncertain political and economic outlook and the rapid development of new technology mean that food industry leaders are facing unprecedented levels of change. For the industry to respond successfully, its leaders need insight, collaboration and the freedom to discuss the impact of key issues affecting the sector. The Business Leaders’ Forum delivers all of these in a ‘safe’ environment, which is why we felt there was never a better time to support such an important event.

​Sponsoring the event builds upon our expertise and national reputation as a leading adviser to a variety of industry stakeholders.

The Walker Morris Food & Drink Group comprises a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of lawyers who are immersed within the industry. They provide practical solutions across a wide range of legal issues, such as mergers and acquisitions, financing, disputes, branding, logistics and supply chain agreements, licensing, regulatory, product recall, real estate and construction, tax, competition and HR issues.

  • Voting continues for Food Manufacture​'s Business Leader of the Year Award, the winner of which will be announced at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2020, to be held at the Marriott, Grosvenor Square on 13 February. See the full list of the six potential candidates and cast your nomination now​.

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