Establishing a values-driven business

Visitors to the conference, which takes place at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, will discover how adopting an ethical approach to work can be the key to success.

Topics of discussion will include practical tips on how to gain an edge over competitors, the impact of Brexit on our sector, how apprenticeships can help to plug the skills gap and the benefits of sustainability in the workplace.

Stephanie Fairhurst, Psychological Skills Mentor at Chimp Management, an agency which specialises in mentoring, will kick off the day by talking about how organisations can develop a corporate culture that empowers staff and delivers results.

 Former Chef and Catering Manager, and current Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University’s School for Business and Society, Dr Bernadette Scott will discuss a key challenge for the hospitality sector – graduate recruitment and retention.

 The afternoon session will begin with a presentation from Wendy Duncan, Research & Development Technical Manager at Unilever. Wendy is an expert in communicating how improving food labels, reducing food waste and better nutrition have had a positive impact for business.

Delegates will then hear from Education Officer Joe Black about the work of Mary’s Meals. The charity has established community-run free school meal programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities and was this year selected as TUCO’s inaugural Chair’s Charity.

To round up the day, Owner and Managing Director of Coffee Conscience Billy Miller, will talk about how we can all make a difference and become more environmentally responsible.

Matt White, Chair of The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) and Director of Catering, Hotel and Conference Services at The University of Reading, said: “The Winter Conference is always a great opportunity for visitors to network and share valuable industry insight.

“Each year we pick a different theme and this year’s focus on ethics and values is something very close to our hearts at TUCO. These are the bedrock of any business and it’s our ambition for the Winter Conference to not only inspire members but also share first-class knowledge so that they can incorporate new, up-to-date ideas that will help to nurture their employees and the sustainability of their business.”

To find out more about the TUCO conference which is free to TUCO members click here.