Ex-Tricon man has extensive experience of both hospitality and the equipment
supply chain
FEA has appointed Luke Slater as the association’s technical
and policy director. In recent years
this has become an increasingly important role, calling for expert knowledge
across a wide range of areas as well as the ability to lead technical bodies
and apply, interpret and explain legislation and regulations.
Slater has enormous pan-industry experience, in both
hospitality and the equipment supply chain.
He began his catering career at the tender age of 14, doing occasional
work in a local pub. He progressed to
being a chef, receptionist, housekeeper and ‘all things in between’, having
taken a master’s degree in hospitality management at Plymouth University.
From working on the operational side of hospitality he went
on to join Victor Manufacturing, initially in a business development capacity,
then as contracts manager, focusing on the technical and engineering aspects of
project work. He then joined C&C
Catering Equipment as a project manager, delivering multi-million pound
B&I, hotel and leisure projects. He
left to become senior design consultant at Tricon Foodservice Consultants.
Slater says, “My academic studies and early experience in
hospitality taught me the importance of a dynamic supply chain. My later career has given me first hand
installation and manufacturing knowledge, and the ability to understand what’s
physically and technically achievable within a project, working with the
regulatory obligations.”
FEA chair Emma Brooks is delighted to welcome Slater. “He is an authority with outstanding
expertise. He’s an advocate for change
but at the same time he can get right to the nuts and bolts of complex issues,
and can explain them with clarity. I
know he will be a brilliant addition to our team and a big help to our
members.”
Slater says he is looking forward to helping FEA members
navigate the industry’s ever-changing technical and regulatory landscape. “I love to be told that something ‘can't be
done,’ it inspires me to find a solution,” he says. “I appreciate the challenges that heavy and
light equipment manufacturers face, often resulting from difficult to navigate,
sometimes conflicting regulation. I want to streamline things, to support FEA members
with the big battles ahead, and to give them unbiased, relevant and useful
guidance.”
The ability to help FEA members meet the battles ahead was a
prerequisite for the job of technical and policy director. The challenges range from tackling embodied
carbon reporting, FOG solutions, electrical safety and BIM protocols to youth
engagement, refrigerants and how to overcome power hungry kitchens in a world
of limited electrical supply.
Slater says, “FEA has a fantastic reputation across the
industry, leading and giving insight into a vast range of topics. I’m proud to now be associated with their
excellent work and I can't wait to get stuck in.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the industry,
and joining FEA gives me the opportunity to do just that.”
Luke Slater is planning to visit as many FEA members as
possible to discuss their technical challenges and opportunities. If you’d like to meet up with him, please
email luke.slater@fea.org.uk.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the
foodservice equipment industry, representing
nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial
catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more
information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Press Enquiries:
The Publicity Works: 01263 761000; fea@publicityworks.biz
For more news about FEA visit the press office at www.publicityworks.biz
John Cunningham, FEA chief executive: 020 7793 3030