Developing a stronger sense of place - The Food & Culture shows 2022

This is a moment for new thinking. We have the chance to create new frameworks that build communities.

One of the most exciting and positive developments of the last two years has been the increased focus on localism; the desire to see communities come together. For whatever historical reason, the UK has never been as strong as other countries in celebrating its local and regional strengths in order to bring communities together in a common and shared environment.

The Americans are exceptional in their frameworks which bring local communities together. The Italians and French too. One of the aims of the proposed “Food & Culture” shows is to create new frameworks which celebrate the best of modern Britain through events all across the country.

One of our aims is to run a series of mini-festivals that celebrate localism, community and culture; creating showcases to celebrate local food produce, music, art, crafts and dance - all the really important pieces that do serve to bring people together and build society. Post pandemic, we have an opportunity to build a new message and approach which will engage broad markets.
We are working to build a coalition of companies who want to work together to engage consumers and society all across the country on great food, great produce, great culture, people and environment.

For the hospitality industry, there is a real opportunity to engage far more effectively than ever before. Hospitality can be the glue which brings society together, just as it does in other countries. However, it does require a change in mind-set. Companies need to be open and prepared to work together far better than ever before. There needs to be more openness and less need to so protectionist in approach. There is a need to place society and customers first and build a strong message that allows the industry to be progressive.

We hear so many comments on why the industry is not respected but as in all things in life, respect needs to be earned. The Industry needs to interact and communicate in a new way.

We have been delighted and honoured by the support that we have seen to date for the above concept. We are working to build a coalition of companies who want to work together to engage consumers and society all across the country on great food, great produce, great culture, people and environment. It can only serve to bring communities together, break down barriers and build better understanding.