So often many talk of the importance of community but what actually makes a community important?

The pandemic sparked many conversations which centered on the importance and value of community. People once again enjoyed coming together, interacting as a community and it was this which sparked the call for stronger communities once again. It was the coming together of people and a community which created strength in its number.

However, for many years before the pandemic, every business acted almost in silo, just as most people did. There was good reason why communities coming together was so refreshing; so many have become almost lonely and ring fenced in their own lives as well as at business.

As companies rebuild, so there is a desire to remember why it was refreshing to see communities come together once again. It is a principle which EP has long stood for – community, collaboration and knowledge share. Over the years many have remarked on why they never understood EP’s desire to bring together with no clear agenda or gain. Very simply it is our belief in community, friendship, relationships and that sharing knowledge was of prime importance. As the pandemic hit, EP did gain from this long held belief as many did gravitate towards a philosophy which became important once again.

It is this same belief and philosophy which today stands by the new community being developed in Gastronomica. As we stand today, over 70 companies and organisations support the principle which lies behind Gastronomica and our aim is to continuously develop and grow it so that it can also become of real value to those within the community.

Sustainability has become one of the leading agendas across the world. It is fast evolving and challenging; few possess all the answers and our aim is therefore to bring together a community which can share knowledge and ideas plus create a real business purpose. At the heart of the community stands a range of leading professionals across many disciplines. It can provide easy access to expert support and advice plus always be promoting new ideas and concepts.

Many will note that sustainability has been around for a long time and took its time to build a momentum. That maybe true but it has worked its way from being a periphery subject area to the core and today sits on most agendas. It is not a subject which can be ignored and nor should it as it is the drive for so much new innovation to be breaking through. It may well be sustainability which is the catalyst for the greatest changes we have witnessed in work methods, eating styles, environmental conservation and global awareness that we have seen since the industrial revolution allowed many to reimagine the world.

We have many plans for Gastronomica as we build forward so do feel free to come and join the discussion. It does not need to cost a single penny and yet can open many doors as we do stand for the belief in community and in sharing of ideas.

We do aim to found showcases which engage audiences and educate the young on sustainability. We do aim to promote new innovation and entrepreneurs. We do aim to champion great thought leadership and ideas – so come and get engaged.