We have appointed three new Board Members, in advance of the launch of our latest development plan at Conference next month.

ceda Chair, Paul Neville, commenting on these new appointments explained, “We have an exciting development plan for the next five years that will be launched at Conference and at its heart is the coming together of diverse expertise, knowledge and ideas from all areas of the supply-chain in order to best face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that exist. I’m really happy with the appointments and these are the first three of a number of additions that we will see in the near future.”

Alice Kilner, Group Sustainability Manager of Gratte Brothers Group and Rebecca Vincent, Commercial Director of Foster-Gamko become co-opted Board members and Ben Keal, Director of Sylvester Keal, becomes a Director of the association.

Alice Kilner commented, “I’m delighted to be joining the ceda Board and contributing to an organisation that plays such an important role in shaping our sector. I’m keen to help demystify sustainability and promote a really positive, solutions-focused narrative-supporting businesses to see it as an opportunity for innovation and growth.”

Rebecca Vincent said, “I’m delighted to join the ceda Board as a co‑opted member, and to contribute to a broader, end‑to‑end industry perspective. As a manufacturer, I’m passionate about ensuring both member and manufacturer voices contribute meaningfully to the direction of the sector.  It is our responsibility to support progress in areas such as sustainability and helping members stay ahead of evolving legislation. I see real potential to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the supply chain, helping to raise standards and deliver long‑term value for both the industry and its customers.

A personal priority for me is the recognition, development and progression of young people and early‑career professionals – the future leaders of our industry. I believe there is a real opportunity to champion emerging talent.  Alongside that, I’m keen to support inclusive cultures that prioritise wellbeing and help people thrive”

And Ben Keal added, “The catering equipment industry is in a better place than it’s ever been when it comes to bringing younger people through, being invited to join the ceda Board is something I’m incredibly proud of. ceda has been a huge support to me throughout my career and I’m looking forward to giving something back.

That means building proper routes in technical training that’s credible and accessible, combined with real leadership development so that the people we bring through don’t just become good engineers, designers or coordinators, they become the future managers and directors this industry needs. We have a chance to make this a career people actively choose, not just fall into. That’s what I want to work towards.

Beyond that, I’m looking forward to sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve built across the industry to help ceda continue to grow and support its members.”

ceda Director General, Adam Mason, confirmed, “Having worked closely with Alice, Rebecca and Ben on different projects over the last few years, I know how passionate they are about seeing positive change in the Industry. The development of young people, sustainability and closer engagement with the supply-chain are all critical factors to address and all three will bring unique opinion, experience and energy to what we are trying to achieve.”