ceda is pleased to introduce its Academy Leadership Team.

The move is the latest in a long list of fast-paced action from the ceda Academy which now exceeds 50 Members. Given this significant growth in a relatively short space of time, the decision to put a Leadership Team in place is the first step on the path of implementing some structure into the Academy.

ceda Director General, Adam Mason, explains, “We want to nurture, harness and release the potential of our Academy Members. As we grow this can only be done by proper management and structure. The formation of the Leadership Team will allow us to streamline the energy, ideas and enthusiasm of the Academy to the benefit of ceda’s growing community and the wider industry.”

Amongst other plans, the Leadership Team will work alongside the ceda Board to drive forward common interests and bridge the gap between young professionals and senior leaders within ceda.

The inaugural Leadership Team is made up of nine Academy Members, each with their own strengths and knowledge, covering all corners of the industry from engineers and installers to designers and project managers. They are:

• Jamie Drazen, Designer at Caterware
• Jack Hood, Sales Manager at CE-Tech
• Ben Keal, Director at Sylvester Keal
• Macauley Knight, Operations Manager at Archer Catering Systems
• Jessica Long, Estimator at IFSE
• Kate Nuttall, Senior Catering Designer at ABDA Design
• Justin Ring, Team Leader at Gratte Brothers Foodservice Solutions
• Hayley Scott, Design & Implementation Manager at Catering Equipment Support Ltd
• Sophie Taylor, Projects & Sales Support Coordinator at Vision Commercial Kitchens

The Team held their first meeting in September to formally kick-off its operation and they are keen to get started. Here’s what they each have to say about forming ceda’s first Academy Leadership Team…

“The ceda Academy has big plans for the future- there are topics to be covered that I am incredibly passionate about. The industry has a lot of creative and ambitious people that I am looking forward to working more closely with.” – Hayley Scott

Hayley Scott, Catering Equipment Support Ltd

“As someone that is incredibly passionate about this industry and its future, I’m excited to be a part of a team of likeminded individuals to see what we can achieve together.  I want to bring insight into what it is to be a young female in the industry and hopefully shape change for the future workforce.” – Sophie Taylor

Sophie Taylor, Vision Commercial Kitchens

“The ceda Academy Leadership Team creates a unique opportunity to connect young professionals to senior personnel within ceda. The new structure will enable us to work alongside ceda’s Board of Directors to progress several common initiatives, whilst ensuring that we are able to blend the wealth of experience of the Board, with the innovative thinking of the Academy’s 50+ members who represent the future workforce.

“I bring to the Leadership Team my experience of over a decade in the industry alongside my enthusiasm and determination to shape the industry into one that not only retains its staff, but is an attractive career path for school, college and university leavers.” – Kate Nuttall

Kate Nuttall, ABDA Design

“I view the ceda Academy as a fantastic opportunity to support the growth of the next generation of industry professionals. My active involvement in my family business has equipped me with a diverse range of skills as I engage in various aspects of the industry. I believe I can help others gain insights from a different perspective whilst also learning from their knowledge to enhance my own development.

“Being based in Northern Ireland, the setup differs significantly from the rest of the UK which presents unique challenges. I hope to bridge the gap for crucial industry advancements, such as the engineer apprenticeship, and have them implemented here. Additionally, I aim to expand the Academy’s reach across the region, which will not only strengthen our efforts in Northern Ireland but contribute to expanding the wider ceda network which is a fantastic resource for our industry.” – Jack Hood

Jack Hood, CE-Tech

“Being a part of the ceda Academy has been a great way to see how others my age feel about this developing industry and get some in-depth training that wouldn’t have been previously available.

“With a keen attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile, I hope to be a strong helping hand to the team.” – Jessica Long

Jessica Long, IFSE

“I am honoured to be appointed in the ceda Academy Leadership Troup. With over 50 Academy Members, it’s more important than ever that we represent and include every single one of them. I’m thrilled to sit alongside such an outstanding group of leaders who bring an incredible range of skills and expertise to the table – a perfect fit for guiding the Academy forward with purpose!

“The formation of the Leadership Team is going to give us a fantastic opportunity to streamline projects, working closely alongside the ceda Board. Their wealth of knowledge and experience as business leaders will be invaluable as we learn from them.

“We’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to share them with the industry. A huge thank you to ceda and our employers for their continued support in giving the younger generation a platform to be heard. Here’s to what’s coming next!” – Justin Ring

Justin Ring, Gratte Brothers Foodservice Solutions

“I am delighted to be part of the ceda Academy Leadership Team and represent the younger generation of our industry. More importantly, I am looking forward to working with fellow leadership members to make a difference.” – Jamie Drazen

Jamie Drazen, Caterware

“Being a part of ceda’s Academy Leadership Team is an incredible honour and responsibility. It allows me to contribute to shaping the future of the industry and nurturing the next generation. Together, we are driving excellence and setting new standards for our industry, one member at a time.” – Ben Keal

Ben Keal, Sylvester Keal

“I am delighted to be a part of the ceda Academy Leadership Team. It will be a privilege to work alongside many likeminded individuals within the group.

“We hope to bring in more enthusiastic Members to the Academy and assist in structuring and driving the industry forward.” – Macauley Knight

Macauley Knight, Archer Catering Systems

The next steps for the ceda Academy are a video meeting of all Members in October to discuss and agree activity for 2025. In December the Leadership Team will attend the ceda Board meeting and present their plans for the next year.