It was announced at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Peter Galliford, who has played an integral role in evolving the association to the voice of the industry it has become today, will be retiring from his position on the Board after nearly 20 years of dedicated service.

Many of ceda’s Chairs over that time were all keen to express their gratitude for Peter’s immense contributions.
Jack Sharkey, owner and Managing Director of Vision CK and former ceda Chair comments:

“Peter has been an incredible colleague. He is always considered in his thoughts, concise in his communication, decisive in his actions and completely accepting of diverse or differing thoughts and opinions. Peter has contributed to almost every aspect of the development of ceda but it is the development and growth of our Annual Conference for which he will be most remembered. Peter has guided the CEDA Conference to become an event that attracts more than 350 key Industry figures, with a Business Day speaker programme that is second to none.”

This view was seconded by Mark Drazen M.D. of Caterware, who adds:

“Peter’s hard work preparing the business content of many Conferences changed the game and elevated “Conference Friday” to new levels that will be hard to follow.”
Iain Munro, also praised Peter saying:

“Peter gave me great support during my time at ceda. I found him impartial in his approach, representing ceda suppliers and partners without bias. Both should be very thankful for the time invested by Peter in helping to make ceda what it is today. “

Meanwhile Peter Kitchin, Managing Director of C&C Catering states:

“Peter joined the ceda Board when I did 19 years ago. Thank you for your tireless work, dedication and friendship.”

Mark Kendall, Commercial Director of the buying consortium Cedabond comments:

“Peter’s contribution to ceda has without question been exceptional. I am sure he will be missed by the whole ceda community.”

Present day Chair of ceda and Director of Crystaltech Derek Maher was keen to highlight the character of Peter, commenting:

“In 2018 Peter cycled with a trailer in tow from John O’Groats to Lands End, which shows the level of dedication to a cause. In his almost 20 years as both a ceda Council member and Director, Peter has maintained that level of commitment and dedication to the association. One of his parting comments was “I’m always here if you need me,” which will certainly stay with me.”

It seems fitting that the final comments come from Peter himself, who proudly comments:

“It has been a great privilege to have served for so very long, especially as being from ‘the other side’!
I have had the opportunity over the last 19 and nearly 20 years of working with many wonderful fellow like-minded and good individuals, giving their time and dedication freely, with many becoming very much lifelong friends. The comradeship and fellowship has been, and will remain very special. That’s a special and wonderful testimony.  Thank you all, and specifically the ceda board and past Council members over the previous years, and to Adam, Fiona and Peter.”