Does our industry have any credibility at all?

By my desk, I have a sign which reads, "For this I went to college?" For the majority of the time, it is meant in the humour it was written. However, occasionally I do think that our industry needs to grow up.

This feeling has recently come about following a recent phone call from a close friend who needed some help. He had just started a new job in finance, and overall responsibility for catering was part of his remit.

He asked if we could meet and if I would give him some advice on what he should do - and if I would be interested in the contract.

Independent view

My friend had been in his new job for only a few days and after discussing the project and appreciating the problems he was faced with, it would have been quite straightforward to have negotiated a deal for Charlton House.

However, I felt that it would be best for an independent person to evaluate the contract, and to formally put the contract out to tender. The choice of caterers would then be in the hands of the consultant and "client".

Consultants

My friend looked as though he needed me to give him a little more help to find a consultant and, on his behalf, I agreed to contact a handful of consultants and ask them to introduce their services to him.

In doing this, I received a positive reaction from them that from now on their point of contact would be the "client" and may the best man or woman win.

But when speaking to one of the consultants, my blood was made to boil. At first I couldn't quite understand what he was insinuating when he wanted to make it quite clear that he would be acting in the client's best interest. "Of course," I naively agreed.

He went on to re-emphasise that there would be no favouritism given when the contract was awarded. "Of course," I agreed again.

He then went on to explain that he had been in this situation before and the caterer who recommended him to do the work expected to be awarded the contract. At this point, I lost my temper.

I explained that I was insulted by the suggestion, and asked him, if I was that desperate for business, why I had recommended that my friend use a consultant in the first place?

I also explained that he should not presume that all caterers were the same and that there is still some credibility left in this industry (just).

After putting the phone down, I got myself a strong cup of coffee and reflected on how sad this industry has become.

Next diary from Robyn Jones will be on 11 December