Catering consultants association FCSI to disband UK arm
The UK & Ireland branch of the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) is to cease to exist, after a period of consultation with FCSI EAME.
FCSI UK & Ireland chairman Andrew Etherington (pictured) said he had been working to deliver a strategic framework for the branch, but that no agreement had been made on its structure. It will cease to exist on 1 January 2016.
The existing UK executive board is now working on a new association to launch in the new year.
Etherington said: "While this is a disappointment following a long period of strategic planning, we recognise that the foodservice consultancy profession and our network of contacts within all parts of the wider hospitality industry within the UK and Ireland is extremely well established.
"This is a great opportunity to launch a new professional body that meets the needs and aspirations of those consultants based in the UK and Ireland, whether they operate purely in the local market or elsewhere in the world. All potential professional and allied members will be invited to participate in the process and further announcements will be made in January 2016.
"We are determined to build a strong community here in the UK and Ireland that will channel real opportunities for our members and for the industry as a whole. We've already made great progress in building a new approach to supporting the sector and look forward to sharing our plans with the wider hospitality industry in due course."
