The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) is the leading advocate for advancing food safety and hygiene standards across the UK. SOFHT supports individuals and businesses in the food sector by providing guidance, training, and resources.
Through the combination of resources, SOFHT brings together those in the industry to address challenges, share innovations, and promote excellence. The SOFHT Annual Lunch, Lecture, and Awards are when key stakeholders in the SOFHT network and industry come together to network, reflect, learn, and celebrate our industry.
SymClean Industrial Celebrate Food Industry Excellence at the SOFHT Annual Lunch, Lecture and Awards 2024
Attendees ranged from food manufacturers and suppliers to service providers like ourselves. Events like these provide great networking opportunities for businesses in the industry. Engaging with industry leaders, service providers, and fellow attendees always prompts ideas, allows us to share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
It was a great opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and connect with the people who also drive the sector forward.
The day is split into multiple segments. These segments include networking, keynote speakers, a delicious lunch (it is the food industry after all!) and an awards ceremony.
Honouring Contributions to Food Safety
The awards ceremony is a special segment of the annual SOFHT event. This part of the day allows us to celebrate individuals and organisations making significant achievements in food hygiene and technology.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the late John Rigarlsford. John’s contributions to work and research in Hygiene continue to inspire the industry. A powerful reminder of the lasting impact that dedication and innovation can have. We also celebrated achievements by Alan Lacey. A SOFHT Fellow whose work and support have been invaluable to the society’s mission.
Inspiring Presentations and Industry Insights
The lecture portion of the day featured a series of thought-provoking presentations addressing some of the most pressing topics in the food industry. Expert speakers shared insights on emerging trends, regulatory updates, and innovative practices, offering plenty of inspiration and actionable ideas.
Launch of the Food Education Initiative
One of the most exciting announcements of the day was the launch of the Food Education Initiative. Developed in collaboration with OnSite and other SOFHT members such as our Managing Director, Tanya Targett.
This programme aims to educate young people about the food chain while equipping them with essential cooking skills. This initiative was created and innovated by SOFHT members, who identified this gap. It was encouraging to see SOFHT take a proactive role in nurturing the next generation of food industry professionals.
The SymClean team and our guests had a fantastic time at the SOFHT Annual Lunch, Lecture, and Awards. From inspiring presentations to insightful discussions, it was a day that reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in the food sector.
It is really important to us, that we stay engaged with organisations like SOFHT and its members. SOFHT’s work helps raise standards and support businesses across the sector, and we are grateful to be a part of and contribute to its mission.
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