Julian Fris, our founder and managing director, recently took part in a panel discussion at Facilities & Estates Management Live. This event covered important conversations about the future of workplace food services.
Chaired by Piers Zangana, the panel brought together leaders from across the industry to discuss how changing workplace behaviours are influencing food provision. With hybrid work becoming more common, companies are now looking for more flexible solutions that can better support collaboration and make the workplace more inviting.
The changing relationship between clients and suppliers was a prominent topic during the discussion. Julian shared that while outsourcing can give great results, it’s not always the best fit for every situation. In some cases, especially in complex or struggling environments, bringing services back in-house might lead to better control and outcomes. He pointed out that there are plenty of capable providers out there, and the key is partnering with those whose values and culture align with your organisation.
The panel also touched on procurement frameworks, particularly for larger public-sector organisations. While these frameworks can make processes smoother, they might not always suit every situation. Since catering relies heavily on personal relationships and cultural fit, those aspects can sometimes get lost in standard procurement approaches.
As workplace dynamics continue to shift, conversations like these are crucial for shaping the future of food services, ensuring they stay relevant and aligned with what modern organisations need.