Malcolm Skinner wins top gong in FEA awards

Malcolm Skinner wins top gong in FEA awards
FEA’s 2025 award winners revealed, including Chair’s Awards, Charitable Endeavour Awards and Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

Malcolm Skinner is the winner of the FEA’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award for 2025.   Announcing the award Jim Doherty, former director at FEM and a close personal friend to Malcolm, described him as ‘full of integrity’ and ‘a man who is hugely supportive of his family, his friends and, of course, of the industry he loves.’  The award was the top gong announced during the FEA’s Gala Dinner on 13^th November, at the end of the association’s Industry Conference which this year took place at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel. 

Malcolm is managing director of Marren Microwave and his win was enormously popular, being greeted by a standing ovation from the 140 plus guests at the black tie event.  Jim described his career, saying, “He has been in the foodservice industry for over 50 years and, given that he left school with no qualifications, you’d have to say he’s done alright!” 

For Malcolm the award was a complete shock – which was icing on the cake for his work colleagues, because of his uncanny knack for knowing everything before anyone else does.  Kelly Barrell, Marren’s business development manager, said, “I’ve spent years trying to find a bit of news or inside knowledge he doesn’t already know.  If we’ve managed to keep this award a surprise until tonight, it’ll be a first for me!” 

Once he had got over the surprise, Malcolm thanked FEA and the industry, saying, “I’ve not worked in any other industry. I’d like to think that I’ve given something back because it’s given me and my family a good life.”  He was joined on stage by his wife Mary and grandson Dan. 

At the start of the evening Emma Brooks, chair of FEA, announced the Chair Awards, which honour those who have supported FEA and helped to drive the foodservice industry forward.  This year’s winners were Paul Anderson of Meiko, Paula Sherlock of Signature FSE and the FCSI’s Julian Edwards. 

Charitable Endeavour Awards

The FEA Charitable Endeavour Awards for 2025 were announced during the Conference Opening Dinner, on 12^th November.  They were presented by Lawrence Hughes, FEA’s vice chair, and Paul Anderson, managing director of Mieko, which sponsors the awards.   These awards, now in their third year, celebrate the effort, dedication, and achievement of those involved in the foodservice industry in supporting charitable causes.  The Company category was won by a team from Gail’s Property who completed a gruelling 100 kilometre walk across the South Downs to raise £3,700 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.  The 'Sensational Six' won the Team category.  They were Claire Moss, Matt Greep, Max Barnes, James Olbort, Joe Stockwell, and Suzi Forster. They raised £22,125 for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust by having their own adventure, navigating 620 kilometres of Sri Lanka's most demanding terrain, from Sigiriya to Mirissa Beach, in two Tuk Tuks.  Chris Fay won the individual award.  He took part in the Swim Serpentine event and was a key part of the ‘pod’ that raised over £18,000 for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity.   

The Opening Dinner, which was attend by 140 conference delegates, raised £3,680 for this year’s nominated charity, Military vs Cancer. 

Next year’s FEA Industry Conference is at the De Vere Wokefield Park Hotel, Reading, on November 18^th and 19^th.  For information contact FEA.