Williams’ Malcolm Harling wins Outstanding Contribution to the Foodservice Industry Award
‘Super hero’ Harling wins Outstanding Contribution to the Foodservice Equipment Industry Award
Decades of service from popular director of Williams Refrigeration are recognised
Malcolm Harling, sales and marketing director of Williams Refrigeration, received a standing ovation when he was announced as winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Foodservice Equipment Industry Award. The award was presented during FEA’s gala dinner at the association’s annual industry conference on 21 November 2024.
At the presentation Malcolm was described as dedicated, endlessly encouraging, a good friend, loving, loyal, utterly professional, a mentor… but also, “despite all that goody two shoes baloney,” great fun.
Emma Brooks, chair of FEA, said that he was ‘something of a superhero’, adding “You name a sport, and he’s either done it or had a go!”
Also helping present the award was Tim Smith, CEO of the AFE Group and managing director of Williams Refrigeration, who said, “I couldn’t do my job without Malcolm, he’s a rock.”
Malcolm began his career as a chef, travelling the world before deciding to switch to the equipment side of the industry. He joined Falcon in 1991 and moved over to sister company Williams as sales and marketing director in 2000. He has delivered some of the largest refrigeration contracts in the UK and around the world, including Wembley Stadium, the Sydney Olympics and Le Cordon Bleu – in both London and Paris.
He’s also been a great supporter of FEA, joining the council in 2001 and serving as chair from 2008 to 2010. Additional roles included chair of the exhibition liaison committee and Malcolm was chair of the marketing committee when FEA rebranded from CESA to FEA – he was very much involved in the process. Although he stepped down from the council in 2021, he’s still hard at work for FEA, as chair of the refrigeration product group forum.
He's a very dedicated family man, and was delighted to be joined on the evening by his wife Mandy and sons Simon and Richard.
Asked how he felt about the award, Malcolm said, “I’m gobsmacked! Absolutely over the moon! Mandy, Simon and Richard being here made it even more special. This is a wonderful industry, full of opportunities, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.”
Tim Smith added, “I’ve known Malcolm for 25 years and I remain enormously proud to be working alongside him and now, tonight, to help celebrate his extraordinary skills, dedication, and contribution.”
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