Speciality Bites from Paul Hargreaves of Cotswold Fayre

When in France last week, I was surprised to find out that the ‘Staff Christmas Party’ seems to be an event particular to our culture and doesn’t happen in most other European cultures. This could be a blessing in disguise for company directors throughout the UK. Not that they are likely to get drunk and make fools of themselves (but some do!), but that the annual event of drunkenness and debauchery with those people that you work with but probably don’t socialise with for the rest of the year is not necessarily a pretty site! (more…)

Well, it’s over for another year.  Fresh RM are claiming it was the best ever with nearly 600 exhibitors.  Certainly the exhibitors’ drinks on the first evening was more crowded and noisy than I ever remember! I have exhibited at this show from the beginning, and so have 11 years of experience.  As the show has become larger it has changed in character; I would say that there isn’t quite the buzz that there used to be in the early years, but most definitely an increase in professionalism.  (more…)

I have always thought 4 days is too long for a food show, but the time simply flew by at the NEC last week.  It’s always the sign of a good show when the show finishes for the day and you realise that you haven’t eaten or been to the loo all day and haven’t noticed.  This happened to me on at least two days during the show.  Too much information, probably, but this show was the best we have been to (except Speciality Food Show) for a long time. (more…)