Thom Hetherington is the man behind Northern Restaurant & Bar, the north’s largest hospitality trade exhibition. A well-known name from TV and journalism in the food scene and one of the founders of PPA-award winning Restaurant magazine and 50 Best Restaurants in the World awards. The Independent Food and Drink Academy (IFDA) are proud to have him on board for 2017.
Nationally recognised for its independent food scene, Leeds offers inspiration and innovation in cuisine. The IFDA offers support, training and advice to help the independent food and drinks businesses that make Leeds so great, from street food traders to established small businesses.
The IFDA is a joint partnership between Leeds Beckett University and Leeds City Council, which provides a unique service to Leeds’ small, independent food businesses. Businesses who become members receive business health checks, mentoring days, master classes and discounts on trader pitches across the city’s food events, amongst a myriad of other benefits. The Academy encourages the continued growth of this dynamic, ever-changing sector through its objectives to sustain; grow and help to professionalise these independent businesses.
Thom Hetherington is a speaker, consultant and writer on food, drink, art and culture across the North of England. As CEO of Holden Media he organises world-class events in the North, including The Northern Restaurant & Bar Exhibition, the Northern Hospitality Awards, the NRB Top 50 Powerlist, the NRB Debate, Buy Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary.
His specialism in marketing, visitor experience and audience dynamics makes Thom perfectly placed to aid IFDA member businesses, having advised major national hospitality operators on their Northern expansion plans and International festivals and museums on their food and drink strategy.
Mr Hetherington said: “There are three things which I get madly passionate about: great food and drink, passionate entrepreneurs, and the North of England. On that basis, getting involved in the IFDA was the easiest thing in the world.
“I’ve spent 20 years in and around the region’s food and drink industry, but have been particularly taken by the independent spirit in Leeds, and the real feeling of community around the foodie scene. No one wants to lose that culture, but the IFDA can offer the advice, support and experienced industry contacts to help the city’s innovative food and drink start-ups get as far as they can as fast as possible.”
For more information visit: http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/ifda/