The food service industry has encountered many obstacles over the past few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain disruptions and staff shortages. In the face of these challenges, companies are realising that, although no one has all the solutions, one thing is for certain: in difficult times, there’s strength in numbers.
In Season Two, Episode Two of the Food Service Matters podcast, host Patrick McDermott talks to Chris Sheppardson, Founder and Managing Director of EP Business in Hospitality. As a leading communicator in the food service sector, EP builds trusted industry partnerships, encourages entrepreneurship and shares knowledge.
In this post, we explore Chris’ thoughts on the importance of collaboration in food service, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Adapting to New Realities Post-COVID-19
Catalysed by the global pandemic, many companies have had to re-evaluate their priorities and business models. As Chris highlights, despite having the pandemic in our rearview mirror, we must admit that “COVID-19 has changed the sector more than people realise; it’s almost like this is a new chapter.”
To navigate this post-pandemic uncertainty, businesses have increasingly started to regard collaboration not just as beneficial but as essential. “Emerging from the pandemic, I think everyone understands, particularly clients, that no one has all the answers,” observes Chris, “so let’s work towards better collaboration.”
The Power of Industry Partnerships
Partnerships allow companies to pool resources, combine expertise and create solutions greater than the sum of their parts. Having learnt the value of collaboration from an industry veteran early in his career, Chris notes that “working together is always far more effective than working solo.”
In fact, collaboration forms the basis of EP’s philosophy. Chris explains that by means of strategic alliances, the goal is to “bring people together to share knowledge, so we’re all stronger and better.”
The question is, how can industry collaboration be encouraged?
Facilitating Connections in the Food Service Sector
Organisations like EP are playing an increasingly significant role as facilitators – or “middlemen”, as Chris explains. By publishing daily articles on various thought-provoking industry topics, as well as hosting multiple events per year, they are able to bring people together to share knowledge and discuss key issues.
Chris observes that one reason for EP’s success is the team’s ability to listen carefully to their peers’ concerns and respond accordingly. “It’s about listening to what people say and then sending that back to market so people can debate it,” Chris emphasises. This fundamental strength has been the driving force behind establishing strong industry partnerships. As Chris points out, “The more you build a community and share knowledge, the more valuable you become and the more that community grows.”
As we enter a new chapter in food service, one defined by greater openness, transparency and trusted partnerships, those companies that are open to collaboration will be better positioned for success in the industry. “It’s all about how genuine and authentic you are. Can you be trusted? Can you have an honest conversation? These are the things people want to see,” Chris concludes.
To listen to Patrick’s full interview with Chris Sheppardson, check out the Food Service Matters podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.
Patrick is CEO of DigiTally, which is playing an increasingly important role as an intuitive and interconnected simple food service software that helps save time, increase margins and combat food waste. Keen to learn more? Let’s talk! Book a 30-minute call with Patrick and get your demo set up today.
