Erudus Out & About - Autumn 2025
Yes, the festive season and all of its excitement, is upon us. But here at Erudus we’ve had an Autumn that was plenty exciting in its own right. We’ve been right across the country attending events, visiting customers and getting involved in our local community. Here’s what we got up over the past few months…
Booker Catering Trade Show
What
The showcase calendar event from the UK’s leading food and drinks Wholesaler Booker, this trade show offered a packed programme across multiple stages (including the Chefs Stage and the Desserts Stage), the Butchery Zone, the Drinks Theatre and over 250 supply partners and exhibitors stands. And this time it was bigger than ever, moving to the Birmingham NEC due to increased demand.
Where
The NEC, Birmingham
When
24th September
Who
As well as hosts (and Eruds users) Booker, the event was attended by some 5000 people working across foodservice - from sectors including Catering, Hospitality and on-trade. And of course, team Erudus was there at our very own stand, where once again, the star attraction was our “Spin to Win Allergy” game - which offered entrants the chance to win a Hamper kindly donated by Booker.
FADNE Room With A View
What
The latest in the popular events series from our friends at Food And Drink North East (FADNE), in which guests partake in an evening of discovery, dining and debate.
This occasion was centred around a discussion on the subject ‘What really defines a regional food identity?’ and was facilitated by the BBC’s Political Editor for the North East and Cumbria Richard Moss. Contributors discussed the region’s shared identity around food at the heart of our lives, communities and economies and how we can better position the North East as a leader in the agri-food hospitality and manufacturing sectors. And of course there was delicious food to be enjoyed too.
Where
The Forum Cinema in Hexham, a single screen independent cinema overlooking Hexham’s historic marketplace, owned and operated by Hexham Community Partnership.
When
20th October
Who
In addition to partners of Food and Drink North East, those taking part in the discussion included Si King of Hairy Bikers fame, multi award winning chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne, Michael Dickson - Managing Director of 4th generation retailers Dicksons, Chris Ferguson - CEO of whiskey and visitor experiences Ad Gefrin, and Caroline Bell of pioneering organic dairy Acorn Dairy.
Visit to Holdsworth Foods
What
Wholesalers Holdsworth Foods have been supplying a wide range of ambient, chilled and frozen goods to Caterer customers for over half a century, and are considered one of the most respected independent foodservice distributors in the UK. They also happen to be an Erudus user - so we thought we’d pay them a visit to see how they are getting on with the platform, and hear any thoughts or suggestions they might have relating to Erudus.
Where
Holdsworth’s Distribution Centre in Evesham, Worcester.
When
22nd October
Who
Erudus Customer Success Manager Beth had coffee and a catch-up with Holdsworth’s Technical Manager Sarah.
Boodles
What
Jo Stone and her team were the winners of our Spin to Win game at the Booker Trade show in September, so we went down to their Boodles Cafe in Lincolnshire to present their prize hamper and give them some training on Erudus and how to make the most of it as a Caterer.
We also spent some time discussing allergen management and the challenges it poses for those in hospitality, and showed the team how tools like the Erudus Recipe Builder can help with this.
Where
Boodles cafe, Lincolnshire
When
3rd November
Who
Erudus Projects Manager Kat headed to Boodles Cafe, which was founded by former banker Jo Stone, who established the cafe with her daughter - Boodles’s Head Chef.
The pair take their connection to the local community very seriously, and have work experience staff from local schools and access to work programs in the cafe multiple times a week.
Judging visits for the SWA’s Achiever’s Awards
What
Erudus’s very own Bethany Dugmore is a judge for the Best Delivered Operation category at the Scottish Wholesale Association’s upcoming 2026 Achiever Awards. The awards celebrate excellence across Scotland’s wholesale sector, and honours the achievements of wholesalers, suppliers, and individuals who are driving progress, championing best practice, and making a real impact in the industry. So Beth went on the road to visit the shortlisted candidates…
Where
All across Scotland
When
3-6th November
Who
Beth visited 8 finalists in the Best Delivered Operation category, but unfortunately we can’t yet reveal who any of them are! The identities of those on the shortlist will remain secret until the winner is announced on the 19th February 2026 at the Awards Ceremony, held at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh.
88 Club
What
A networking event hosted by members of St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s 88 Club. The occasion offered an opportunity for attendees to connect with local businesses, hear the latest updates on St Cuthbert’s, and enjoy a light breakfast.
Where
Lumley Castle, Chester-le-street, Northumberland
When
25th November
Who
Members of the 88 Club, made up of local businesses who regularly donate to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.
Great Northumberland Forest Tree Planting
What
Part of a huge planting initiative and community project, this tree planting session came off the back of National Tree Week and saw the millionth tree planted at the Cramlington Nature Reserve where it took place.
Where
East Cramlington Local Nature Reserve
When
2nd Dec
Who
Erudus’s Stephen Pemberton and, among others, members of Cramlington & District Red Squirrel Group - a conservation group assisting with the local red squirrel strongholds.
