Erudus Out and About: Summer 2025

Erudus User Forum

What

The biggest event on the Erudus calendar is always our annual User Forum, when we bring together Erudus users, key speakers and the Erudus team to share what we’re working on, take feedback, and generally collaborate on all things food industry related.

This time the entire day aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges that Public Sector Caterers face - such as the sometimes disconnect between Caterers' requirements and that of the Manufacturers' legal responsibilities. We looked at the direction in which this area is headed, and how Erudus can help everyone involved manage these challenges, as well as learning a great deal from some insightful presentations from a few industry insiders.

Where

Eastwood Hall, Eastwood, Nottingham

When

12th June

Who

In addition to the Erudus team, led by our CEO Jon Shayler, we were also joined by a fantastic cross-section of our Manufacturer and Wholesaler users, as well as our guest speakers - Philip Shelley of NHS England and former National Chair of the Hospital Catering Association, Equilibrium Markets Supply Chain Director Ben Peel, and Carl Hultburg and Axel Meurling from Swedish business Tendmill - who empower procurements with AI.

The pics

North East Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

What

Dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the business community in the North East, this black tie event handed out awards in the categories of Larger Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Rising Star, Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year. This was not Erudus’s first time at the event - just last year we took home not only the Small Business of the Year award, but the Business of the Year too, and this time around we wanted to pay it back by sponsoring Small Business of the Year ourselves.

Where

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

When

19th June

Who

Awards nominees and members of the North East Chamber of Commerce representing all areas of business and industry in the North East. Shortlisted nominees represented many different sectors - from HR, to telecoms to education and public service.

The pics

North of Tyne Mountain Rescue and Helly Hansen

What

A guided solstice hike at Simonside Hills in Northumberland, hosted by North of Tyne Mountain Rescue with famed outdoor clothing brand Helly Hansen, who donated the proceeds of the hike to the hosts. The hike was in celebration of Open Mountain Month, which encouraged more people to access the great outdoors. Attendees were treated to pro tips about staying safe in the outdoors from team member Graham, and enjoyed a stunning sunset at the end.

Where

Simonside Hills, Northumberland

When

24th June

Who

A 30 strong group joined the hosts for the hike, and Erudus’s own Stephen Pemberton was on hand with his camera. North of Tyne Mountain Rescue provides a vital extension to the emergency services in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

The pics

LACA - The School Food Show

What

The only show in the UK dedicated to the school food sector, the School Food Show is an opportunity for attendees to source new ideas and innovations, and compare a range of suppliers under one roof. Over 160 exhibitors showcased food and beverages, equipment, systems and services.

With Caterers facing a greater challenge than ever before to deliver the right meal at the right price, the show provided visitors with the ideal environment in which to meet suppliers and Manufacturers who can offer products and solutions to help them.

Where

Hilton Birmingham Metropole The NEC

When

8-9th July

Who

School food Caterers, and those connected to the sector (such as Eurdus, you can see what we’re doing regarding Public Sector Catering here)

The pics

Erudus donation to Newcastle Food Bank

What

One of our most valued Erudus initiatives - when you use the Erudus Image Captureservice you also help a charity at the same time.

That’s because after being photographed and retouched, products that go through Erudus Image Capture are donated to the Newcastle West End Food Bank (with the blessing of the Manufacturer). This time we were dropping off some great products from Mission.

Where

Newcastle West End Food Bank

When

15th July

Who

The Erudus Image Capture team.

The pics

Introduction to Wholesale

What

This event forms a key part of FWD’s Promoting Wholesale workstream and provides vital insight to those new to the sector and a broad overview of the wholesale channel and what it takes to be a success.

Along with the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, the event was hosted by UK Cash & Carry and Symbol group Parfetts.

In addition to the session, attendees enjoyed a tour of the depot.

Where

The Parfetts depot in Birmingham.

When

15th July

Who

Those in Wholesale, as well as those in adjacent industries (such as Erudus). Hosts the Federation of Wholesale Distributiors are the trade association for food and drink Wholesalers in the UK, and Parfetts are a Wholesaler, the home of Go Local and home to the fastest growing symbol group in the UK, Go Local Extra.

The pics