King’s Lynn manufacturer’s director is a hugely popular winner
“Gobsmacked” was how Malcolm Harling described his feelings on hearing he had won the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award at the Foodservice Equipment Association’s (FEA) annual conference. Malcolm is the sales and marketing director at Williams in King’s Lynn and this is the industry’s top award. Malcolm’s win was hugely popular – he received no less than three standing ovations during the ceremony, held at the conference’s black tie awards dinner on November 21st.
Williams is a market leading manufacturer of commercial refrigeration, making products for areas such as hospitality, baking, the public sector and healthcare, as well as exporting around the world.
At the presentation Malcolm was described as dedicated, endlessly encouraging, a good friend, loving, loyal, utterly professional, a mentor, but also ‘great fun.’ Emma Brooks, chair of the FEA, commented that he was something of a ‘super hero’, adding “You name a sport, and he’s either good at it or he’s had a go!”
She invited Tim Smith, managing director of Williams, onto the stage to present the award to Malcolm. “I’ve known Malcolm for 25 years and I remain enormously proud to be working alongside him and now, tonight, to help celebrate his extraordinary skills, dedication, and contribution,” he said.
Malcolm began his career as a chef, travelling the world before deciding to switch to the equipment side of the industry, joining Willliams’ sister company, Falcon Foodservice Equipment, in 1991. He moved over to Williams as sales and marketing director in 2000, since when he has delivered some of the largest commercial refrigeration contracts in the UK and around the world, including Wembley Stadium, the Sydney Olympics and Le Cordon Bleu – in both London and Paris.
Outside of his career, Malcolm is a dedicated family man and so was utterly delighted another surprise was pounced on him during the presentation – his wife, Mandy, and sons Richard and Simon, who had been secretly waiting in the wings, appeared and joined him on stage. Malcolm said, “I’m gobsmacked! Absolutely over the moon! Mandy, Simon and Richard being here made it even more special. I feel honoured to receive this recognition from FEA. This is a wonderful industry, full of opportunities, and once people join it they very rarely leave. I feel very lucky to be part of it.”