FEA hosts first Consultant, Designer and Distributor Forum
Demonstrating competence in commercial kitchen design and fit out is a thorny subject that’s been an issue for years – even more since the implementation of the Building Safety Act. FEA is keen for the industry to grasp the thorn, and the subject was the focus of its first Consultant, Designer And Distributor (CDD) Forum on May 14 at its London HQ.
FEA created the CDD Forum to give its consultant, designer and distributor members the opportunity to receive targeted updates on technical and policy matters affecting the design, installation and operation of commercial foodservice kitchens and other environments. It looks at areas such as current and pending legislation and compliance with building and safety regulations. It will also be looking into developing and implementing best practices in kitchen design and installation.
FEA’s technical and policy director Luke Slater chairs the Forum. He says, “Compliance with the Building Safety Act, four years since implementation, still poses significant challenges for our industry, which has relied on ‘time served’ in the absence of formal qualifications for certain sectors. The industry has been calling for help – we’ve heard the call and are delighted to now be forging a plan within our CDD Forum to support the whole foodservice supply industry. An increasing number of consultants, designers and distributors are joining FEA and we believe their expertise can play a crucial role not only around competency, but also in establishing best practices.”
Technical updates at the first CDD Forum covered areas such as the UK and EU BPA bans, carbon reporting, the FEA’s FOGS (Fats, Oils, Grease and Starch) workplan and updates on DW/172, the ventilation design standard, pending revisions. There was also discussion on ways to prove competency, in light of the 2022 Building Safety Act, which requires anyone who designs any part of a commercial kitchen to prove they are competent. The impact of value engineering on competency and safety was also discussed – the goal posts have moved, you can no longer rely on ‘you changed it, you’re responsible.’
Other area of discussion included designing for kitchens with restricted electrical loads, BIM standards, and the concern over contracts between kitchen contractors and main contractors, due to the increasing squeeze on margins and budgets, with FEA taking actions forward on all matters raised by members.
The Forum covered a lot of ground in the first session, but drew up a list of priorities for 2026 to 2027. They will be meeting virtually in the coming months, while the next in-person CDD Forum will be on Thursday 8th December at 10am at FEA’s HQ, Rotherwick House, London. Christmas jumpers are optional!
John Cunningham is FEA’s chief executive. He says, “The work the CDD Forum is undertaking will benefit not only FEA members but the whole foodservice equipment supply chain and, indeed, the wider hospitality industry. Their contribution will be critical in the coming months and years as we look to meet the challenges our industries face.”
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