The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has appointed Neel Radia as its national chair for the next two years.

This is the fourth term Radia has assumed as national chair. He is a well-known figure in the industry with more than 25 years’ experience working with wholesalers and food manufacturers within hospitality and public sector catering, as well as leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector.

Until this appointment, Radia was the lead for the NACC’s Meals on Wheels campaign, championing nutritional support for older and vulnerable people within the community.

Radia said he was dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration in care settings. It is a topic he has addressed at national and international conferences and recently highlighted the challenges in care catering at the British Library as part of the libraries ‘Food Season’.

Radia said: “I am humbled to be asked to take the helm again. I believe in the strength of the association and I am committed to making it an even stronger voice for the benefit of our members and the care sector.

“We are facing some challenging times, which needs challenging solutions. I will continue to highlight the needs of the social care sector and the NACC will remain as the voice of those providing catering within, be that in residential care or at home in the community. This includes the continued demand to save our Meals on Wheels service that has so much to offer the wider society.”

“With fresh thinking and a strategic approach, we will grow membership and the voice of the NACC will become even louder as we promote the absolute importance of good nutrition and hydration in the care sector today and in the future.

“I would like to take the opportunity in thanking Sue Cawthray, my predecessor, who has led the association over the past four years with dedication, especially during the challenging period of Covid and lockdown.

“I am ready to continue the good work. With renewed energy and creative thinking, I will deliver on my promise and together with the NACC executive board, to take our association to the next level for the ultimate benefit of all our members – and of course those entrusted to our care.”