Totally Local Company Announces LACA Northwest Chair

Totally Local Company is proud to be a member of LACA (Local Authority Caterers Association), the leading voice for school food professionals who are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to children across the UK.

On 20th March 2025, our School Catering Manager, Jayne Stubbs, and Quality and Training Lead, Lisa Tottle, attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Bury Town Hall. The event brought together catering providers from across the Northwest, including representatives from Bolton, St Helens, Bury, Salford, Blackpool, and Stockport.

The AGM serves as an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to reflect on the past year, share insights, and discuss plans for the future of school catering.

We are thrilled to announce that Jayne Stubbs will be stepping up as the new Northwest Regional Chair of LACA. This is a fantastic recognition of Jayne’s expertise and dedication to the sector. Additionally, Lisa Tottle will continue to develop her role as Treasurer, a position she took on in 2024.

The event was also attended by Judith Gregory, National Chair for LACA and Head of School Meals for Cardiff. Judith reiterated her commitment to advocating for consistent school meal funding across all four UK nations, ensuring that both Free School Meals (FSM) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) receive the necessary financial support. She also highlighted the importance of the LACA Apprenticeship Scheme in attracting young talent to the industry and developing future catering leaders.

As part of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of school catering professionals, Totally Local Company will be rolling out the LACA Apprenticeship Scheme in September 2025.

About LACA

LACA represents over 3,300 organisations and individuals who are committed to ensuring that children benefit from healthy, nutritious school meals. Members include local authority providers, contract caterers, catering managers, school kitchen staff, as well as food and equipment suppliers.

Originally established in 1990 as the Local Authority Caterers Association, LACA has evolved to represent both local authority and private sector caterers, reflecting the changing landscape of the school food industry.

We are proud to be part of an organisation that champions excellence in school catering and look forward to making a continued impact in 2025 and beyond.

From left to right: Peter Fraemohs, EsiYo UK, with Jayne Stubbs, TLC School Catering Manager, and LACA Northwest Regional Chair.

Right Image: Judith Gregory, LACA National Chair, at the AGM.