Testimonials in support of Martin Kersh UK Packaging Award

UK Packaging Awards 2022

‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’.

 

Mark Pawsey MP, Chairman of the Foodservice Packaging Association

“I’ve known Martin for more than 20 years, dating from my time in the foodservice packaging sector with Central Catering Supplies. In the years that Martin has headed up the FPA, he has worked tremendously hard to make sure the voice of the industry is heard at the highest levels and he has built respect for our industry within government departments including Defra and the Treasury. Martin is totally dedicated to fighting to protect the interests of our member businesses and through those members, the jobs and families of the people who make this industry so dynamic. Martin has gained a reputation as the ‘go to’ expert for foodservice packaging and is regularly called upon by government departments, committees, other organisations, the media and by members for advice, insight and comment. As a result of Martin’s dedication, the FPA is a credible and highly respected organisation”.

 

Mike Ravell, CEO the Socius Group

“Martin has become the face of the Foodservice Packaging Association, and with his commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm has communicated eloquently the challenges facing the packaging industry to our members. Through his intensive networking and energy, he has been able to represent our precious industry with professionalism and pride as he challenges the legislators that packaging has a vital role within our economy now and the future”.

 

 

Margaret Bates, OPRL

“Martin is a stalwart of the packaging sector – always standing up for the industry in particular the food service packaging aspects. Martin has an holistic view of the sector and doesn’t just focus on the big players, he sticks up for the little guys too which is so important when otherwise their opinions would not be acknowledged and they would not be heard. Martin represents his members and the wider packaging sector with compassion and conviction, his ethics and integrity are clear.

In a debate Martin is always thought provoking and challenging, providing an alternative perspective and viewpoint. Martin is intelligent, insightful and entertaining which is why he is so well respected and valued throughout the sector”.

 

Paul Vanston, INCPEN

“Martin Kersh is a recognised national ambassador and advocate for foodservice packaging. In his role as the Executive Director of the Foodservice Packaging Association, Martin engages extensively and effectively with governments and the supply chain towards a truly circular economy for

foodservice packaging. He is highly respected for his enthusiasm and passion, as well as his formidable commitment to high professional standards. Based on everything I see for myself about Martin, I would not be at all surprised for the UK Packaging Awards to nationally recognise his extensive excellent contributions”.

 

Nick Burton, Managing Director, Celebration Packaging

“Martin has done a fantastic job in promoting the FPA at conferences and seminars over the years and this is now paying dividends as the association has more access to decision makers at DEFRA/Westminster than ever before. This is especially important now as our industry is being hit with taxes, restrictions and bans on a scale never seen previously.

Over the last 20 years since Martin started to work with the FPA he has supported various Chairs and he has been able to work with everyone in a professional manner. He provides great assistance to the Chair, members of the FPA’s executive committee and all FPA members.

Through Martin’s hard work and commitment, the FPA’s membership has grown considerably and today the FPA is in a much better shape than it has ever been.

Martin has been a perfect ambassador for the FPA, his gregarious character has meant that he has been able to communicate directly to the members of the FPA and this access has given him an outstanding grasp of the members priorities and needs”.

 

Andrew Grimbaldeston, Commercial Director, Colpac

“When Martin started out with the FPA, I feel certain he had no idea of what he was getting himself into. He’s found himself in the midst of the storm constantly over the last few years from cup-gate to covid to EPR. He’s dealt with the politicians and lobbyists, patiently and persistently in a manner very few would have had the patience for! Despite all the challenges, he has made the time to deal with each of us; never shying away from the difficult conversations (mostly with me), and yet throughout, he has remained constantly approachable with his good humour intact. That’s definitely worthy of an award!”

 

Greg Fitchett – Ex – Chairman of the FPA

The FPA appointed Martin in the role of secretariat after the then Chairman saw Martin present a survey at the CHSA “some years ago.”

Martin, for many years, ran and continues to manage the Awards Night for the FPA and supported the presentation night that became a focal point of the FPA activities at that time. It was whilst doing this we recognised Martins “persuasive approach” to getting support and indeed commitment from the membership.

Soon after, I became the Chairman of the FPA. My focus was to create and bring the FPA into a more meaningful membership organisation, rather than what had been for a long time, a more social group of manufacturers and distributors supplying the Food Service Sector. We created a group of committees and we asked Martin to head up the marketing committee.

In the structure of the FPA we developed over time a plan to create a “business leadership team” encompassing of a Vice Chair, Treasurer and Executive Director. The decision of this team was to offer Martin the role of Executive Director, a role that he accepted and has to this date, developed, and built to provide a pivotal and meaningful role in the refined FPA.

Historically, the FPA centered around numerous social “events.” However, we noted on the horizon that challenges from legislation at local, national, and European levels that Food Packaging was very much in the line of fire of the politicians and industry groups. The most memorable “initial fight” was that on the Retail Plastic Carrier bag Tax.

Martin quickly took the lead on these types of “issues.” As an association, we had to maintain our unbiased preference to any specific material as our membership covered, for example in this situation both plastic and paper bag manufacturers. It was important that any data we shared was balanced, relevant and true. Through Martin we the FPA represented our members and fought a good fight and were able to influence the then committed policies implemented by the then government.

Martin relished these situations and with his ability to communicate across business, politics, advisors and indeed the public with numerous radio and TV appearances, Martin quickly became a recognised person of knowledge and dare I say influence in the wider “packaging industry”

The FPA then developed the environmental seminar, originally a free event for the FPA members it quickly grew into an industry event with the caliber of speakers all sourced through Martins tenacity and indeed growing “industry wide” reputation.

Martin did not fear “clashing” with authority and a clear example was when through Martin the FPA invited a member of Extinction Rebellion to speak at one of the FPA environmental events. Against a

growing backlash from members, Martin made it abundantly clear we need to listen and recognise, though not necessarily accept different views of opinion from across society and industry. This truly reflects the credentials of Martin and how he has supported and continued his support and the development of the FPA as an industry wide “voice.” This has resulted Martin representing “the packaging Industry” on many government committees and advisory groups.

Martin has indeed “grown” within the packaging industry and is a true ambassador of the numerous materials and products they manufacture and we, the public use daily and I know many manufacturers, distributors, trade associations and indeed members of the public who look up to Martin Kersh.

I am therefore privileged to propose that Martin Kersh by recognised and in no better way than he be recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to our industry.