Directors 

Alexia Robinson, Love British Food Founder

Alexia is a country girl from Dorset who started her career as a management consultant for Accenture in London and Hong Kong where she specialised in implementing major business change programmes in government, healthcare and procurement.

She returned to her roots running national awareness campaigns for rural Britain and a marketing programme for the game meat sector which, under her leadership, was the only meat sector to achieve consistent double-figure growth. She has helped conduct a strategic review at Ascot racecourse, giving her invaluable insight into food service in the hospitality sector. A country girl at heart, she cares passionately about the British countryside and rural way of life. Her mantra is – no sheep, no cows, no countryside – and believes that if we don’t buy British and support our farmers, we risk having no working farms, diminished food security and the countryside will become a rural theme park.

She founded Love British Food and British Food Fortnight in 2002 in response to the foot and mouth crisis. She is the first person representing British food and farming to sit on the Public Sector Catering Alliance. She developed a brand Love British Food 2012 in support of the Olympics that many retailers and food service organisations adopted. She has worked with our now HM The Queen on many initiatives teaching children about food and cooking; and, working with HM The Queen, organised the first harvest service to be held in Westminster Abbey for half a century leading to the introduction of a National Harvest Service on the national calendar.

“Love British Food’s activities have grown so much it felt the right time to move to being a Social Enterprise. British Food Fortnight, the National Harvest Service, our farm visit programme for caterers, industry working groups and our established promotions in the public sector…all are activities that I want to ensure are safe-guarded for longevity.”

“Tim, Derek and Ben joining me as Directors will help achieve this.”

Tim Radcliffe, Net Zero Food Programme Manager for NHS England

 Bringing thirty years of corporate, military, hospitality and restaurant ownership experience to the NHS, Tim’s approach is that every patient deserves to eat restaurant-quality meals. A passionate proponent of food as medicine, appearing on Channel Four’s Food Unwrapped, and published on many occasions to showcase the opportunities, rather than the restrictions, of providing over 5,000 high-quality meals a day.

Winner of the Public Sector Hospital Caterer of the year 2021 & Hospital Caterer of the year 2022.

Tim joined NHSE as Net Zero Food Programme Manager in August 2022 promoting the Net Zero Food Programme, linking intrinsically to the Food Standards and NHS Food Review. Driving exemplary leadership throughout NHS catering.

Tim chairs the NHS Catering Exemplar Sites group and is co-chair of the Expert Panel focusing on 24/7 feeding for NHS Staff

“Being asked to be a director of Love British Food is an immense honour and something I accepted in a heartbeat .

The challenges of Food security , ethical farming and nutritional food is more relevant than ever and these are issues that British farmers are better suited than anyone to deliver on .This country produces high quality, affordable produce and we should be immensely proud of our farming heritage The public sector has a significant part to play by committing to connect farm to fork . We are feeding the nation from cradle to grave and doing it with British produce benefits our local communities .”

Derek Wright, Catering Services Manager at Blackpool Council

Derek began his culinary journey deeply rooted in a profound appreciation for British produce, having grown up in rural Lancashire. With over a decade in hospitality, from his early days at Preston North End to prestigious events like Royal Ascot, his commitment to using British produce has only strengthened.

Since joining Blackpool Catering Services in 2015, he has championed local ingredients, expanding our operation to 34 sites, serving over 135,000 meals monthly. As a Director of Love British Food, his focus on promoting local produce aligns seamlessly. Joining the Love British Food Schools Working Group is a natural step, underlining the pivotal role of British ingredients in educational meals. Quality produce not only boosts nutrition but also supports farmers, contributing to local sustainability in food supply.

He aims to change the perception of school food by showcasing the richness of British produce, encouraging government support for local suppliers. Contributing to the national conversation on the importance of incorporating British ingredients in educational meals is key. This not only enhances nutritional value but also fosters a connection between students and the vibrant tapestry of our local agricultural community.

"Upon being invited to be a volunteer Director for Love British Food, I eagerly embraced the opportunity. As a Chef I grew up rooted in a farming community, I am enthusiastic about advocating for the use of locally sourced produce in our countryside and the benefits this has not only improves nutrition but our sustainability and local economy.

Love British Food stands as an outstanding platform for championing our cause. Our distinctive position enables us to champion British food across the broader spectrum of the Public Sector and within our communities. We reach individuals through schools and other educational institutions, all while bringing the remarkable farmers, producers, and wholesalers to the forefront of what we do."

Ben Bartlett, Celebrity Chef

Ben is one of the UK’s foremost Celebrity chefs and was the first winner of Britain’s Best BBQer, awarded by the British BBQ Association. He has his own food and drink company that advises pubs, restaurants and hotels on al fresco dining and regularly gives masterclasses and demonstrations all over the UK.

Ben Barlett

FBII, MIH, MCGC, MCGB

Bristol Eating Better Gold Award Winner 

Board Member Master Chefs of Great Britain

Ambassador for Love British Food & Monolith Grills

"I am honoured to become a Director of Love British Food. I will be championing Love British Food to chefs across hospitality and attending industry events to share my knowledge and experience to help promote this important cause."