Michael Hales

LACA Main Event 2024 Forum Chair & Managing Director of Juniper Ventures Limited

Michael’s career in education catering started in 1989 in Tower Hamlets which led to him becoming Head of Contract Services.  In 2016 he recognised an opportunity in the neighbouring borough of Newham which would see the formation of Juniper Ventures Limited that, through a workforce of some 900, provide quality catering, cleaning and Health & Safety advisory services to schools and businesses across East London and beyond - always in an open and honest way.  Both the business and Michael have been nationally acknowledged several times for positive management achievements and innovation.

Michael has also been a supporter of LACA and its work for nearly 30 years and in 2018/19 became National Chair which included him lobbying many MPs regarding junk food advertising near schools and UIFSM funding as well as supporting all LACA’s events and visiting every region to help understand members’ challenges.

A great advocate for universal free school meals for all pupils of all ages he is determined to continue to do all he can to see this achieved before retirement beckons.