Michael Hales

LACA Main Event 2025 Forum Chair & National Vice Chair, LACA Ltd.

Michael began his journey in education catering in 1989 in Tower Hamlets, where his passion and commitment to service led him to become Head of Contract Services.  In 2016, spotting an opportunity to make a broader impact, he played a key role in establishing Juniper Ventures Limited in the neighbouring borough of Newham.  Under his leadership, Juniper has grown into a thriving organisation with a team of around 800 staff, delivering high-quality catering, cleaning and Health & Safety advisory services to schools and businesses across East London and beyond.  The company operates with a strong commitment to openness, honesty, and innovation—principles that have earned both Michael and the business national recognition for excellence in management and forward-thinking practices as well as a prestigious CATEY.

A long-standing supporter of LACA (The School Food People), Michael has been actively involved for nearly three decades.  His dedication culminated in his appointment as National Chair for 2018/19, during which he passionately campaigned on key issues such as junk food advertising near schools and increasesd funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).  Throughout his tenure, he made it a priority to support all of LACA’s events and personally visited every region to better understand and advocate for the challenges faced by all members.  Michael takes the National Chair role again in September 2025.

Michael is a passionate advocate for universal free school meals for all pupils, regardless of age and remains steadfast in his mission to see this vision become a reality—ideally before he contemplates retirement on a Spanish beach!