“Thank you, hospitality industry, for a truly enjoyable 45 years”
One of the foodservice equipment industry’s most popular and flamboyant figures has announced his retirement. Martin Shaw has been with FEM for the last 15 years, but has spent his whole career, spanning over four decades, in the hospitality industry.
Shaw started working in hotels, at a tender age, before progressing to running a family pub restaurant for several years. At this point he decided on a career segue and moved to the distribution side of the industry, working in catering equipment supply with Hampshire Catering Equipment. He spent ten years there, based in Southampton, before making the move to manufacturer representation with FEM, in 2006.
“During my years with FEM I have relished the challenges and rewards that come with being part of a dynamic company and building the business,” he says. “I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the team at FEM, who are just brilliant, they’ve worked so hard to support me with our dealers and their representatives.
“Although I’m retiring I’m going to be watching the continued growth of FEM with interest and wish my successor, Chris Giles, as many happy years representing the company as I‘ve enjoyed .”
FEM sales director Mike Inwood says Martin will be a huge loss to the business and the industry as a whole. “For many people he has been the face of FEM for over 15 years,” he says. “He’s such a personable and sociable man. My biggest regret is that I only got to work with Martin for 19 months, much of which was during covid times. He must be very proud of the legacy he has left at FEM. I hope we can continue to build on what he has helped create.”
As for the future, Shaw won’t be letting the grass grow under his feet. “I plan to spend more time with my wife and my expanding family… we currently have seven grandchildren. Any spare time will be spent with my Triumph Herald – watch out for me at classic car events!
“I will truly miss the FEM Team, our valued suppliers and our customers, many of whom are now good friends. I’d like to thank you, and the hospitality industry, for a truly enjoyable 45 years.”
FEM’s managing director Harry Hogan says, “Martin has been a huge asset to the business and we thank him for all his support, professionalism, knowledge, work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile – characteristics that have seen him gain many clients and friends in the industry. He’s one of those people who is serious when needs be, but also has an enthusiastic and jovial approach to life. He’s one of a kind.
“The directors and all his colleagues at FEM wish Martin a well-deserved and wonderful retirement.”