Manchester’s business events scene has always moved fast — but lately, it’s moving in a new direction. Across boardroom lunches, product launches, and large-scale conferences, one theme keeps coming up: sustainability. Companies aren’t just asking “what’s on the menu?” anymore. They’re asking “where did it come from, how was it made, and what happens to what’s left over?”
At Francs Event Catering Ltd, we’ve watched this shift happen in real time, and we’ve built our business around meeting it head-on. Here’s why sustainable catering is becoming the new standard for Manchester business events — and what it actually looks like in practice.
Why Sustainability Has Become a Boardroom Priority
Corporate events used to be judged almost entirely on presentation and polish. Today, procurement teams, event planners, and HR departments are factoring environmental impact into every decision, catering included. A few forces are driving this:
- ESG commitments are trickling down into everyday operations. Companies with sustainability targets need their suppliers — caterers included — to help them hit those numbers.
- Employees and clients expect it. A well-run, low-waste event says something about a company’s values, and people notice.
- Manchester’s own business culture is leaning green. As the city continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and responsible growth, the events hosted here are expected to reflect that identity.
Put simply: sustainable catering isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s part of how businesses present themselves.
What Sustainable Corporate Catering Actually Looks Like
“Sustainable catering” can sound vague, so let’s break down what it means in practice — and how we approach it at Francs Event Catering.
1. Local and Seasonal Sourcing
We work with suppliers across Greater Manchester and the wider North West, prioritising seasonal produce and short supply chains. This cuts transport emissions, supports the regional economy, and — as a bonus — usually means fresher, better-tasting food.
2. Reducing Food Waste at Every Stage
Overproduction is one of the highest hidden costs of event catering, both financially and environmentally. We plan portions carefully based on real attendance data, offer flexible menu formats that reduce leftovers, and partner with local redistribution schemes so surplus food doesn’t go to landfill.
3. Cutting Out Single-Use Plastics
From serving ware to packaging, we’ve moved toward compostable, reusable, or recyclable alternatives across our events — no small feat for large conferences, but a meaningful one.
4. Plant-Forward Menus, Done Well
Reducing reliance on high-impact ingredients doesn’t mean boring food. We design menus where plant-based and vegetarian options are genuinely appealing, not an afterthought — which naturally lowers the carbon footprint of an event without anyone feeling like they’re compromising.
5. Transparent Reporting for Clients
For businesses tracking their own sustainability metrics, we can provide visibility into sourcing, waste reduction, and packaging choices — making it easier for event organisers to report on the impact of their gatherings.
The Business Case, Not Just the Ethical One
Sustainable catering isn’t only about doing the right thing — it makes practical sense too:
- Cost efficiency. Smarter portioning and waste reduction often lower overall catering spend.
- Stronger client and employee perception. Events that reflect genuine values leave a lasting impression.
- Future-proofing. As sustainability reporting requirements tighten across UK businesses, working with suppliers who already operate this way saves headaches down the line.
What This Means for Manchester’s Event Landscape
Manchester has long been known for reinventing itself — industrially, culturally, and now, in how it does business. Corporate events are a visible expression of that shift. Whether it’s a 20-person board meeting or a 500-person conference, the expectation is increasingly the same: quality catering that doesn’t cost the earth.
At Francs Event Catering Ltd, we see this not as a trend to accommodate, but as the direction the industry was always heading. We’re proud to be part of shaping what responsible, high-quality corporate catering in Manchester looks like in this city.
Planning a Business Event in Manchester?
If you’re organising a corporate event and want catering that’s thoughtful, sustainable, and genuinely delicious, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with Francs Event Catering Ltd to find out how we can help make your next event one your business — and the planet — can feel good about.