Bryan Whittaker, former CESA technical director, dies aged 84

Bryan Whittaker, a former technical director of CESA (now the Foodservice Equipment Association), died on Saturday 2 April following a short illness at the age of 84.

He was technical director of CESA (now FEA) until 2001, when he ‘retired' to serve as the CESA technical consultant, from 2001 to 2017.

He was described as “hugely instrumental” in key events in CESA's history, including the merger of CEMA (the Catering Equipment Manufacturers Association) and CEIA (the Catering Equipment Importers Association) in 1996, and the negotiation of the sponsorship agreement with Reed Exhibitions for the Hotelympia and Hospitality exhibitions.

He was also secretary general of EFCEM (European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers) from 1995 to 1997 and the chair of its technical board.

Concurrent with his work for CESA he was a director of Metcom (Mechanical and Metal Trades Confederation) providing technical representation and support services to 14 engineering trade associations. He was also secretary to the Engineering Industry Forum.

Bryan was described as having an “open, convivial and multifaceted character, with a great depth of knowledge” as well as “an engaging personality” and was at ease with all he met, regardless of their role or status.

As a mechanical engineer, he was an industry expert and had an extensive knowledge including of gas, electrical, machinery, environmental and ventilation policy and standards development.

He was also a generous mentor and used his knowledge to support companies with technical advice.

In 2005 he received an MBE for services to the industry, which included the extensive revision of the Machinery Safety Directive to ensure its clarity and relevance to manufacturers. His attention to detail and commitment to clarity meant he was highly respected by standards and policy makers.

In 2007 Bryan received the Outstanding Service to the Catering Industry Award and in 2017 he was honoured by the British Standards Institute (BSI) with a Distinguished Service Certificate, in recognition of his decades of dedicated and professional service.

Keith Warren, chief executive of FEA, said: "Bryan will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him and who were fortunate to know him as a friend."

Bryan is survived by his wife, Joyce, his four children and 14 grandchildren. The funeral service is at Colchester Crematorium, Mersea Road, Colchester CO2 8RU on Thursday 28 April 2022 at 1.15pm.

Bryan Whittaker MBE, 1937-2022