Innoveat was born from the knowledge, passion and experience of founder Heerum Fleary. Using her extensive expertise of procurement and buying, she launched a brand that caters specifically for travel and leisure buyers everywhere.
Meet Innoveat’s Director, Heerum Fleary
“Having worked in procurement for 14 years and as a Gate Gourmet buyer (the world’s largest airline caterer) for five years, my knowledge of the travel industry was immense. Much of this was attributed to the long list of close relationships that I built with my suppliers, and it was this that proved to be a huge factor in my decision to go solo. Those suppliers knew how knowledgeable, efficient and reliable I was and asked me to set up my own business so that we could continue to work together.
“I set up Fleary Consultancy which focused solely on procurement. As it grew more successful, one year later it was rebranded to TickEat and the scope became much wider. TickEat specialises in acting as a strategic business and product development partner to food and beverage businesses looking to branch out into the travel and leisure sector.
Why I started Innoveat
“Last year, I went to WTCE in Hamburg which was the only exhibition specifically aimed at the airline and train sector. I was hoping to see more exciting innovations when it came to products and suppliers, so I decided to start something that worked better in the UK and would champion innovation at its heart.
I realised that success would come from focusing on building Innoveat as a business of its own, rather than just making it an annual exhibition, and the brand already encompasses twice-yearly catalogues, monthly newsletters and free subscription boxes. Buyers can sign up to receive these packages here.
“The feedback from travel and leisure buyers has been fantastic and they’ve welcomed this much-needed UK-based show that caters specifically for their needs. The Innoveat brand has already attracted attention from SIAL Middle East and the Mercurys within six months of it launching, and the Mercurys will be holding their judging session at the 2017 Innoveat show.
“Launching an exhibition was not a new experience for me as during my time at Gate Gourmet, I put together a supplier innovation day for British Airways. Although it was on a smaller scale with 15 suppliers exhibiting in the morning and 15 in the afternoon, four years on, some of those suppliers are still being used such as Joe & Seph’s Popcorn.
“We have many more exciting plans in place for Innoveat, so watch this space!”
Meet Innoveat’s Designer, Elon Julien
“I gained my design degree at Westminster University and have worked through a series of roles in various industries. I’ve always been interested in the food sector and was thrilled to join TickEat/Innoveat as they expanded their offering to include graphic design services. I get the best of both worlds as I use my design expertise on a daily basis, but I also get to broaden my skills in other areas including business development and strategy, all of which constantly evolve my design thinking.
“It’s exciting to work with someone as experienced and passionate as Heerum, and my knowledge of the sector has grown rapidly because of this. It’s this team approach that creates such great results for our clients.”
Before you leave…
Innoveat, the UK’s only food exhibition specifically catering for buyers in the travel and leisure sectors takes place on Thursday 12th October 2017 at the Park Inn Hotel, Heathrow. Book your FREE ticket here.