Leaders from the UK's biggest vending companies gathered to take part in the 37th annual Nestlé Professional® Hawkstone Golf Day.

Celebrated as one of the vending sector's premier networking event, more than 75 senior professionals came together to compete for the highly sought-after golfing title and to share business experiences and make new connections.

Victorious on the day was Team Gallagher, led by Steve Gallagher, Chairman of GEM Vending. Paul Howard, MD of Nebrak Limited, secured the individual high score at the event, with an impressive 66 points.

Rob Gormley, Head of Vending at Nestlé Professional®, commented at the event:

“We were absolutely delighted to again host our annual golf day at Hawkstone Park. It's a real highlight of the vending calendar and it was fantastic to welcome back familiar friends alongside some new faces for this year. The event brings together operators, wholesalers, machine manufacturers and support services to network, share knowledge and get involved in insightful discussion about the issues that matter to the vending industry. Not to mention some healthy competition with a few great rounds of golf!”

Steven Gallagher, Chairman at GEM Vending and captain of this year's winning team, said: “I've been attending the Hawkstone Golf Day since the very beginning, 37 years ago, and while I was delighted to lead the winning team this year, the real highlight for me, as ever, was the chance to spend time with so many industry friends. Our opposing team was captained by Brian Foster, who like me has been attending Hawkstone since the very first event in 1980, and we always enjoy meeting up to test our golfing skills and talk about developments in the industry.

“The event has become an institution and, as always, was superbly arranged by the Nestlé Professional® vending team. It boasts great golf on two wonderful courses, incredible food and entertainment, and the opportunity to make long-lasting contacts and friendships – who can ask for more?”

The Hawkstone Golf Day was founded by Nestlé Professional® in 1980 and was the first value-added networking event of its kind. Having evolved from a day of golf to a two-day family event, 2017 saw a host of additional activities, including lessons in golf, Segway and archery. This year's event also incorporated a warm and emotional farewell to Chris Starling, Business Account Manager, who retires from Nestlé Professional® at the end of June after 44 years' service.

Rob Gormley added: “Chris is a true stalwart of our industry. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of our colleagues and associates, and wish him well for the future.”