Lauren, a 35 year old Mum of 2, from Glasgow, Scotland has turned her passion for cooking and sharing it online into a career she loves! Prior, and whilst consecutively, working for Scottish Water (Scottish tap water is the best!) for 12 years, Lauren also worked in the hospitality industry in various spots (Glenskirlie Hotel, Garfield Hotel, Amore, Cafe Gandolfi, 29 Glasgow etc.) across Glasgow from 2005 - 2015. She then left Scottish Water to embark on content creation, social media and recipe blogging full-time in October 2024. She shares her passion for wholesome and traditional good food with her followers across various platforms and on her newly launched website: http://laurenscravings.com She tries to source the best quality ingredients to use in her recipes, as she believes you nourish your body from the inside out. You’ll hear many chefs say that “good food doesn’t need to be complicated” and she wholly believes that. If you use food in its truest form and treat it well, it can result in something truly magical. She believes that food represents community and that how you feed yourself and others is an expression of love and care in its simplest form. Lauren has developed great friendships through the local food scene; from within the local food blogger community, to restauranteurs, local suppliers and beyond. She's passionate about promoting the use of locally sourced ingredients with an emphasis on REAL food. And can't wait to share that excitement with other like-minded folk at ScotHot 2025.

What do you think are the greatest opportunities for the Scottish tourism, retail and hospitality industries in 2025?

From a social media and PR perspective (as that's my area), I think the opportunities for brands to collaborate with content creators that align with their vision and values are only increasing. Harnessing the power and influence of key players in the industry is a great strategy tool. I personally find longer-term partnerships that translate true passion and a genuine collaboration with brands are the most impactful; so utilising these with specific content creators will only help to grow brand awareness and image through authentic partnerships.

What are you looking most forward to seeing, meeting, or attending at ScotHot?

I'm most looking forward to being introduced to food brands that I'm yet to discover across Scotland, and being able to utilise the produce in my recipes after the event. I love shouting about local Scottish produce! And especially speaking to leaders within the industries on their experiences; hearing about successes and achievements and how they carved out their space within the area I've chosen to call my career now too.

Why do you think events like ScotHot are important to the industry?

Collaboration is one of the most important tools that brands and businesses can use to grow their business and nurture their current audience. Social media and the online world is here to stay, but nothing beats getting in front of someone and having a real-life conversation. It's where true relationships are forged and long-standing friendships made. Giving people the opportunity to chat to like-minded folk who are equally as passionate about the tourism, retail and hospitality industries across Scotland is invaluable.