Cost Sector Catering recognises industry excellence at annual awards

15th April 2011, 10:06am

Last night saw the 17th annual Cost Sector Catering Awards take place at London's Hilton Metropole celebrating success and excellence throughout contract and public sector catering.

Taking home the prestigious Blue Ribband Award was Phil Hooper, corporate affairs director for Sodexo, who was congratulated with a standing ovation from the 700 guests.

Reading the cititaion, Cost Sector Catering editor David Foad said: "I'm delighted to have the chance tonight to present the citation for the winner of the Blue Ribband Award, which is given each year to the person – or organisation – the judges believe has made the most outstanding contribution to our industry."

Foad added that Hooper stands out "…not only for the example he's set as a talented and loyal employee but also for his tremendous willingness to get involved in the wider issues facing the catering industry and the enthusiasm he brings to that role".

Colleagues went on to describe Hooper as someone who is the "embodiment of work hard, play hard and a joy to be with in both circumstances", adding that he "provides an industry perspective that is impossible to find elsewhere".

Presented by comedienne and actress Helen Lederer, the remaining 14 categories were hotly contested leaving judges with the unenviable task of choosing a winner.

Those going home with trophies were:

Armed Services Award
Sponsored by Purple Foodservice Solutions
Leading Chef Richard Tame RN

Chef Award
Sponsored by Gourmet Classic
Peter Bartholdy

Contract Catering Award
Sponsored by Nestlé Professional
Pabulum

Contract Catering District Manager Award
Sponsored by Nero & Blanco
Lisa Raynor

Corporate Responsibility Award
Sponsored by 3663 First for Foodservice
Sodexo

Education Award
Sponsored by Premier Foods
Hampshire County Council Catering Services

Event Caterer Award
Sponsored by Fresh RM organisers of Hotelympia
Creativevents

Healthcare Award
Sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions
Neil Hathaway

Marketing Award
Sponsored by Atlantic Creative Services
National Association of Care Catering (NACC)

Public Sector Award
Sponsored by Fretwell Downing Hospitality
Alberto Crisci

Social Care Award
Sponsored by apetito
John Figgins

Stadia Award
Sponsored by Manitowoc Foodservice
Azure Support Services, Elior UK

Unit Manager Award
Sponsored by Peros Ltd
Andy Davies, Elior UK

University/College Award
Sponsored by Brakes
Amar Ahluwalia

Blue Ribband Award
Sponsored by Hobart UK
Phil Hooper