16 Oct 2016 by Charles Manners

I attended the Food Service Cateys on Friday night (14th October) at the Plaza Hotel in London, it was an excellent evening seeing many friends and catching up on all the industry news.

The Hotel produced a high quality meal, with excellent service, however the Cava to start the evening was the not the best and Rob Beckett the comdian did an intro which I could easily have missed.

The purpose of the evening was to recognise 21 categories of excellence from within the Food Service market, with supplier sponsors and contract caterers represented.

What struck me more than last year was the motivational effect that just being nominated has on individuals and the team building impact; many contract caterers using the evening to reward individuals and teams. What was also interesting to note was those companies who were not there! they are missing a trick!

We are part of the judging panel which takes place in July, and this year Ian took the lead, and had a fascinating day. We are members of the panel that selects the Sales Person of the Year and Regional Manager of the year, won this year by Simon Houston and Catherine Barras respectively; both worthy winners.

Regional Manager of the Year, sponsored by Carthweel Recruitment
Alaistair Armstrong, Sodexo
Catharine Barras, BaxterStorey - Winner
Nigel Scott, Sodexo

Salesperson of the Year, sponsored by Wilcox Burchmore
Simon Houston, Bartlett Mitchell - Winner
Claire Long, Holroyd Howe
Chris Reynolds, Amadeus