Leading contract caterer, Elior UK has honoured some of its top employees at the 16th Elior Awards for Excellence, held on 29 January.
Undeterred by the current restrictions, over 130 guests – including suppliers and finalists – gathered at a virtual event to celebrate achievements across the business. Attendees were treated to a delicious food hamper, created by the Elior chef team, and delivered to their doors.
The ceremony was hosted by TV personality and adventurer Ben Fogle, who praised winners across 12 different categories, including sustainability contribution, operational excellence and personal development.
Catherine Roe, Elior UK CEO, said, “Congratulations to all of our winners. In what has been a difficult year, your hard work, innovation and passion has shone through in your efforts to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
'From driving fast-paced change in the wake of unprecedented business challenges to taking a proactive, passionate approach in improving the wellbeing of children in schools, these awards recognise a broad spectrum of achievements across the business, highlighting what Elior is all about.
“The energy, passion and dedication shared during the virtual event was inspiring. A huge thank you not just to all the winners and those shortlisted, but to everyone who has worked so hard with us over the last year. And to our chef team for the beautiful box of treats for everyone to enjoy during the event.”
Elior Awards for Excellence Winners:
· Star Site – Villa Real School, Durham (Taylor Shaw), don’t just focus on providing a daily meal but the team is involved in enhancing pupil well-being and development.
· Sustainability Contribution award – Sathia Lackhmanan, General Manager at Swansea Waterfront Museum, puts his heart and soul into sustainability. He is personally involved in community initiatives, engages the team on the topic and recruits colleagues who share the same values.
· You Made a Difference winner – Paula Blanchard (pictured), Area Manager, Durham Primaries (Taylor Shaw) gave up her own time during the school summer holidays to provide food provisions for children on free school meals in a school where they were in danger of having no nutritional food during that time.
· Shining Star (Support Services) – Claire Robson, Area Trainer, Durham Primaries (Taylor Shaw) who personally drove an initiative to raise the awareness levels of healthy eating in packed lunch boxes, by developing a simple traffic light system.
· Chef Award – Matthew Fay, Head Chef at Waters Micromass, was recognised for supporting other sites and delivering concepts with flair and attention to detail.
· Culinary Competition – Sam Walton, Head Chef at multi-national Law Firm, impressed judges with his imagination and interpretation of the brief.
· Outstanding Contribution – Nicola Makarek, HR Manager, was recognised for her ability to match commercial awareness with a real desire to ensure our people are treated fairly and appropriately during difficult changes.
· Operational Excellence – Penny Heathcote, Operations Manager, was recognised for her sheer strength of personality and ability to develop a team that reflects the energy and commitment she exudes.
· Personal Development – Charlotte Edgecombe, Head Chef, GE Aviation for being a real ambassador for apprenticeships, encouraging and supporting colleagues on their own development journey.
· Inspiring Leadership award – Lin Ridings, Operations Director, Taylor Shaw who was praised by her team and management for setting clear goals and taking the time to explain her vision, as well as for her kindness and patience.
· eXceptional eXperience – Chris Holt, Front of House Manager, BT Hatfield who shared his own experience to help tackle the stigma around mental health and encourage people to talk.
· Shining Star (Site) – Sharon Butterfield, Mobile Chef Manager, Durham Primaries (Taylor Shaw) who has created a positive work culture and worked hard to drive innovation.