The Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA) unveiled its 2017 Awards for Excellence winners at a gala dinner during its Main Event conference and exhibition at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Sally Shadrack, chair of LACA, hosted the annual awards night at which 13 winners were honoured for their efforts and achievements in the world of school meals provision.
Judith Gregory, senior client officer with Cardiff Council had a double reason to celebrate, picking up the Roger Davis Outstanding Achievement Award and sharing the Change4Life Award with Katie Palmer on behalf of Education Catering, Cardiff Council.
Sally Shadrack decided to split the annual Chair's Award, sharing between Andy Kemp of Bidfood, for his long-term support of LACA and work to campaign to save universal infant free school meals, and Oakhill Communications.
The full list of winners are as follows:
LACA Special Contribution Award - Jacqui Webb
Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Premier Foods - Larissa Wells, Villa Real School (Taylor Shaw)
Catering Business of the Year, sponsored by Hobart UK - HCL Ltd
Primary School Catering Team, sponsored by McCain Foods - Toner Avenue Primary School, South Tyneside Catering Services
Secondary School Catering Team, sponsored by Bidfood - South Axholme Academy, T(n)S Catering Management
Education Catering Marketing Award, sponsored by Elygra Marketing Services - CaterED
Nan Berger Memorial Award, sponsored by Nationwide Retail Services - Derbyshire County Council
Roger Davis Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by ParentPay - Judith Gregory, Education Catering, Cardiff Council
Self-Delivered/In House Catering Operation, sponsored by Young's Foodservice - Mendip Green Primary School
Change4Life, sponsored by Pasta King - Education Catering, Cardiff Council
Region of the Year, sponsored by Dr Oetker - North East & Scotland
LACA Chair's Award (joint winners) - Andy Kemp, Bidfood; Oakhill Communications
LACA Supplier of the Year - YPO