Cateys 2025: Foodservice Caterer Award: Paul Jackson, Searcys

While Paul Jackson may have joined Searcys as managing director in 2020, his colleagues and judges of the Foodservice Caterer of the Year Award were surprised it hadn’t been much longer, considering all he has achieved.

 

His longstanding reputation in the industry – for his people practices, his personality and, of course, the considerable growth of the Searcys business – resonated with judges.

 

His skilful management of Searcys, not only through a pandemic and into a post-lockdown world, but through the constantly changing landscape of the industry ever since, is remarkable. The business has reported four years of consecutive growth and expanded its portfolio to 35 venues, which have achieved record-breaking revenues under his leadership.

 

Since 2020, Searcys has won several catering contracts at prestigious London venues, including the Royal College of Surgeons, 116 Pall Mall, IET London: Savoy Place, Stationers’ Hall, Gray’s Inn and the National Gallery.

 

Jackson’s passion for exceptional food and service has ensured a renewed focus on quality, which has supported the business to attract the best hospitality talent and continue to grow its range of partnerships.

 

And while Searcys now has more venues than in its 177-year history, Jackson never loses sight of the people who are the driving force in keeping the spirit of Searcys alive.

 

There have been 68 internal promotions over the past year, and Jackson has also launched an internal awards programme – the Searcys People Awards – to celebrate and nurture talent and positivity, as well as long service awards, which are Jackson’s way of expressing gratitude to members of the Searcys family.

 

Launching a dedicated and free apprenticeship scheme for all employees, as well as encouraging employees to become mental health first-aiders and champion diversity and inclusion, are other ways that demonstrate Jackson as a people-first leader.

 

In addition to revenues from the company’s continuous contract wins, Jackson also looks for other ways to keep innovating and growing. For example, the introduction of Searcys English sparkling wine and Searcys Cuvée Champagnes have resulted in significant revenue alone. Under his guidance, the team also developed the Searcys Series, a series of 46 ticketed events in 2024, which included the hugely successful Bubbly Show, a two-day celebration of Champagne and English sparkling wine, with 441 guests and a 16% increase in paid tickets.

 

This has achieved a number of targets within its ESG strategy, called Second Nature, including carbon calculators introduced for all menus, a 20% reduction in food waste and the number of women in leadership roles now standing at 40%.

 

The company also remains committed to several charitable and educational causes, with £220,000 raised since 2022. Leading by example, and as a keen cyclist, Jackson started the Searcys cycling team, which raised £22,257 during its 2022 fundraising tour.

 

As one of the judges said, Jackson stood out in this year’s awards due to “growth, people, innovation and giving back”, all while being a much-respected and liked leader in the foodservice industry.

 

What the judges said

“With a longstanding reputation in the industry, Paul’s achievements with Searcys resonate with a career based on integrity, delivery and quality. An understated, but greatly respected figure” Allister Richards

 

“Paul represents what the hospitality industry is all about. His career spans incredible success and growth, back from his time at CH&Co and over the past five years with Searcys. He stood out in terms of growth, people, innovation and giving back” Hannah Horler

 

The shortlist

• Simon Houston and Dave Hawkes, Houston & Hawkes
• Paul Jackson, Searcys
• Matt Wood, Lexington Catering

The judges

• Frank Bothwell, Thomas Franks
• Ronan Harte, BaxterStorey
• Hannah Horler, Cartwheel Recruitment
• Chris Mitchell, Genuine Dining Co
• Allister Richards, CH&Co
• Matt Thomas, Restaurant Associates
• Chris Stern, Stern Consultancy

If you would like to enter the 2026 Cateys, or you know someone who you would like to nominate, register your interest for updates