‘Winning a Foodservice Catey meant the world’

Healthcare Caterer of the Year, Medirest (Russell Blake, Managing Director, Healthcare - Compass Group UK and Ireland)

How did you find the application process?

The self-reflection aspect of the application process was important. It’s a good opportunity to stop and think about what you do well and a reminder of the reasons for doing them.

In what ways did winning the award change or define your work?

It’s pushed us to continue to innovate and drive technology, health and wellbeing and sustainability within our sector. Receiving external recognition has also helped enhance our partnerships with our clients and customers.

What would you say to this year’s nominees to ensure they clinch that win?

This award is for making a difference every day, so think about the patients, residents, staff and visitors your work impacts and what you deliver to them.  

General Manager of the Year, Benjamin Campbell, venue director at the Royal Armouries

How has winning the award shaped your work this year?

It has significantly shaped how I lead and operate. It reinforced the importance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and people-first leadership, and gave me greater confidence to make bold decisions and implement new initiatives that elevate the client and customer experience. It’s also helped position me as a mentor within the business, encouraging me to invest more time in developing the next generation of leaders.

What tips would you give to this year’s nominees to make them stand out?

First and foremost, be authentic. This award isn’t just about KPIs or numbers, it’s about leadership that inspires, adapts, and drives meaningful results. Don’t shy away from sharing the challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them as those stories show true resilience. Most importantly, let your passion shine through. People connect with genuine purpose and vision, and that’s what sets the winners apart.

Retail and Leisure Caterer of the Year (Elior, Craig Stewart, managing director at Elior)

What did winning the Retail and Leisure Caterer of the Year mean to the Elior team?

It was a defining moment for both me and the Elior team. This prestigious award represented a validation of the innovative and customer-centric approach we have tirelessly cultivated over the years.

What would you say to this year’s Retail and Leisure Caterer of the Year nominees ensure they clinch that win?

Tips to ensure your application shines includes focusing on areas such as showing how you prioritise customer service, encouraging customer feedback and show how you’ve used it to make improvements, as well as highlighting your business’ unique selling points.

Also, make sure that the passion for what you do shines through every aspect of the business.

Enter the Foodservice Cateys 2025

The Foodservice Cateys will take place on 10 October at the Royal Lancaster London, where the industry will once again have the opportunity to celebrate together.

Enter The Caterer’s Foodservice Cateys now. Entries must be submitted before 26 June.