Special Award
Nomination form](http://www.processrequest.com/quickstart/survey.asp?e=XbcahejcCF-RaA&oid=UcgifCB" target="_blank)
The announcement at last year's Cateys ceremony that the recipient of the 2001 Special Award was Compass Group chairman Francis Mackay was met with loud applause. Excellent choice, was the verdict from Mackay's peers, many of whom stood to applaud his success in recognition that Mackay epitomised the spirit of this award, one of the most sought-after in the Catey academy.
Like all previous winners, Mackay possesses the ability to inspire and lead as well as displaying a zeal and dedication to his work. Here was a man who did not seek the limelight, preferring instead to go quietly about his business, building up a company that changed the face of contract catering in the UK.
It was Compass, under Mackay's leadership, that helped drag the sector out of the institutional canteen culture of old and into the 21st century. It spearheaded the use of high-street brands in the workplace, adopting the marketing techniques of the commercial world to help raise standards and improve profitability. It was also one of the first companies to realise the potential for expansion into areas outside the traditional workplace catering market. As a result, railway stations, airports, hospitals, even football grounds and racecourses, are now seen as part of the natural habitat of the contract caterer.
In common with all Special Award winners, Mackay's success is not confined to the past, but is ongoing. This year Compass Group demonstrated its resilience in an economic slowdown, delivering a pre-tax profit before exceptional items of £583m for the 12 months ending 30 September. Operating profit rose by a staggering 90%, to £676m, in part due to the break-up of the old Forte stable of hotels that Compass had inherited from Granada in 1999. This eclectic group of hotels fetched a cool £3.26b, money to plough back into the business of acquiring contract caterers around the world.
Now the search is on for the Special Award winner for 2002 to join an already elite line-up. There are no set criteria for this award. It can recognise someone from any sector of the hospitality industry. Previous winners have included Silvano Giraldin from London's celebrated Le Gavroche restaurant, Sir Rocco Forte, Sir Terence Conran, David Michels and John Jarvis.
Remember that the person you nominate will have already made a significant contribution to their sector, and maybe to the industry at large, but that their contribution is ongoing and by no means over. The award may come early in a career, as recognition of original or creative ideas, or later, when someone has established a consistently outstanding record.
To nominate someone for this award turn to page 36 of this brochure and be sure to enclose a supporting statement of up to 200 words. Closing date for nominations is 22 February and the judging will take place at Caterer & Hotelkeeper's offices on Wednesday 15 May.
The Special award is given for outstanding commitment and services to the industry
Previous Winners:
- 2001 Francis Mackay
- 2000 Silvano Giraldin
- 1999 Sir Rocco Forte
- 1998 Sir Terence Conran
- 1997 RamÁ³n Pajares
- 1996 Gary Rhodes
- 1995 David Michels
- 1994 John Jarvis
- 1993 Richard Shepherd
- 1992 Prue Leith
- 1991 Joe Hyam
- 1990 Alan Hearn
- 1989 John Taylorson
- 1988 Francis Coulson & Brian Sack
- 1987 Restaurateur's Association of Great Britain
- 1986 Garry Hawkes
- 1985 Roy Ackerman
- 1984 Victor Ceserani
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