BaxterStorey celebrates its talent at inaugural awards
BaxterStorey has recognised the talent in its business at its inaugural company awards, held last night (7 July) at Gray's Inn, London.
The awards seek to reward employees across the business, from baristas to kitchen porters and chefs.
Tim Sturk, head of coffee training and development, won the Baxterstorey award for his contribution to developing the caterer's Barista Academy and wider influence within the coffee industry.
Meanwhile, the biggest cheer of the evening went to Kitchen Porter of the Year Rob Hess, from Boots in Beeston, who was recognised for his dedication and positive contribution to the business.
Welcoming the shortlisted employees and their colleagues, chairman Alastair Storey emphasised the talent in the business and reassured those present that he would stick up for hospitality in the wake of the political turmoil in the country.
He said: "These inaugural awards recognise the dedication and hard work of our outstanding teams, without whom we would could not deliver the high standards our clients and customers expect. The BaxterStorey family across the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe is one that I am incredibly proud of and these awards are testimony to the growing talent within our business."
The 250 BaxterStorey team members invited to the event enjoyed a meal created by chef director Matt Hay. His team prepated Kent heritage tomato salad, torn buffalo mozzarella and cold pressed Hertfordshire rapeseed, followed by Herefordshire beef Char Siu, Lincolnshire carrots, girolles, crisp polenta and yuzu citrus, and English strawberries, ricotta, burnt chocolate and basil.
The 2016 BaxterStorey award winners:
- Health and Safety Champion of the Year
- Chef Manager of the Year - Richard Gadsby, EON Phoenix Park, Nottingham
- Front of House Star of the Year - Sharon Richardson, Nationwide House, Swindon
- Kitchen Porter of the Year - Robin Hess, Boots, Beeston
- Chef of the Year - Lucy Tucker, Deutsche Bank, London
- Manager of the Year - Emilie Gwilt, Red Bull Racing, Milton Keynes
- Rising Star of the Year - Jana Slamova, National Barista Trainer
- Innovation of the Year - Lee Farina, Medimunne, Cambridge
- Team of the Year - Nationwide House, Swindon
- The BaxterStorey Award - Tim Sturk, Head of Coffee Training and Development