Foodservice Cateys 2023: Regional Manager of the Year – Ben Wilson

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Ben Wilson, operations director at Genuine Dining, has shown enormous commitment to catering for the local community – both within and outside of his work. Not only does he oversee 22 contracts in London while managing and developing 220 employees – personally sponsoring some to participate in the SCA Barista Championship – but he also dedicates his spare time to the Hackney Council Healthier Catering Commitment. At this voluntary scheme, he helps to create a strategy for increasing public awareness on the benefits of healthy eating in the borough.

It is clear Wilson is an inspiring leader and a thoughtful team player who is driven by a genuine passion for both food and service. Since joining the company in 2016, he was promoted to his current role in just three years. Even over the past 12 months alone, he has delivered tremendously: he helped a client successfully retain their WELL Platinum status, making them one of only six companies globally to have accreditation; he partnered with social enterprise Camden Garden Centre which support people into employment through the sale of plants; he launched an eco-fundraising scheme that has resulted in 1,300 trees being planted in Africa; and he established Cook for Good at Regent's Wharf to transform excess food produce into soup for charities.

Wilson is trusted by his clients who turn to him in times of soaring food inflation and global energy prices. He has increased the number of meetings to mitigate client concerns and has been working on nine development projects, which have involved redesigning office spaces and adapting the F&B offering to meet with fluctuating occupancy. His perseverance and creativity has ensured a 100% client retention rate over the past three years. He has also successfully secured five new contracts in the past year despite it being an economically challenging period for many businesses.

He has also shown immense support for the Spirit of Hospitality Atlantic row challenge through attracting sponsorship packages from across the industry, bringing in £30,000 in funding for charity Hospitality Action.

Wilson is always on the lookout for his colleagues and mentees, persistently reviewing resources, identifying room for development at staff appraisals and succession planning future talent. As a case in point, over the past year, he has promoted 10 managers and introduced financial workshops and training sessions, which has resulted in a 33% rise in financial compliance and a noticeable improvement on company profit levels.

Wilson demonstrates best practice at industry events, too, having participated in a panel hosted by The Caterer alongside industry peers. He has proved to be an exemplary asset to foodservice and the judges expressed excitement at what he will achieve beyond London.

What the judges said

"This was an exceptional submission, with excellent examples and demonstrable, tangible evidence to support in all categories. Very inspiring, congratulations to a very worthy winner." Claire Hawker

The shortlist

Joao Amorim, Signature Dining

Sam Booth, BaxterStorey

Milda Burn, BM

Ben Wilson, The Genuine Dining Co

Past winners

2022 Natasha Boshoff, BM

2021 Neil Quinn, Sodexo

2019 Rebecca Armstrong, the Genuine Dining Co

2018 Greg Bramwell, BaxterStorey

2017 Marie Arthur, Sodexo

2016 Catharine Barras, BaxterStorey

2015 Matt Wood, Restaurant Associates

2014 Michele Ribaudo, BaxterStorey

2013 Chloe Green, Lexington Catering