Winners announced in Beacon Purchasing annual supplier awards

http://www.mitrehallandletts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Unilever Foodsolutions](http://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.uk/) has scooped the Beacon Award in the third annual presentations by the UK's largest hospitality purchasing consortium.

[Beacon Purchasing](http://www.beaconpurchasing.co.uk), which was launched in 2000 following the merger of Best Western and Consort Hotels, helps more than 2,000 small- and medium-sized independent hoteliers to procure exclusive deals on services and supplies from more than 130 national and regional suppliers.

The Beacon Award goes to the supplier that has most fully supported Beacon Purchasing. Beacon director Chris Durant praised Unilever for "thinking outside the box" and for "looking beyond supply to helping customers with menu planning".

"They invest a lot of time, and the customer is enjoying the benefits," commented Durant.

Along with a crystal trophy, the winners are rewarded with a mention in the 2011 Beacon Directory and the use of the Beacon winner logo.

The awards were sponsored by Beacon's central billing partner, Avance.

BEACON SUPPLIER AWARD WINNERS

BEACON AWARD
Winner - [Unilever](http://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.uk/)MOST RELIABLE SUPPLIER
Winner - linen supplier [Liddell](http://www.liddell-linens.com/), for "the consistency of its excellent service in the vital area of housekeeping"
Highly Commended - Brodies

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
Winner - coffee supplier [Brodies](http://www.brodies1867.co.uk/), for a commitment to service that goes "way above the norm".
Highly Commended - Mitre Hall & Letts

EXCEPTIONAL MEMBER OF STAFF
Winner - Brenda Spalding, meat supplier [Vion Halls](http://www.vionfood.co.uk/en/core-activities/brands/halls/), for her "fantastic contact with customers"

GREEN TOURISM AWARD
Winner - wine supplier [Bibendum](http://www.bibendum-wine.co.uk/retail), for an innovative approach that includes the championing of the use of lightweight boxes among producers in source countries.
Highly Commended - Office Depot

BEST PRODUCT AWARD
Winner - linen and bespoke soft furnishing supplier [Mitre Hall & Letts, for its "value for money and wide product range".
Highly Commended - Gilchrist & Soames

JUDGESJohn Firrell, director, Considerate Hoteliers Association
Mark Lewis, editor, Caterer & HotelkeeperSimon Numphud, hotel services manager, AA Hotel Services
Nick Scade, chairman, Academy of Food & Wine