BaxterStorey has recognised the dedication of its teams at the company’s fourth annual BaxterStorey Awards, held at the Institute of Directors, London last Thursday. The awards celebrated the talented teams and individuals who go above and beyond every day.
Created in 2016 to recognise exceptional talent within the UK’s largest independent hospitality organisation, the prestigious event acknowledged individuals across the business, from outstanding chefs and extraordinary front of house teams, to dedicated kitchen porters and rising stars.
Chef manager at accounting firm Deloitte, Chris Tanton, was delighted to be named Chef Manager of the Year, recognised for his confidence in the kitchen and investment in regular team training.
Lamin Bojang, kitchen porter at Addleshaw Goddard in Leeds received a standing ovation as he collected the Kitchen Porter of the Year Award, for his instrumental role in the kitchen. Recognised by the judges as ‘the true definition of an unsung hero’, Lamin was praised for being the backbone of the Addleshaw Goddard team for 11 years.
The Community Award, now in its second year, is testament to the generous spirit of so many individuals who donate their time to community or charitable causes. Catering assistant at City of Glasgow College Sam Ross was announced the winner to a standing ovation. Named in the BBC’s Top 100 Most Influential Women’s List in 2019, Sam was praised for her dedication in giving awareness talks on her independent lifestyle to inspire young adults with Downs Syndrome.
The winner of the prestigious BaxterStorey Award was announced as Rik Razza, head of chef development. The award recognises an outstanding personality who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the business and wider industry. During his 20 years with the company, Rik has been instrumental in the development of BaxterStorey’s award-winning Chef Academy, that has seen over 500 chefs awarded industry recognised qualifications as well as practical culinary skills and confidence to lead a team in a high-pressured environment.
Alastair Storey, Chairman at BaxterStorey said: “Our business is founded on a deep commitment to our people and their development. The BaxterStorey Awards are an occasion to celebrate our teams’ achievements, which is vital to the long-term wellbeing of our organisation. We are particularly delighted to recognise Rik with the very special BaxterStorey Award. Rik embodies the entrepreneurial spirit we look to encourage within the business, and we couldn’t be prouder of the work he carries out to mentor and develop the chefs within our business. We continue to encourage every one of our team members to be an ambassador for BaxterStorey and thank everyone who works so hard for our business.”
Winners
- BaxterStorey Award – Rik Razza
- Chef of the Year – Scott Dineen
- Chef Manager of the Year – Chris Tanton
- Community Award – Sam Ross
- Front of House Star of the Year – Johnny Dulhan
- Health and Safety Champion of the Year – David McVey
- Innovation of the Year – FUEL
- Kitchen Porter of the Year – Lamin Bojang
- Manager of the Year – Orla O’Donoghue
- Rising Star of the Year – Lily Bell
- Team of the Year Award – ASOS
H&C News congratulate all the people and teams who were winners and all who were nominated by their colleagues, well done all.