The full 2023 FEAST awards story

Bradley has been with the company for 3 years. 13 months ago, he moved from the warehouse in Stevenage to being an apprentice on the road. I am thrilled to submit my nomination for Bradley Lynch for the Apprentice / Trainee Award.
Brad works under me, he has gone from a warehouse hand to a very accomplished apprentice in the space of 1 year!From literally not knowing how to use a drill to being able to retro fit panels and rewire a fridge to run a new controller in this time.Under supervision he can carry out a complete compressor or evaporator replacement on all stand-alone equipment from start to finish.This will include filling out all permits for hot works and isolation, recovery and recharging whilst making all relevant recordings for weights and types of refrigerants used.Not only is he happy to do these tasks he actively asks to do more to challenge himself. 

We eagerly welcomed Bradley to our service team when he expressed interest from his previous position within the company, and quickly formed a successful partnership. Over the past year, Bradley, under my mentorship in our refrigeration team, has made impressive progress. His dedication and hard work have transformed him into a skilled, independent technician. Today, Bradley consistently handles complex tasks on his own, surpassing expectations with his competence and expertise. Beyond technical proficiency, Bradley's incredible personality sets him apart. His eagerness to learn, grow, and go the extra mile reflects his character and commitment to our field. Bradley's positive attitude and continuous skill development make him a valuable asset to our team. Additionally, he has actively invested in professional development, completing the electrical safety course crucial to our industry. This commitment underscores his readiness to contribute significantly to our ongoing refrigeration projects. Notably, Bradley played a crucial role in our team's success with a prestigious customer, delivering exceptional results independently. In conclusion, Bradley, an outstanding refrigeration apprentice, has not only met but exceeded our expectations. His technical prowess, unwavering dedication, and exceptional personality make him a deserving candidate for the Apprentice Award. I wholeheartedly recommend Bradley for this honour, confident that he will continue to shine as a vital team member.

Bradleys Statement On Winning:

"I am honoured to be nominated let alone be the winner of this award but this was down to all of my colleges at Gratte brothers that were so willing to help me learn and further my understanding of this job. Namely Rory who has been my main mentor through my current journey and journey to come."  

Phoebe shows great enthusiasm and interest in the job, always wanting to learn and get hands on. She isn't afraid to get out in the morning always being on site on time.Our first ever female Foodservice Technician (Catering Engineer) in HK Engineering LTD. Placed by FEAST her commitment from the very start has been unmatched.
On her second day, she promptly engaged with an on-site engineer, actively using tools to gain hands-on experience. Phoebe has now commenced her journey at ECTA, and her vibrant personality and positive attitude have earned her widespread affection within the company. I am confident that she will achieve remarkable success in her career.

 on s great enthusiasm and interest in the job, always wanting to learn and get hands on. She isn't afraid to get out in the morning always being on site on 

Damion has made history as the inaugural apprentice to successfully complete the ECTA industry standard apprenticeship scheme. His journey was marked by challenges, including navigating the complexities of the scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning between companies. Despite these hurdles, Damion's dedication shines through, making his accomplishment truly commendable.

Tom has already become a confident and competent installation engineer, working in the business just shy of 2 years. Although he has been in the industry for such a short time, Tom does not need to be shown things twice and absorbs information well in-which he can relay back to other engineers or customers correctly. 
Tom has accomplished lots of industry standard qualifications like completing the WRAS course and CCEECC Electrical course. He has also undertaken various training from some of the top Manufacturers such Unox, MKN and numerous Dishwasher courses.

This guy has been in the industry coming up to 2 years. He is only a young lad but is so keen to learn. He had no experience at all and now is a fully qualified electrical engineer. Working on everything from water boilers to dishwasher to fryers.
He is constantly asking for help and keen to learn. Developing his skills and knowledge. He foremost works in a safe manor and is great with customers. 

I worked with Anthony at R&S service’s Yorkshire Ltd from 2016 until 2021 and again from April 2023 until I left them again in August.Anthony is multi skilled across all aspects of our industry and earlier this year added F gas to his list of qualifications. His skill set is vast and he is an extremely decent chap who’s only too willing to help others no matter what.
His sheer work ethic alone not to mention his broad knowledge and ability to work under pressure in order to deliver for clients in the very demanding QSR aspect of our field most notably McDonald’s make him a worthy candidate in my opinion.

I believe Anthony Moss should be nominated for his efforts in promoting our service field. His consistent sharing of posts showcases his dedication, and multiple people have recommended that he puts himself forward. Anthony genuinely loves what he does and is more than willing to step up to encourage others to join our industry.

Anthony's Statement On Winning:
I'm over the moon to see that I have won the FEAST Online award for foodservice influencer of the year, thanks to Patrick Finley, Rich Ortega and Jason Latimer for the result.
I Believe it can only go towards promoting the field we all work in and hopefully bring more technicians into it worldwide."

Throughout the course of this year, Ross has demonstrated remarkable initiative by actively positioning himself as a prominent advocate for our industry. His proactive efforts in showcasing the best aspects of our field have not only elevated his personal profile but have also significantly contributed to enhancing the positive image of our industry as a whole. Ross's commitment to promoting excellence has shone through as he consistently highlights the achievements, projects, and innovations that define our sector.
Ross has displayed genuine support for the new generation of engineers. He goes beyond mere acknowledgment by actively featuring and spotlighting emerging talents in his social media content. Ross's commendable efforts in putting himself out there as a positive ambassador for our industry, coupled with his unwavering support for the new generation of engineers, mark him as a standout contributor. His actions not only contribute to the positive perception of our industry but also create an inclusive and supportive environment for the continued growth and success of our professionals.

I am pleased to submit a nomination for Simon Dann, recognising his commendable efforts in championing sustainability and advocating for a net-zero future. As a devoted advocate within the commercial catering industry, Simon's passion is evident in his engaging social media content. Notably, he consistently demonstrates his commitment by actively participating in equipment repairs while concurrently fulfilling his role as the Managing Director of CCES.
Simon's content serves a dual purpose – it showcases his hands-on involvement in the field, providing a behind-the-scenes look at equipment repairs, and also offers valuable educational insights. His dedication to field service within the sector is truly inspiring.

Since assuming the role of Regional Technical Director at Aggora in March, Michael has consistently exhibited exceptional performance and commitment. His noteworthy contributions extend beyond his technical responsibilities, as he actively engages in the ongoing development of engineers within the company. Michael's dedication to fostering professional growth and knowledge-sharing among his team members has significantly elevated the overall competence and efficiency of the engineering staff.
In addition to his internal contributions, Michael plays a pivotal role in promoting both the company and its engineers on various social media platforms. His consistent efforts to showcase the achievements and capabilities,  its team members contribute significantly to the company's positive image in the public sphere. Michael's proactive approach to leveraging social media for brand promotion has not only strengthened Aggora's online presence but has also positioned the company as a notable player in the industry.
Michael's outstanding commitment to the continuous development of engineers and his adept use of social media for promoting Aggora and the broader industry make him truly deserving of recognition.

Dave has a passion for the industry and engineering I not seen before in this sector. His knowledge is outstanding and he is always available to assist whether by demonstration or phone consultation. If an issue arises where he does not know, he will endeavour to get the knowledge required.  With more popular machines he has workshop-based units designed for teaching to make all components visible and has the answers to questions that arises with that product.  
- I’ve recently started my journey in the catering industry and Dave has been my mentor. Dave is incredibly patient as well as knowledgeable, Dave goes out of his way to pass on knowledge and is a brilliant teacher with how to test components safely with an understanding of what you’re testing and why you’re testing it.

I am writing to wholeheartedly nominate Warren for the prestigious Food Technician of the Year award. Warren has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field of Catering servicing, reactive repair & engineering.

Throughout his career with ThermoServ, Warren has exhibited a rare combination of technical expertise and a commitment to pushing the boundaries to get works completed safely and in a timely manner. Warren has played a pivotal role in our Catering Service Contracts across several Academy Trust and Local Authority Contracts, showcasing not only his mastery of engineering principles but also his ability to translate innovative ideas into tangible, successful outcomes.

Moreover, Warren has been an inspiring mentor and collaborator, fostering a culture of excellence within his team and the broader engineering community. His willingness to share knowledge, coupled with his effective communication skills, has significantly contributed to the growth and success of his colleagues.

As above Warren Covers several Academy Trust and Local Authority Catering Service contracts, ensuring food is made available for schools and their students and staff, so ensuring a great learning environment and the ability for the Educational Establishments to run smoothly. 

One of the biggest achievements of this year for Warren, he arrived at his current company with over 20+ problematic catering jobs. Warren went in there and brought back the confidence in the catering side of his company to the service deviation and what was struggling is now making a lot of revenue and that is solely down to Warren providing the level of knowledge, experience and customer service and bringing confidence back the catering sector.

Warren's Statement On Winning:

“I’d like to thank the individuals behind FEAST and the continued shared talent within the industry. Since I’ve connected with FEAST I’ve spoken with other engineers in the field too, which has made us become more of a professional community. Everyone is willing to share knowledge and skill set. I’d also like to thank the other great people that were not just shortlisted but also nominated. We really do all play an important role and I believe what we do is very niche. A void is emerging but it’s down to us to fill the void for an industry currently struggling with newcomers.”

Over 35 years at one company looking (that alone is an achievement) looking after key business area’s and being a vital part of them contracts. All the sites Andrew attends everyone one there is thrilled to talk to him due to his lovely personality and charismaI would like to proudly nominate Andrew Barry of Gratte Brothers Foodservice Solutions; he is a significant foundation of the service side and the company itself.
It bellows out praise when an engineer who isn't Andrew walks into a site, and the first question asked is where is Andrew. The following is always a question of what drink they would like. This is because Andrew has built these relationships with trust and faith. 

Upon joining Welbilt UK in 2022 as a dedicated Convotherm engineer, Alex has consistently excelled with the guidance of his mentor, Mike Wedderburn.Beyond fulfilling his role, Alex has demonstrated a strong dedication to assisting others and advocating for the industry. Simultaneously, he has prioritized his own professional growth, obtaining membership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

An indication of Alex's commitment to both his brand and colleagues was evident during the Christmas period. He actively engaged in a Facebook forum for catering engineers, offering his expertise and support to fellow professionals, showcasing his dedication to the community.

Greg has solidified his position as the representative of the southern region at C&C Catering Engineers, embodying the essence of reliability and proficiency. As a senior engineer, Greg not only fulfils his technical responsibilities but also excels in customer liaison, enhancing the overall client experience. His multifaceted role extends to providing essential support to the entire southern team of engineers, contributing significantly to the seamless functioning of the department.
Greg's impact goes beyond his individual contributions, as he played a pivotal role in guiding and assisting Damion Russell in successfully completing his apprenticeship. His mentorship and support have been instrumental in fostering the growth and development of emerging talents within the organisation. Greg's commitment to the success of his colleagues reflects his dedication to building a cohesive and high-performing team in the southern area.

Mark has risen through the ranks rapidly for an engineer of my age at 22 Years old. He won Engineers Engineer alongside his colleague in 2022 at a previous company, he has moved to an expanding company and have risen to lead engineer within a year and have picked up key contracts through his own merit. He has have assisted in recruiting and have brought another excellent engineer into the company with another hopefully coming along soon.

In the past year, Mark joined Assure and swiftly rose to the position of lead engineer, showcasing his determination and professionalism. Notably, he has not only excelled in his role but has also successfully secured contracts, highlighting his ability to contribute both technically and commercially to the company's success. Mark's achievements underscore his rapid impact and valuable contributions to Company Assure.

Throughout his entire career, Carl Hutchins has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to elevating industry standards, specifically focusing on enhancing electrical competency and safety measures. This year, his dedication reached new heights as he joined forces with Retigo to establish WOW training, a venture aimed at furthering professional development within the field.
Carl's collaborative efforts with Retigo underscore his proactive approach to promoting excellence in training and education. The formation of WOW training represents a significant milestone in his continuous pursuit of advancing industry knowledge and skills. By creating this initiative, Carl has provided professionals with access to excellent courses that not only meet high standards but also remain affordable, making quality training accessible to a broader audience.
In essence, Carl Hutchins' lifelong commitment to raising industry standards has taken a notable step forward with the establishment of WOW training.
His dedication to improving electrical competency and safety, coupled with the provision of affordable and high-quality courses, reflects his passion for fostering professional growth within the industry.

Carl's Statement On Winning:

"Thank you ever so much, I am lost for words on receiving this prestigious award as I’ve never been nominated for any awards before. People may say I’m a humble person, but it really does mean a huge deal to me having worked very hard in the industry for over 40 years.

“Anybody who really knows me would understand my passion for training and developing engineers, passing the knowledge on to the next generation within the commercial catering and refrigeration industry. It’s been fantastic to receive some recognition, just to be shortlisted, let alone to win this. I am extremely grateful.”

In the past year, Dean has dedicated his personal time to significantly contribute towards bridging existing gaps. His industry expertise and connections have been instrumental in establishing a 30-month apprentice scheme in the south of the UK, facilitated by CEDA to be held at NESCOT College, This program, designed for aspiring Gas & Electrical Commercial Catering Engineers, has attracted not only 5 new trainee engineers under Dean’s mentorship but also more from other companies located in the south within the industry, This collaborative initiative is enhancing industry cohesion, paving the way for a promising influx of new talent.
Dean's ties with manufacturers and distributors have led to valuable donations of catering equipment, with more to come for hands-on training purposes within the college. This enables practical training with units currently in use out in the field.

Mike has spent over 30 years working for Welbilt UK in all of its former guises. His contribution to the company, the industry and engineers are understated.
Mike is much admired and respected throughout the industry and is quite the unsung hero.I have been working at Welbilt UK for nearly 2 years under the mentorship of Mike. His vast array of knowledge is remarkable.

I couldn't ask for a better mentor and I couldn't think of anyone better to win this particular award.

Kirstin is the first ever female chair of CEDA and has made a huge contribution to women in field service management.
Kirstin is an exceptional individual, and her actions speak volumes about her character. At the 2022 Catering Insight Awards, she generously donated her prize (valued at £5000) to the Burnt Chef Project.
As the Managing Director at Hatherley Commercial Services, Kirstin remains dedicated to enhancing the foodservice sector. She unquestionably deserves the title.
Consistently delivering as a keynote speaker, Kirstin's professionalism shines, as evident at the Commercial Kitchen Show 2023.

Continual improvements and enhancements to Maidaid Halcyon support literature for engineers.

Introduction of a direct WhatsApp number for engineers to use, engineers can send pictures, videos and have direct access to the Maidaid tech team.

Adding additional members to the workshop to allow Wayne to spend more time with engineers.

Wayne runs his own training course that any engineer can attend, not just those that sell equipment. The course is free for engineers to attend and completely tailored to their requirements. If it’s a group of engineers just looking at certain machines he will give an appreciation of Maidaid as a whole but then tailor the course completely for them.Wayne has been fundamental to design improvements to the machines to assist engineers when on site.