News

Good management, strong performances and high achievements deserve to be recognised and it is particularly important to not only reward but sustain motivation.

There are 11 awards open for nomination this year with the winners being announced on Thursday 7 July 2022 at the LACA Main Event.

Jacquie Blake, chair of LACA, said: "I am delighted that once again the LACA Awards for Excellence has been launched. This year has seen continued challenges for all our members and their teams, in particular those on the front line.

“I would encourage everyone to consider their teams and individuals that have gone the extra mile and submit a nomination for them. This a great way to take the opportunity to celebrate all the amazing work that has been achieved and the motivation and inspiration, that both individuals and your team will receive from being nominated, will have a big impact. 

“I look forward to seeing your entries in the coming weeks and to celebrating the successes at our Awards dinner in July."

The categories available for nomination, include:

• LACA Catering Business of the Year Award: This award is looking to recognise the top-performing catering business in the school meals sector.
• LACA Primary School Catering Team of the Year Award: This award aims to give recognition to a primary school based catering team which has made an outstanding contribution to raising the profile of education catering within the school and/or its local community. 
• LACA Secondary School Catering Team of the Year Award: This award aims to give recognition to a secondary school based catering team which has made an outstanding contribution to raising the profile of education catering within the school and/or its local community.
• LACA Unsung Hero Award: LACA are encouraging anyone who has seen amazing dedication, or who has witnessed someone go above and beyond in their role, to send in their nominations.
• LACA ‘Green’ Menu & Marketing Award: Environmental and dietary issues are becoming increasingly important to the school lunch service.
• The Nan Berger Memorial Award: This award is in recognition of Nan Berger and of her exemplary work in the field of innovation, accreditation and/or collaboration which has led to a successful result either with increased meal uptake or raising the profile of the school catering service.
• Roger Davis Outstanding Achievement Award: This prestigious award represents the highest accolade that can be bestowed upon an individual within education catering.
• LACA Apprentice/Trainee Award: The apprentice/trainee of the year award will be presented to an individual who, in the view of judges, has successfully carried out a recognised training course or programme.
• Arnold’s Award: Introduced in 2019 in memory of Arnold Fewell and supported by his family to remember Arnold, who achieved incredible things in engaging young people in school meals and healthy lifestyles, whilst increasing sales.
• LACA Region of the Year: This award aims to recognise the great work done in the regions at the grassroots level of the Association.
• LACA Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award: This award is in recognition of a LACA Partner or Associate Member who has consistently maintained the highest level of support and service excellence to the education catering sector.

For more information on the LACA Awards for Excellence, visit here. The nomination deadline for the LACA Awards is Friday 29 April 2022.