9th Apr 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
The highlight of this year's annual awards at the London Hilton Metropole last night was the announcement that retiring BHA chief executive Bob Cotton had received The Blue Ribband Award.
It is given to the individual or organisation who the judges believe has made an outstanding contribution to the catering industry. It was back in 1995 when he was still with contract caterer Gardner Merchant that he joined the national executive of the British Hospitality Association, chairing its influential Contract Catering Forum and negotiating with the Government to replace compulsory competitive tendering with 'best value'. This led in 1999 to his appointment as chief executive of the BHA, and his championing of the industry was recognised in 2003 with an OBE for services to tourism and hospitality. He has strongly supported initiatives over many years to improve the training and education of young people coming into the workplace. He is a trustee of Springboard UK, a council member of our sector skills council People 1st and has chaired the Hospitality Skills Academy. Cotton's also lent his support to our industry's dedicated charity Hospitality Action, currently as president after previously serving as chairman. Wendy Bartlett, managing director of contract caterer bartlett mitchell, paid tribute to Cotton's work, saying: "I think he's done a great job in pulling us all together and coping with the political maze to make sure our voice is heard. "He's done an amazing job at the BHA and played a pivotal role in raising the profile of our industry with Government. His leadership has been full-on." The full list of the 2010 winners is:
Winner - Patrick Erni, Catering Manager, Charlton House