Chair Michael Hales found himself unable to decide between two deserving candidates for the Chair's Award and made the decision to make two separate awards, one to long-time LACA supporter and School Chef of the Year judge Carol Harwood, and one to Gavin Squires of Bidfood, who was praised for all his efforts as the lead LACA partner.
The Apprentice/Trainee Award went to Hannah Wright of Leicestershire Traded Services, while Educaterers Ltd picked up the Catering Business of the Year title. The Primary School award went to Hartburn Primary Academy in Stockport, with the Secondary Award won by Glossopdale School in Derbyshire.
There were awards, too, for the HC3S Business Development Team in the Marketing category and the Chartwells Nutrition Team, which won the Nan Berger Award. Mark Davies of ISS was honoured with the Roger Davis Outstanding Achievement Award and the Self Delivered/In House Catering Operation category was won by Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.
Jacqui Richie was honoured as the Unsung Hero, the LACA Region of the Year was picked up by North East & Scotland, while Bidfood was named Supplier of the Year. The Special Contribution Award went to Hazel Fancy for her PR and organisational support over many years and this year's new award was named in memory of Arnold Fewell and was awarded to the Premier Foods team behind the McDougall's Young Baking Team of the Year competition.