LACA Award winners 2010

In what proved the high point of the Local Authority Caterers' Association annual conference held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole some of the industry's best performers were recognised by their peers. Catering Business of the Year Winner: Bolton Environmental Services School Meals Sponsor: Muller Shortlisted Nominees: Eden Catering Hertfordshire Catering Judging Citation: Bolton is a town built on determination and ambition, aspiration and resilience – qualities which the submission proves are amply reflected in the Council's School Meals service. Despite the challenging climate of efficiency, value for money, inspection and competition the meal uptake is significantly higher than the national average. The management team work closely with NHS Bolton, neighbouring councils and school improvement offices together more recently with the SfT and DCSF. A value-for-money review in 2008 identified savings targets for the following three years and the school meals service delivered on year one and is on target for year two. Alongside this, the service had to reflect the robust pay review and the challenging Council efficiency target of improving financial performance. Evidence of outcomes include an increase of 4.3% in meal uptake (NI 52) and an increase of 2.8% in take-up of free school meals. The school meals team performs with pragmatism, enthusiasm and professionalism and adds significant value to the holistic framework of health improvement in Bolton. Specialist Team of the Year Winner: Nottingham County Council Staff Catering Sponsor: Premier Foods Judging Citation: Careful investment by Nottingham County Council in their people and premises has resulted in a hub of employee activity, a venue to be proud of and a focal point for both employees and the public alike. Prior to investment the specialist catering service was running at a deficit of £60k per annum and the NCC realised that improvements were needed to tired and dated service and to regain the staff buy-in. Following research of both the views of staff and the alternatives available in the nearby vicinity, a view was reached that there was an opportunity to continue to offer an service but in improved facilities and to develop a service which would significantly reduce the £60k deficit. The council's own design and building division were commissioned to give the new service area a completely different look and feel and also the space would be used for meeting places or somewhere to relax and have a coffee. The menu options were also changed to reflect some of the old favourites alongside new ideas including fusion dishes and ethnic cuisine. The new restaurant has proved popular with the existing customers but significantly has attracted a whole new market. The catering is proving to be financially viable in line with the targets set - having repositioned itself as a corporate hub and hospitality venue. Primary School Team of the Year Winner: Norbury CE Primary School, Derbyshire Sponsor: McCain Shortlisted nominees: Bolsover CE Primary School, Derbyshire Newdigate Primary School, Warwickshire Judging Citation: The catering team at Norbury don't solely see themselves as the provider of food for the children but have become an integral part of the school life by working closely with the Headteacher and staff to promote the five outcomes of every child matters. They engage with the children in a wide range of activities both in the dining room and the class room – including growing and recycling projects, cookery classes and dining room displays which have an impact on eating habits. 95% pupils have a school meal provided at 'restaurant' tables in the village hall adjoining the Victorian building of the school. The team have proven over an over again their commitment to providing a first class service and their enthusiasm is endless Secondary School Team of the Year Winner: Solway Community Technology College Sponsor: 3663 First for Foodservice Shortlis