Upon receiving the award, he said: “I have been privileged to collect numerous awards on behalf of the company, but this was the first occasion in my career when I have been the recipient of an award. For the panel to honour me was a humbling experience, but I felt so proud that my peers within the industry considered me to be worthy of the award. It was also great that I could receive the award in the company of my colleagues and my wife Kate.”
Managing Director of Mount Charles, Cathal Geoghegan added: “Trevor is a real champion for Northern Ireland and his contribution to the wider catering industry has been significant; we are delighted that this has been recognised by his peers at the Janus Awards.
“Not only has he created thousands of employment opportunities, he has placed a high value on all of those jobs. Testament to his leadership is the fact that a number of his colleagues have been with the company for more than 20 years, many of them working their way up the ladder to hold senior positions today.”
Michael Cafolla from the Institute of Hospitality said: “The nominees for this year’s Outstanding Contribution had to meet predetermined criteria - they had to be innovative, progressive and driven, striving to achieve the very best for their organisations and for this industry, whilst also making a major economic impact.
“At the heart of their operations is their focus on and commitment to developing themselves, their people and their organisation. In doing this they raise the bar for the rest of the industry, ensuring it continues to flourish and grow. Trevor has not only met the criteria but has gone over and above for the industry and was a worthy recipient of the 21st Janus Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.”
Organised by the Institute of Hospitality in Northern Ireland, the Janus Awards celebrate professionalism throughout the entire spectrum of hospitality businesses.