At the NACC annual awards last night, who currently heads operations in the UK for German catering equipment manufacturer MKN, was presented with the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Service Award, named after another care catering sector stalwart.
NACC chair Neel Radia praised the work, inspiration and friendship Long had shown the care catering sector over a long period of time.
Other winners on the night were event organiser McCullough Moore, which received the Chairman’s Award, and the Northern Region, which collected the Region of the Year Award.
The annual Community Meals Marketing Award went to Monmouthshire Meals Service, but judges also made Highly Commended Awards in this category to Community Meals Leeds and Vivien Rose of the London Borough of Redbridge.
The NACC Sustainability Award went to Contract Services at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets; the Catering Team of the Year Award was picked up by Four Seasons Healthcare (Christine Hamilton and David Richards), while Sunrise Senior Living in Eastbourne won the Care Establishment of the Year.
The Catering Manager of the Year was named as David Blackwood of Meallmore.
The event also raised £2,283 for The Food Chain in a charity auction. The organization offers food and cooking classes to those with HIV who are struggling to cope.