Compass picks up seven Contract Catering Awards
Compass Group UK & Ireland led the way at the 2025 Contract Catering Awards – taking home seven trophies in total. The 13th edition of the annual awards was held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge on 3rd March.
The Compass winners were:
Area Manager of the Year - Ed Cooke, Blue Apple Catering
This award looks to recognise the key link between the contractor and the client. Ed was recognised for demonstrating exceptional commitment and success in the industry, since 2009. He joined Blue Apple as Midlands Regional Operations Manager in October 2016. Under his leadership the region has seen impressive growth.
Business and Industry Award - Nicolette Millward, Restaurant Associates
As Account Director Nicolette was acknowledged for leading on innovation, sustainability and an outstanding food offer – demonstrating remarkable ability to understand her client and look ahead to what her team should be delivering next to go above and beyond. To decide the winner of this award judges looked for evidence of success in areas such as leadership and social responsibility.
Development Chef of the Year - Matt Lord, ESS
Matt was recognised for his work to lead the creation of recipes for an innovative new Defence dining offer, as part of the most significant change to military catering in almost 20 years. Under Matt’s leadership, a team created a series of new concepts and over 400 new recipes, which were launched in over 200 messes. The offer meets the requirements of specific military cohorts and MOD standards. In addition, Matt has remained committed to developing his team and engaging with the wider industry and local communities.
Innovation Award - Gemma Evans-Hurley, Compass Group UK & Ireland
Gemma led the charge in creating the industry’s first maternity jacket, bringing together her role as a Senior female chef, alongside being Chair of Compass’ Women in Food network. The jacket was created by women for women and features include tailored arms and detail on the shoulders and popper fastenings for health and safety, elasticated lining to allow for pregnancy growth, and functionality that lends itself to feeding or pumping, if needed. The jacket has also been made in a unique lightweight material that helps dissipate heat and promotes airflow, maintaining the wearer’s body temperature at 37.5oC, making it suitable for pregnant colleagues, but also for those returning to work postpartum and anyone working through perimenopause and menopause.
Operations Director of the Year - Chantelle O'Carroll, CH&CO
Chantelle was rewarded for her achievements across her 25-year career. Since completing a BA Hons degree in hospitality and licensing management, she has become an even greater specialist. She joined CH&CO in 2023 and heads up a team to deliver services and project management across 30 sites.
Rising Star - Maddie Dowdy, Eurest
The Rising Star acknowledges an individual under 30, who is tipped to be a leader of the future. Having been with Eurest for just two years, Maddie was recognised for bringing innovation, which has created a significant impact. Having secured her place on the Forward with Marcus Wareing programme, Maddie has been continuing to develop learning more about sustainability, culinary techniques and finances.
Unit Hero of the Year - Endang Gonzalez, Blue Apple Catering
Recognised for being a truly exceptional chef, Endang joined Blue Apple in 2006. She started her career as a catering assistant and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Chef Manager. She works to empower her team fostering a culture of growth, learning and collaboration.
Nicolette Millward, winner of the B&I Award commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the B&I award. It really is recognition for the hard work, dedication and collaboration between our team and our clients. It is a testament to what you can accomplish together and I would like to thank everyone who has supported both myself and my team along the way."
Gemma Evans-Hurley, winner of the Innovation Award said: “We launched the maternity jacket a year ago, with the intention of driving forward our inclusivity journey and enabling pregnant and post partum colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day. This recognition acknowledges what a difference this has made for those colleagues. I am so proud of this work and want to thank my Women in Food colleagues for all that they do to drive this agenda forward.”
